When a user recently updated their Windows operating system, they encountered a perplexing issue: their PDF files, once easily opened with Foxit PDF Editor, suddenly became unopenable. At first glance, this appeared to be a malfunction with the PDF program itself. However, a deeper dive revealed the culprit was a subtle change initiated by the Windows update — the file association for PDFs had quietly shifted. For users who rely on third-party PDF editors like Foxit, this minor change can bring major disruptions.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
A Windows update caused PDF files to stop opening in Foxit PDF Editor by resetting the default PDF file association to Microsoft’s built-in viewer. This led PDFs to open in Edge or another application, or not at all. One user resolved the problem by manually restoring Foxit as the default PDF application. The solution is straightforward, but it highlights common compatibility issues caused by OS updates.
Understanding the Problem: When Updates Override User Preferences
Each time Microsoft rolls out a Windows update, it may include a host of performance improvements, security patches, or new features. However, these updates can also reset certain system settings — especially default applications for file types. In this case, when the user updated their system, Windows automatically reassigned the .pdf file type association from Foxit PDF Editor to its native PDF viewer, Microsoft Edge.
This means that PDF files no longer opened in Foxit, even when Foxit was still installed and functioning correctly. Attempts to open files by double-clicking them either launched Edge — or occasionally, nothing happened at all.
Why This Happens: Windows Updates and Default Apps
This scenario is not unique. Windows updates have a track record of resetting default apps. The idea behind this behavior could be related to Microsoft’s design intent — promoting its own suite of tools including Edge as the default PDF viewer. Though this might be convenient for some, it’s a disruptive experience for users who prefer or rely on different tools, such as Foxit PDF Editor.
Specifically, the updated Windows version may have:
- Reset the .pdf file type to open with Microsoft Edge
- Removed Foxit Editor from the “Open with” list temporarily
- Disabled Foxit’s registration as the default PDF handler
Coupled with the aggressive promotion of Microsoft Edge, this resulted in many users believing Foxit was broken, when in reality, Windows was simply bypassing it.
Symptoms Observed by the User
The user who experienced the glitch reported the following behaviors:
- Double-clicking a PDF opened it in Edge instead of Foxit
- Right-clicking and choosing “Open With” did not list Foxit, or didn’t retain the selection
- Even trying to open a PDF directly within Foxit yielded unexpected errors or failures
Each of these symptoms pointed to a deeper issue with file association settings, rather than a fault in Foxit itself.
How the User Restored Normal Functionality
After some trial and error, the user found an effective, step-by-step method to fix the issue by restoring the default file association to Foxit PDF Editor.
Here’s how they did it:
- Opened Windows Settings by clicking on the gear icon in the Start Menu.
- Went to Apps > Default apps.
- Scrolled down and clicked on Choose default apps by file type.
- Searched for the .pdf file extension.
- Clicked the application currently set for .pdf (e.g., Microsoft Edge).
- Selected Foxit PDF Editor from the list of available programs.
This change forced Windows to recognize Foxit as the preferred PDF handler once again. The user also opted to check Foxit’s internal settings to ensure it was registered as the default handler:
- Opened Foxit PDF Editor
- Navigated to File > Preferences > File Associations
- Clicked Make Default PDF Viewer
With these settings in place, all PDFs reverted to opening seamlessly in Foxit, bringing back the expected workflow.
How to Prevent This in the Future
Unfortunately, Microsoft does not currently provide a method for locking file associations to prevent changes during updates. However, there are steps power users and IT professionals can take to monitor or reapply preferred settings:
- Use Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro or Enterprise editions) to set default apps across an organization
- Create a registry backup of file association settings
- Regularly recheck default app settings after large Windows updates
For individual users, the most effective strategy remains manual vigilance — especially after major updates, such as feature upgrades.
When It’s Not Just File Associations
In rare cases, the problem may run deeper than a file association reset. If PDF files refuse to open even after restoring defaults, consider these additional troubleshooting steps:
- Reinstall or repair the Foxit PDF Editor application
- Check for updates within Foxit that may address compatibility issues with recent Windows builds
- Ensure you have full permissions to access the PDF files
- Temporarily disable security software that might block the application
These measures help rule out other sources of malfunction beyond Windows updates.
Conclusion
This story serves as a cautionary tale and a helpful reminder for users of any third-party applications. Operating system updates, while often beneficial, can occasionally override personal preferences — including critical file associations. Understanding what happened, and how to fix it, ensures productivity isn’t halted by unexpected changes.
Thanks to a bit of curiosity and technical savvy, the user successfully restored Foxit as their default PDF editor, highlighting both a common problem and an accessible solution.
FAQ: Fixing the Foxit PDF Issue After Windows Update
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Q: Why did my PDFs stop opening in Foxit after a Windows update?
A: The update likely reset your default PDF application to Microsoft Edge or another program. This causes PDFs to open with that app instead of Foxit. -
Q: Is Foxit PDF Editor broken or incompatible with Windows?
A: No, Foxit is likely still functional. The issue usually stems from a change in file associations triggered by the Windows update. -
Q: How can I restore Foxit as the default PDF viewer?
A: Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default Apps, then set Foxit as the default program for .pdf files. -
Q: Will this happen again with future updates?
A: Possibly. Windows has a history of resetting certain settings. After future updates, double-check your default app preferences. -
Q: Can I stop Windows from changing my default programs?
A: Not entirely, unless you’re using Group Policy or a registry lock — options usually available to advanced users or IT administrators.