Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF f

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  1. Posts : 48
    Windows 10 Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.752)
       #1

    Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF f


    Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF files? It's now doing this so frequently that within moments of me setting PDF files to be opened by Adobe Reader, it's back to Edge within moments.

    Equally as infuriating, why can't I take a snip of the "Choose another app" box so I can show you that I'm setting it right?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,901
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #2

    You can set the default via Settings / Choose default applications by file type or you can right click a pdf file, choose Open With, select Adobe Reader then tick the box to always open such files with Adobe Reader. I expect there is also an option to set the defaults in Reader. I found Reader too much of an overhead just for viewing pdf files so I uninstalled it and now just use Chrome.

    Also check out this utility Default Programs Editor
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 42,963
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #3

    Hi, you've not stated your Windows build as prompted by the forum.

    Most people (and there have been a great many) who report this issue are Adobe users. Those who use other readers don't seem to experience this. I recommend you use the forum as a resource to research the issue and find related threads.

    One thing that caused reversion to default a long time back was having and old version of a non-related program. One such was Winzip.

    Equally as infuriating, why can't I take a snip of the "Choose another app" box so I can show you that I'm setting it right?
    Taking a screenshot of anything that disappears when you click elsewhere from tooltips to the start screen can be done with a key such as PrtSc, or using this key combo:
    Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF f-1.png

    This is given in the tutorial
    Take a Screen Snip with Snip & Sketch in Windows 10
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 48
    Windows 10 Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.752)
    Thread Starter
       #4

    An old version of WinZip is the problem.

    As for the other points you raised:

    My keyboard doesn't have a Windows key. I like my eraser-head pointer in the keyboard, so I have an old version of this keyboard (ThinkPad Wired USB Keyboard with TrackPoint | Lenovo US) which doesn't have the Windows key. I spent my technology budget on my new PC.

    I don't understand why you say I don't have my build here. It's in my profile and, if I recall correct, I filled that out around the same time as making the original post (but I could be wrong). Can you see it now? Is it adequate to participate further (mostly because I have more questions).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 14,007
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #5

    Your My Computer [bottom left corner] shows only Windows 10. A handy image:
    Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF f-winver.png
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 48
    Windows 10 Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.752)
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Berton said:
    Your My Computer [bottom left corner] shows only Windows 10. A handy image:
    Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF f-winver.png
    Thanks. Updated it.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,604
    Win 10 home 20H2 19042.1110
       #7

    I'm using Foxit Reader ......... Download PDF Software for Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
    Hopefully it will work with your Windows build Windows 10 Version 1903 (Build 18362.657)

    My build is 1909 ---18363.657
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 1,604
    Win 10 home 20H2 19042.1110
       #8

    @ gammonGo
    Did Foxit Reader help you to resolve your problem?
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #9

    gammonGo said:
    Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF files? It's now doing this so frequently that within moments of me setting PDF files to be opened by Adobe Reader, it's back to Edge within moments.
    Not sure you got a correct answer but to permanently set Adobe Reader to as your default PDF reader (been there done that got the trophy) you need to go to...

    Start, Settings, Apps. In the left pane click Default apps. Scroll down and click "choose default apps by file type". Under Associate file types with specific apps "name" column scroll down to .pdf and assign Adobe Reader. That's it.

    BTW I'm using Adobe Acrobat 2017 as my default pdf reader. I've also never ever had an issue with Adobe Reader or Acrobat and I've been using one or the other since Windows XP.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 42,963
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #10

    Glad you sorted out the Winzip issue. As it's marked solved, seems you did find the problem resolved.

    Without a Win key you lose numerous useful shortcuts.

    Note you can take screenshots of items that disappear when clicking elsewhere with a PrtSc key - if you have one- then edit that, or more conveniently using the time option in Snip and Sketch:

    Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default program for opening PDF f-1.png

    Sorry I didn't look for your build number in your specs- I've got out of the habit of looking there as almost no posters put it there.
      My Computers


 

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