How Do I Set My Default Reader to Adobe?

PDF (Portable Document Format) files are documents that are distributed on the Internet and over networks. You can either download them to your computer or view them in your Web browser. If you choose to download PDF documents, you can configure the default reader program to launch them with. Whether you are using Windows Vista, 7 or XP, you can change your default reader to Adobe Reader in just minutes.

A young woman working on a computer while looking at a notepad.

Windows Vista and 7

Step

Click the Windows "Start" button and click "Default Programs." A new dialog box launches.

Step

Click the "Associate a file type or protocol with a program." Select the PDF file type and click "Change Program." Select "Adobe Reader." If you do not see Adobe Reader, click "Other Programs," and click "Adobe Reader." Click the "Browse" button if you are still unable to see the Adobe Reader, then select the program from the location you saved it to during the installation and click "Open."

Step

Click "OK" to save the changes and make Adobe Reader the default PDF reader.

Windows XP

Step

Locate the PDF file you want to open and right-click it. Scroll down the pop-up menu and click "Open With." A new pop-up window launches.

Step

Select "Adobe Reader" from the programs list in the window. Click the "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file" check box.

Step

Click "OK" to save the changes and make Adobe Reader the default PDF reader.