Windows 11 keeps reverting back to Microsoft edge as default app after restart.

AC 0 Reputation points
2026-07-06T15:55:00+00:00

In windows 11. I set .pdf to adobe under default apps and after restart it reverts back to Microsoft edge browser.

Microsoft Edge | Read PDFs | Windows 11
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  1. AC 0 Reputation points
    2026-07-06T19:17:55.72+00:00

    I resolved the issue. We have a GPO set for the "set a default associations Configuration file.

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  2. Paulo GM 71,570 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-06T19:11:29.65+00:00

    Got it. You could try resetting the default app association for the .pdf file type and see if that resolves the issue. After resetting it, set Acrobat Reader as the default PDF viewer again, then check whether it remains the default after restarting your computer.

    You can check option two from the link below for steps

    https://www.elevenforum.com/t/reset-and-restore-default-apps-for-file-types-in-windows-11.2139/#Two

    Disclaimer: ElevenForum is a non-Microsoft site created by a Windows MVP. The information is reliable, but be careful with ads. Research any product before downloading.

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  3. Paulo GM 71,570 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-06T18:39:35.2633333+00:00

    I see. Just to confirm, when you mentioned that the default app changes to Edge after restarting your computer, do you mean it changes to Edge in the setting shown in the image below, instead of remaining set to Acrobat Reader? Or does it remain set to Acrobat Reader, but the PDF files still open in the Edge browser?

    Screenshot 2026-07-07 023548

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  4. Paulo GM 71,570 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-06T16:50:33.9266667+00:00

    Hi,

    If it keeps reverting to Edge, try to do the following and see if it helps:

    • Open Edge and go to Settings > System and performance > System and disable these options

    Startup boost

    Continue running background extensions and apps when Edge is closed

    • Open Task Manager, then right-click on all Edge processes and select End task
    • Right-click on a PDF file > Properties > Change and set it to Adobe Acrobat reader
    • Apply and restart to see if it works.

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