How to Open PDFs From Chrome in Adobe Reader

Lee Stanton Read more July 21, 2022

Chrome users who try to open PDF documents may notice that the app acts as a default PDF file viewer. As convenient as this may be for some users, the limited features of the in-browser experience may be a turn-off for others. If you belong to the second category, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to open PDFs from Chrome in Adobe Reader. As a bonus, we’ll show you how to enjoy the Adobe Reader experience without leaving your browser. The whole procedure is relatively straightforward and involves tweaking a couple of settings.

There are many benefits of having Adobe Reader as a default PDF file opener. This software is especially beneficial for users who work with PDF files more often. Other than simply opening them, Adobe Acrobat Reader lets users convert these files into different formats, add digital signatures, remove hidden content, and much more.

If you prefer opening PDFs in Adobe Reader rather than Chrome, just follow the steps below.

Chrome Settings

Let’s start with changing the Google Chrome settings. The main goal here is to change the option that lets Chrome automatically open PDF files. You want the app to download these files on your computer instead.

Launch Chrome on your PC.
Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of the screen and go to Settings.
Under Privacy and Security, choose Site Settings.
Scroll down and click on PDF documents.
Turn on the Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome option.

Now Chrome will download PDFs just like other files. Here’s how to open the file with Adobe Reader:

Once downloaded, click on the PDF file from the bottom of the Google Chrome window.
Select Open; the file will now open in a Reader window, choose Always open in Adobe Reader.

Adobe Reader Settings

If your PDF file opens in another application, you may need to tweak Adobe Reader’s settings:

Launch Adobe Reader on your PC.
Click on Edit, then Preferences.
Now, go to the General section from the left side panel.
Click on the Select as Default PDF Handler button.
Click Continue and follow the instructions.
Wait for Windows to finish making changes and restart your computer.

Windows Settings

Another way of changing how your computer opens PDF files is by tweaking the Windows 10 file properties and settings:

Context Menu

Launch File Explorer on your computer.
Find the folder containing the PDF file, right-click on the .pdf file and choose Open with.
If you see Adobe Reader, click on it. If not, select Choose another app.
Select Adobe Reader from the menu.
Tick the box next to the Always use this app to open .pdf files option.

File Properties

Open File Explorer on your computer.
Find the PDF file and right-click on it.
Then, go to Properties.
Under the General tab, click on the Change button next to Opens with.
Choose Adobe Reader on the following screen and hit OK.
Hit OK again on the Properties window.

Window Settings

Launch the Start menu and open Settings on your computer.
Now, click on Apps.
In the left-hand sidebar, select Default apps.
Scroll down and select Choose default apps by file type from the right side of the window.
Wait for the different file types to load.
Scroll down until you see the .pdf and the app connected to it.
Click on that app and select Adobe Reader from the list.

Additional FAQs

How Do I Get Adobe Reader to Open PDF Instead of Microsoft Edge?

If you’re a Windows 10 user, you would probably notice that the Chromium Microsoft Edge version acts as a default web browser and PDF reader. Getting Adobe Reader to open PDFs instead of Microsoft Edge will require tweaking default settings on your computer:

1. Launch the Settings app on your Windows 10.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Navigate to Default apps.

4. Open the Choose default app by file type option.

5. Find the .pdf file type on the left part of the screen and click on the current default app next to it.

6. Select Adobe Reader from the list.

The PDF documents will now open in Adobe Reader instead of Microsoft Edge.

Another way to change the default settings is through the context menu:

1. Open File Explorer on your Windows 10.

2. Find a PDF document on your PC.

3. Right-click on it.

4. Click on the Open with submenu and select the Choose another app option.

5. Choose the Adobe Reader app from the menu. If you don’t see the app, click on More apps.

6. Tick the box next to Always use this app to open .pdf files.

Note: To make Adobe Reader your default PDF document viewer, you must first download the program on your computer.

How to Open PDFs With Acrobat Reader Chrome Extension?

Maybe you want to open PDF files using Adobe Reader without leaving Chrome. Fortunately, you can do so with the Acrobat Chrome extension. Not only can you easily enjoy PDFs in your favorite software while browsing the internet, but you can also open PDFs in the desktop app and gain access to features such as comments, forms, and PDF signatures.

The Acrobat Reader Chrome extension doesn’t come with the Acrobat Reader desktop app. It is, however, easy to install the extension if you already use the original software on your computer:

1. Start Acrobat Reader. You’ll be prompted to install the Chrome extension if Reader is set as your default PDF viewer. If not, follow the steps above to set Adobe as your default PDF file reader and continue with the steps below.

2. Click on Continue or Next to install the extension.

3. Wait for the extension to install. The program will add it to Chrome automatically.

4. Launch Google Chrome. There will be a prompt informing you that there is a new extension. Click on Enable extension to start using it.

The extension is now added, and you can use it to open PDF files with Acrobat Reader in Chrome. When you click on a PDF file in Chrome, there will be an “Adobe Acrobat” prompt in the top-right corner of the screen. Just select Open in Acrobat Reader, and you’re good to go.

To disable the Acrobat Google Chrome extension, follow the steps below:

1. Right-click on the Adobe Acrobat extension and select Manage extensions.

2. Uncheck the box next to Enabled.

Shifting PDFs From Chrome to Adobe Reader Explained

If your PDF files open in Chrome, the app is set as your default PDF reader. However, that doesn’t have to stop you from viewing PDFs in other programs, including Adobe Reader. Changing the default settings for the way your device opens PDF files is a relatively straightforward process.

In today’s guide, we’ve equipped you with a bunch of methods for doing so. If you followed the instructions carefully, you are now in complete control over how you can view PDF files on your PC.

Which method did you use to open PDFs from Chrome in Adobe Reader? Why do you prefer the Reader after all? Share your opinions in the comments section below.