Why Are All of My PDFs Opening in Chrome?
PDFs, or Portable Document Format files, are widely used for sharing and viewing documents. They are compatible with multiple platforms and retain the formatting of the original file, making them popular among users. However, it can be frustrating when all your PDFs start opening in Chrome instead of the default PDF viewer on your computer. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide solutions to help you regain control over your PDF files.
Why are my PDFs opening in Chrome?
1. Chrome is set as the default PDF viewer:
One possible reason is that Chrome has been set as the default PDF viewer on your computer. When you install Chrome, it often prompts you to set it as the default application for various file types, including PDFs. If you inadvertently accepted this setting, all PDFs will automatically open in Chrome.
2. PDF viewer is disabled or not installed:
Another reason could be that the default PDF viewer on your computer is disabled or not installed. Operating systems like Windows and macOS come with built-in PDF viewers, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Preview. If these applications are not installed or disabled, your system may automatically redirect PDFs to Chrome.
3. Chrome’s PDF viewer extension:
Chrome has its own built-in PDF viewer extension, which is generally reliable and efficient. However, if this extension is enabled, it may take control over your PDF files, causing them to open in Chrome instead of the default PDF viewer on your computer.
4. Incorrect file associations:
File associations determine which program should open a specific file type. If the file association for PDFs is incorrectly set to Chrome, it will override the default PDF viewer. This can happen due to various reasons, such as software updates or changes in settings.
How can I change the default PDF viewer?
Solution 1: Change default PDF viewer on Windows:
1. Right-click on any PDF file and select “Open with” from the context menu.
2. Choose the PDF viewer you prefer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader) or click on “Choose another app” to select a different application.
3. Check the box that says “Always use this app to open .pdf files” and click “OK.”
Solution 2: Change default PDF viewer on macOS:
1. Right-click on any PDF file and select “Get Info” from the context menu.
2. In the “Open with” section, select the PDF viewer you prefer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader) or click on “Open with” to choose a different application.
3. Click on the “Change All” button to associate all PDF files with the selected application.
Solution 3: Disable Chrome’s PDF viewer extension:
1. Open Chrome and type “chrome://extensions” in the address bar.
2. Locate the “Chrome PDF Viewer” extension and toggle it off.
3. Close and reopen Chrome for the changes to take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. How can I download a PDF instead of opening it in Chrome?
To download a PDF instead of opening it in Chrome, right-click on the PDF link and select “Save link as” or “Download linked file” from the context menu. This will save the PDF file to your designated download location.
Q2. Can I use a different browser to open PDFs?
Yes, you can use a different browser to open PDFs. Most browsers, such as Firefox or Microsoft Edge, have their own built-in PDF viewers. You can set these browsers as the default PDF viewer using the methods described earlier.
Q3. How can I reinstall the default PDF viewer on my computer?
For Windows users, you can reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader or any other preferred PDF viewer from the official website. For macOS users, reinstalling the macOS system software should restore the default PDF viewer.
In conclusion, if all your PDFs are opening in Chrome instead of the default PDF viewer, it is likely due to Chrome being set as the default viewer or other associated issues. By following the provided solutions and changing the default settings, you can regain control over your PDF files and open them in your preferred viewer.