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PDFs Opening in Chrome Instead of Adobe? How to Change It

Changing the default PDF viewer can solve this issue

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Many of our readers complained about PDFs opening in Chrome instead of Adobe. The issue can occur for many reasons. However, you can fix it by following the steps outlined in this article.

Alternatively, you can check our detailed review of thebest PDF reader software for Windows 11if you need professional tools to work with PDF files.

But now, let’s focus on why this issue appears and how to properly fix it.

Why does my PDF open in Chrome instead of Adobe?

Why does my PDF open in Chrome instead of Adobe?

Some notable factors that may be responsible for PDFs opening in Chrome instead of Adobe are:

These factors are liable to vary depending on the circumstances. Regardless, we’ll discuss how to resolve the problem.

What can I do if PDFs open in Chrome instead of Adobe?

What can I do if PDFs open in Chrome instead of Adobe?

Before proceeding with any steps for resolving the problem, go through these checks:

Try these fixes below if the checks are intact.

1. Switch your settings to open PDFs in the reader

The above steps will prompt PDF files to always open in Adobe Reader instead of the browser.

2. Change the PDF file’s property settings

Changing the PDF file’s default viewer allows you to set which PDF viewer will open whenever you attempt to open the file.

3. Change the default PDF viewer

Changing the default reader for PDF file format in Settings allows Adobe Reader to be responsible for opening any PDF files on the PC.

4. Set downloaded files not to open in Chrome

Tweaking Chrome PDF document settings configure it only to download the PDF files and not to open them with Chrome automatically.

If you want to continue using Chrome for PDF files, you might be interested in ourChrome PDF viewer not workingguide.

5. Disable Adobe Reader extension in Chrome

Disabling the Adobe extension will stop it from opening PDFs in Chrome.

In addition, our readers can go through how tocreate & edit PDF Documents with the PDF Pro Softwareon their PCs.

Likewise, you can read about fixing theinvalid Plugin detected errorin Adobe Acrobat.

Should you have further questions or suggestions, let us know in the comments section.

More about the topics:Adobe Acrobat Reader,Chrome,PDF Reader,Windows 11

Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.

He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.

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Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills.