Make your PDFs open in the right app. We’ll show you how to change your default PDF viewer on Windows and Mac, plus how to fix resets.
Your default PDF viewer controls how every PDF opens, so picking the right one can save time and reduce everyday friction.
Most computers rely on a single app to open PDFs, and that choice often changes without warning, like after a system update, a new browser install, or a work device policy. Suddenly, files open in a viewer you didn’t choose, with missing tools or a layout that just feels wrong.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the PDF viewers people actually use, including Edge, Chrome’s built-in viewer, Firefox, Preview on Mac, and dedicated PDF readers.
What Is a Default PDF Viewer?
A default PDF viewer is the app your computer uses automatically when you open a PDF file. It affects every double-click, every time you open a PDF, and every PDF attachment you save and open from downloads.
Changing it doesn’t modify your PDF. It only changes which app opens it first.
Common PDF Viewers People Set as Default
Before you change anything, it helps to know what you’re picking.
- Microsoft Edge: Solid for reading and quick markup on Windows.
- Chrome or Firefox: Convenient if you work in these browsers.
- Preview: The standard PDF viewer on macOS.
- Dedicated PDF apps: Better if you need heavy annotation, forms, or advanced reading features.
- Smallpdf Desktop App: Useful if you want an offline PDF reader plus quick access to conversions, compression, and other PDF actions on your computer.
If your goal is faster file work, choose a viewer you enjoy reading in, then keep Smallpdf open in your browser for the tasks viewers usually can’t do well, like converting a PDF to Word or compressing a large file.
How To Change the Default PDF Viewer: Step-by-Step
Windows 11: Change the Default PDF Viewer
Windows 11 lets you change defaults by file type, which is exactly what you want for PDFs.
Option A: Change it in Settings
- Open “Settings.”
- Click “Apps,” then “Default apps.”
- Use the search box to find “.pdf” or scroll until you find the PDF file type.
- Click the current default app next to “.pdf.”
- Pick your preferred PDF viewer, then confirm the change.
Option B: Change it from a PDF file
- Open File Explorer and find any PDF.
- Right-click the file, then click “Open with” > “Choose another app.”
- Select the viewer you want.
- Tick “Always use this app to open .pdf files.”
- Click “OK.”
Windows 10: Change the Default PDF Viewer
On Windows 10, the flow is similar. You can change it in Settings or directly from a file.
Option A: Change it in Settings
- Open “Settings,” then click “Apps.”
- Click “Default apps.”
- Scroll and choose the option to set defaults by file type.
- Find “.pdf,” then pick your preferred PDF viewer from the list.
Option B: Change it from a PDF file
- Right-click any PDF and choose “Open with” > “Choose another app.”
- Select Smallpdf.
Select Smallpdf as your desktop viewer
- Tick “Always use this app to open .pdf files.”
- Click “OK.”
macOS: Change the Default PDF Viewer
On a Mac, you change the default viewer through Finder using “Get Info.”
- Open Finder and locate any PDF file.
- Right-click the file, then click “Get Info.”
- In the “Open with” section, choose your preferred app from the dropdown.
- Click “Change All…”
- Confirm the change.
After that, every PDF you open uses the new default app.
If You Want Faster PDF Work, Here’s the Smart Setup
A default viewer is mainly for reading. Most people still need extra steps for actual file work, like:
- Turning a PDF into Word for real edits
- Compressing a file for email limits
- Merging attachments into one PDF
- Signing a document without printing
A practical workflow is to set a viewer you like for reading, then use Smallpdf in your browser for the actions you do all the time.
If you prefer a desktop workflow, Smallpdf also offers a Desktop App for Windows, built for offline PDF work alongside the PDF features many teams rely on.
Fix Issues When Your Default PDF Viewer Keeps Switching Back
If your default viewer keeps changing, it’s usually caused by updates, new installs, or work device controls.
1. Common Reasons Defaults Reset
- A Windows update reassigns PDF defaults.
- A browser update prompts new file associations.
- Your company’s device policy forces a specific default.
- The default change didn’t fully apply to “.pdf” file types.
2. What To Try First
- Re-set the default using the “.pdf” file type method in Settings.
- Restart your computer after changing the default.
- Check for updates for your chosen viewer and install them.
3. If You’re on a Work Device
If you’re using a managed laptop, your IT team may enforce defaults. In that case, you can still use your preferred workflow by keeping a PDF viewer for opening files and using Smallpdf in the browser for editing, converting, compressing, and signing as needed.
Related Smallpdf Guides to Keep Your Workflow Moving
Once your PDFs open in the right place, these topics usually come next:
- Make a PDF editable: Convert to Word, or edit directly when layout matters.
- Compress a PDF: Shrink files for email, portals, and faster sharing.
- Sign a PDF: Handle approvals without printing and scanning.
These pair well with a default viewer setup because they solve the what now step after you open a PDF.
Default PDF Viewer: Set It Once, Work Faster
Once you’ve set your default PDF viewer, your files open the way you expect every time. That alone removes a lot of daily friction, especially if you handle PDFs nonstop.
If you also need to edit, convert, compress, or sign PDFs, keep Smallpdf bookmarked in your browser or use Smallpdf Desktop App on Windows for an offline option. Either way, you get a smoother path from opening the file to finishing the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the default PDF viewer on a PC?
On Windows 11 or 10, go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Default apps,” then set the default for “.pdf.”
How do I change the default view when opening a PDF?
The “view” is controlled by the app that opens the PDF. Change the default PDF viewer, then adjust that app’s own settings for zoom, layout, or reading mode.
How do I remove Chrome as the default PDF viewer?
Set a different default for “.pdf” in Windows “Default apps,” or use “Open with” on a PDF and tick “Always use this app.”
How do I choose the default PDF viewer on a Mac?
Right-click a PDF in Finder, click “Get Info,” choose an app under “Open with,” then click “Change All…”
How do I stop Windows from changing my default PDF viewer?
Re-set the default using Settings for the “.pdf” file type and restart. If you’re on a work device, a policy may be forcing the default, so check with IT.
