Why pdf files keep opening in edge even if the switch on for download and to open in PDF ?

Hello, 

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

 I understand that you encountered the problem that the downloaded PDF file can only be opened with Edge. You can try the following steps to troubleshoot first.1. Disable Edge's Built-in PDF Viewer

• Open Microsoft Edge.
• Paste this into the address bar:
  edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments
• Toggle "Always open PDF files externally" to ON (blue).
• Restart Edge after changing this setting.

2. Set a Default PDF App in Windows

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Default apps.
• In the search box, type .pdf
• Click the current default app (likely "Microsoft Edge").
• Select your preferred PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, or "Microsoft Print to PDF" if you want downloads only).
• Save changes.

3. Reset Site-Specific Permissions in Edge

• Open the website where PDFs auto-open.
• Click the lock icon in Edge's address bar.
• Select "Site permissions".
• Under "PDF documents", change the setting to "Download".
• Clear existing permissions:
  • Go to edge://settings/siteData
  • Search for the website, click Trash icon to remove its data.

4. Reset Edge Settings

• In Edge, go to:
  edge://settings/reset
• Click "Restore settings to their default values".
• Confirm to reset. This disables extensions/resets permissions.

5. Modify Windows File Associations

• Right-click any PDF file in File Explorer.
• Choose "Open with > Choose another app".
• Select your preferred PDF app (e.g., Adobe).
• Check "Always use this app to open .pdf files".
• Click OK.

6. Disable Edge via Registry (Advanced)

• Back up your registry first.
• Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter.
• Navigate to:
  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.pdf
• Double-click the (Default) value on the right.
• Change its data to AcroExch.Document.DC (for Adobe) or another PDF app's ID.
  (If unsure, skip this step).
• Restart your PC.
• Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article.

7. Repair/Reset Microsoft Edge

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Find Microsoft Edge > Click ⋮ > Modify.
• Select "Repair" (or "Reset" if repair fails).

8. Group Policy Fix (Windows Pro/Enterprise Only)

• Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc hit Enter.
• Navigate to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge
• Double-click "Configure Adobe Acrobat compatibility" (or similar PDF policy).
• Set it to Disabled or Not Configured.

If the issue persists, Edge might be forced by system policies (common in workplaces/schools). Contact your IT admin in that case. For home users, a Windows update or clean Edge reinstall often resolves this. Let me know if you need further clarification!

Best regards,

Jade - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi,

Thank you so much for all the different scenarios; I have tried them all without avail.

Even after reinstalling Windows 11, I may now try to uninstall Edge completely and also Acrobat Pro.

Is there a specific trigger that causes MS Edge to take over?

If I use Google Chrome Browser, it seems to work, that is, it will download instead of opening in the same browser, as that's the way I selected it.

Thanks

KC