Is Microsoft "blocking" non-Microsoft apps from opening even though the file extension is listed as a Default App?

Question

QUESTION: Is Microsoft "blocking" non-Microsoft apps from opening even though the file extension is listed as a Default App?

I want to open a pdf file.

Under System > Apps > Default apps, upon entering ".pdf" into the search box, "Adobe Acrobat Adobe Acrobat Document" is returned right under the search box.

Further under System > Apps > Default apps > Adobe Acrobat, I have 10 Adobe files listed, one being ".pdf".

Yet, when I click upon a pdf file I get a pop up window, "Select an app to open this .pdf" files. The options listed are:

     1) Adobe Acrobat          (listed as a Default app)

     2) Microsoft Edge          ( a browser )

     3) Brave                          ( a browser )

     4) Firefox                        ( a browser )

     5) Corel PaintShop       ( a photography program )

     6) NotePad                   ( a text program )

Given that I have selected Adobe Acrobat as the DEFAULT Program for pdf files:

 1) Has Microsoft written code that LOOKS like we can use Adobe Acrobat for pdf but the code actually does not allow us to USE Adobe Acrobat, banning 

     "valued" customers from using their product of choice?

2) Has Microsoft written code to open a pdf file in non-Microsoft photography progams and in Microsoft's NotePad program?

3) Should I be able to open a pdf file in Adobe Acrobat as a Default App rather than being frustrated, again, by Microsoft which is wasting my time on this matter 

    and multiple other Windows 11 matters.

And,

1. Yes, my computer has Windows 11 fully-up-to-date.
2. Yes, all my drivers are fully-up-to-date.
3. Yes, a deep scan for both viruses and malware is run everyday by an extremely expensive computer program used by businesses all across the country.
4. Yes, I am a tenured user of Microsoft products, dating back to DOS. I do know what I am doing. This is a persistent issue with pdf, mp3, mp4 and other files. This NOT a singular instance of Windows NOT opening files indicated as Default Apps

I would be HIGHLY appreciative of very direct answers that will get to the root cause of this matter, very much so.

Please, do not respond, move on, if the idea is to write incessant back and forth questions. This is a straight-forward post asking for help on an issue that Microsoft has inflicted upon me and all of its "valued" customers. This is NOT an issue of my doing.

Answer 1

"Yet, when I click upon a pdf file I get a pop up window, "Select an app to open this .pdf" files. The options listed are:"

When you do this then get the version of this that shows the always option and it should always work. This is the only way I've ever done PDF default and have never once had a problem.

If you're running into problems after that then its not normal and something is wrong on your end,. Its not known what that would be as its not normal so most people aren't seeing it.

You could try with a different application too in the event Adobe Reader just isn't working right that way for you.

Its also possible you use something that simply overrides it. Applications do have that ability (the set as default prompt that they show on first non-default run or the set as default during installers can do it too).

As far as I can see its just from the way you use your computer.

Hope the best :)

Answer 2

I don't want to ask back and forth questions. However, your post is unclear about a few things. Sorry if I misunderstood - I have autism and find it hard to understand less direct ways of saying things.

Are you trying to say that when you attempt to open a PDF, Acrobat fails to open, even when selected from the drop-down?

If you can, please include a screenshot. Thank you!

Answer 3

Thank You for your post.

I am not sure how it is helpful.

The casual reader will understand from my post that I understand your statement: You can set defaiult apps you can also set the default under File Extensions for *.pdf

Perhaps I need to be more clear.

Your statement "You can set defaiult apps you can also set the default under File Extensions for *.pdf" is not working.

Do you or do you not know the reason?

Thank You.

Answer 4

You can set defaiult apps you can also set the default under File Extensions for *.pdf

MS has not blocked anything

Personally I dont use Acrobat Reader on any devices