Summary
Microsoft is really good at trying to make you use their programs by default and this includes opening PDFs from Microsoft Edge. Although most PDFs will open through Edge, there are times when it won't open because of compatibility issues. The tale-tale sign is the file will not open. The instructions below will show you how to change your default program to open PDFs with the original creators of PDFs, Adobe.
Instructions
How To Change the Default from Microsoft Edge to Adobe
1. Find the Windows Start button on your screen or the search field and type "Default." Select Default Apps.
2. Scroll toward the bottom of the Window until you see multiple links. You'll be selecting "Set defaults by app."
3. You'll see a list of programs to choose from. Adobe will be your choice for PDFs. Click on "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC", then "Manage."
- Note: Some users will have Foxit PDF or Adobe Pro. If you see that as an option, select those programs if you want those programs to open it.
4. Once you click "Manage", you'll see several options of extensions the program uses. If you see Microsoft Edge there, you can click on it and it'll give you the option to choose your program. In this example, I have FoxitPDF. I'll click on it to give me the choice. I can click on "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC." It may vary from other users, but most users will use Adobe.
5. Once you select the program, future programs that open in the .PDF will open with that program. Keep in mind that Microsoft Edge will try and trick you and stay with Edge, go ahead and click "Switch Anyway."
You are done!