Set default program for all users

Question

_{Wednesday, August 16, 2017 6:45 PM}

Q: I want to make Acrobat Reader the default program for pdfs for ALL users that might log on to a Windows 10 computer. I have 22 computers in an open lab, and each computer will have multiple (and different) users each day, so setting the default for each user is obviously not feasible, and setting it while the administrator is logged in of course doesn't work. I would love a registry hack, or something not terribly involved as a solution.

All replies (2)

_{Wednesday, August 16, 2017 11:37 PM}

Kindly go through the following links:

http://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/AdminGuide/pdfviewer.html

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/fb5cff0b-eca9-487d-aa69-0f555becf236/gpo-to-set-adobe-reader-as-default-pdf-reader?forum=w7itproappcompat

S.Sengupta, Windows Insider MVP

_{Thursday, August 17, 2017 3:19 AM}

Check this link below for a hint.

Windows 8: Associate a file Type or protocol with a specific app using GPO (e.g:default mail client for MailTo protocol)

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mrmlcgn/2013/02/26/windows-8-associate-a-file-type-or-protocol-with-a-specific-app-using-gpo-e-gdefault-mail-client-for-mailto-protocol/

Besides, I find out a good case talking about similar topic, an user called Tony give us a good idea to deploy default programs:

Summary

Starting with Windows 8, the open with GPO no longer works.  You must follow this new procedure:

Set the file associations the way you want

Use DISM to export the configuration to an XML file

Optionally, edit the exported file

Place the file in a location accessible by the user.

Enable a different GPO that specifies the XML file.

Problems/Downsides

Per-computer GPO, not per-user

Settings don't take effect until second logon

Monolithic - All or nothing XML file -- only winning GPO will take effect

Alternatives

Use DISM to import the configuration

Edit the OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file in the system32 directory.  It is applied during logon for new profiles.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-files/set-pdf-to-open-with-acrobat-reader-instead-of/e4b92313-b9fa-471b-b20d-4be2d632a0af?auth=1

You could have a look

Regards

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