
We want Windows to stop using this key, but we don't want to delete it (in case we decide at a later time to undo the change), so we will just rename this key to something else (that would stop Windows from using it just as well). Now, while still in Registry Editor, navigate to the key:

At the time of this writing, the string is AppXd4nrz8ff68srnhf9t5a8sbjyar1cr723, but it may change in the future versions of Windows. Take a note of the Data string displayed for the. Select FileAssociations and look at the list in the right-hand part of the screen: Expand this key and also expand the following keys under it: However, it could be changed in the later versions of Windows. At the time of this writing, such a key is named: Under this key, look for a key that starts with Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge. To solve the problem of Microsoft Edge hijacking the PDF files, run Registry Editor (RegEdit.exe), and navigate to the following key: If you are not familiar with the Registry Editor, you may want to ask a more experienced friend or a colleague for help. Please be extra careful with it, because if you do something wrong, you can damage your Windows installation and even make your computer disabled. If your version of Edge does not offer this option, then the following registry modification might work, read on.įirst things first: the following steps involve changing values in Windows Registry. In the right-hand part of the screen, scroll to the middle of the Site permissions list and click on PDF documents įinally, turn on the option Always open PDF files externally or Always download PDF files. In the left-hand column, click on Cookies and sites permissions In Microsoft Edge, press Alt+F (or click on the ellipses right below the X button in the top-right corner) and choose Settings UPDATE: The latest versions of Microsoft Edge come with an option that lets you control how it handles the PDF files: If you experience such a problem, the following solution might help.

You can try to change the default application once more, but soon Windows "forgets" about your decision and starts opening them with Edge again. However, in some situations, changing the default application for handling the PDF files does not stick: it may work once or twice, and then Microsoft Edge takes over, reverting the file association of the PDF files to itself. Password-protect and hide personal files and folders with Folder Guard for Windows 11,10,8,7.

command that appears on the right-click menu for the PDF files. If you prefer another program to open the PDF files, you can set up that program using the Default Programs tool of Control Panel. Windows 10 and 11 contain a built-in web browser, Microsoft Edge, that is also set up as the default application for handling several other popular files, such as PDF. How to stop Microsoft Edge from opening PDF files
