Windows 8: Is it possible to disable default Metro app and use alternative app?

On my new laptop, which has Windows 8, when I open a pdf, it automatically opens it into a Metro App.

Is it possible to disable this and make Acrobat my default pdf tool? If so, how?

Thanks,
Dana (not digging Windows 8 AT ALL!)

 

Right click on the .pdf file -> open with -> choose whatever program you want to.

 

Yeah, it's easy. Just like in Windows 7, you can right-click a pdf file, choose "open with...," and then check the box on the menu that comes up to choose the default program for pdf files.

The default PDF reader is very touch-friendly and very novice-friendly but also very lacking in features, so yeah, I suspect most every power user would be changing the default program. Also, only having one PDF open at a time is a huge problem.

 

Does this permanently change the file association in 8? I'm running Windows 7 on the work comp so I can't test, but in 7 and prior, the protocol to change file associations/default program was: Right click -> Properties -> Change (next to "Opens with:") -> Select program -> OK -> OK.

 

Oh right.
Then it would be Right click -> open with -> choose default program -> and there select a program and check "always use the selected program to open this kind of file.
Or what you've said.

 

FYI, Sumatra PDF (a desktop app that's a free download from CNET or from developer's site) is probably the best PDF viewer I've used for Windows 8. Adobe Reader can't handle touch input at all, and Microsoft's PDF Viewer has no features and can't have multiple documents open at once.

 

you're aware that your "issue" has nothing to do with what version of windows you're running, yea?

 

It should. At the top of the dialog box is a large checkbox, already checked, that says "Use this app for all <.extension> files"

 

Well that's handy.

Aye, it certainly beats Adobe Reader XI IMO too. Haven't used it under Windows 8 yet.

 

Been using Foxit for years, not because it's prefect, but because it's not Adobe. Is Sumatra better than Foxit? Running W8 non-touch.

It certainly does.

After a fresh install I'd suggest using Control Panel - Default Programs - Associate a file type or protocol with a program
It gives you a better overview of all programs used for various file types.

 

That's a very meticulous way, but you're right in that it gives a great overview. Control Panel /Default Programs /Set Default Programs is a little less daunting.