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How to Change Default PDF Viewer on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

July 31, 2023 3.9K views

Are you sick and weary of opening PDF files in the built-in viewer because it doesn't work for you? In Windows 11, do you wish to change the default PDF viewer on Windows 11? If so, you are in the proper location. The default PDF viewer on Windows 11 can be changed from a variety of angles, including device, browser, standard PDF tool, online/offline, content, and free/subscription. We'll go over these angles and more in this post. Also, we'll explain the suggested PDF viewer, WPS Office, and show you how to obtain a free trial.

Why Change the Default PDF Viewer on Windows 11

It's possible that your needs aren't always met by Windows 11's default PDF viewer. For instance, the built-in viewer does not offer the functionality to annotate or edit a PDF file. Moreover, the default viewer might not successfully display PDF files, leading to formatting errors and other problems. Thus, switching from your default PDF viewer can improve your reading and editing experience. Let’s see how to use this function from different aspects.

How to Change Default PDF Viewer on Windows 11

  1. Go to "Settings" by clicking the "Start" icon, then choose "Apps."

  2. "Default apps" can be found by scrolling down.

  3. "Select default programmes by file type" should be clicked.

  4. When you reach ".pdf," scroll down and select the default application.

  5. Choose "Pick another app" to search your device for one, or select a different app from the list.

How to Change Default PDF Viewer in Browser

  1. Go to a PDF file in your favourite browser by opening it.

  2. When you do a right-click on the file, choose "Open with."

  3. Instead, pick "Select another app" to look through your device's app store for another PDF viewer.

  4. If you want to make this application your default PDF viewer, use the "Always use this app to open.pdf files" checkbox.

How to Select WPS as Your Default PDF Viewer on Windows 11

WPS Office is a full-featured office programme that comes with the potent PDF editor WPS PDF. To make it your default PDF viewer, follow these steps:

  1. WPS Office can be downloaded and installed on your device.

  2. Open WPS PDF.

  3. To access the "Options" menu, click "File."

  4. Choose "Make WPS PDF my default PDF programme" under "General" on the menu.

Free Subscription

The WPS PDF viewer is part of WPS Office's office suite, which is available for free download. The instructions are as follows to download and test it out:

  1. Click "Download" at the top of the page on the WPS Office website (wps.com).

  2. Choose the variation that works with your gadget.

  3. Install.

Using Tips to Change Default PDF Viewer on Windows 11

While changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 11, bear the following helpful advice in mind:

  • Choose a PDF viewer that satisfies your unique requirements, such as one that enables simple editing or has cutting-edge security features.

  • Try restarting your computer and trying again if you are having difficulties changing your default PDF viewer.

  • It's important to test your other programmes after changing your default PDF viewer because other programmes that rely on it can be impacted.

  • Use all of WPS Office's features and functions, including the ability to convert PDFs to other formats and the integrated collaboration tools, if you use it as your primary PDF viewer.

FAQs on How to Change Default PDF Viewer on Windows 11

Q: What is the default PDF viewer in Windows 11 and how can I change it?

A: The programme that Windows uses by default to open PDF files is known as a default PDF viewer. Follow the instructions in the article above to modify your default PDF viewer on Windows 11.

Q: Is it possible to set WPS Office as your default PDF viewer?

A: On Windows 11, you can set WPS Office as your default PDF viewer. To make WPS PDF your default PDF viewer, just adhere to the instructions provided in the "Online/Offline" part of the article.

Users can visit the official website and click the download icon to get WPS Office for a free trial. Because it is a feature-rich and cost-effective alternative to other office suites, we suggest WPS Office. Its PDF capabilities, including the editor and viewer, have great capability and are simple to use. Before making a purchase, users can test out the software's features with the free trial.

Download WPS Office for Free

As a result, employing a strong PDF editor like WPS PDF to Word Converter can save time and effort by offering a quick and simple method of converting PDF files to editable Word format. Users can utilize this application whenever and wherever they choose thanks to its flexible online and offline features. The WPS PDF to Word Converter is only one of the many strong office tools available to customers for free when they download WPS Office. To take use of all its capabilities and boost efficiency in your regular job, we strongly advise downloading WPS Office.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.