Adobe Reader (Windows) - Prevent PDF Files from Opening in a Web Browser

This article describes how to force pdf files to open within the native Adobe Reader program rather than in the web browser window, where they open by default.

These instructions are for Adobe Reader 9.0. Other versions of Adobe Reader will require similar steps.

  1. Launch Adobe Reader 9.0.
  2. Open the Edit menu and select Preferences.

In the Adobe Reader Window, the Edit tab near the top left is highlighted to show a drop down menu where Preferences (Ctrl+K) is selected.

  1. On the left hand side of the preferences window, select the Internet category.
  2. Uncheck the "Display PDF in browser" option.

Within the Internet Tab of the Preferences Window, the Web Browser Option "Display PDF in browser" is highlighted.

  1. Click OK.

PDF files should no longer open within the browser, but instead within a native window of Adobe Reader.


Keywords:
internet explorer iexplore IE 7.0 6.0 firefox surfer launch link acrobat 
Doc ID:
7599
Owned by:
Help Desk KB Team in DoIT Help Desk
Created:
2008-03-25
Updated:
2026-05-28
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk, Fox Valley Technical College