Version 11.0.1.0 installation fails to make this default application

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Shordy
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Version 11.0.1.0 installation fails to make this default application

Post by Shordy »

Version 11.0.1.0 installation does not make this default program for .pdf files when installing from command line with .msi file. I read here that this was supposed to be fixed on this version since there was some problems with version 11. I tried to search from online help manuals, but seems that sysadmin manuals seems to point to version 10. Version 10 installation works with no problems.

I have tried this with and without of SET_AS_DEFAULT="1" parameter with no luck. GUI installation seems to work, but it's not an option for updating this to thousand of our company computers.I have tried to install this on windows 11 23h2, 24h2 and 25h2 with same results.

Is this still a problem on installation package or do I do something wrong? Any help would be appreciated.

Best Regards,
Shordy
Doukara
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Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2026 12:34 pm

Re: Version 11.0.1.0 installation fails to make this default application

Post by Doukara »

Hi,
We currently have the same issue with 11.0.1 on 24h2 and 25h2 (No 23h2). Whatever we do, it rolls back to Edge as default.
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Ivan - Tracker Software
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Re: Version 11.0.1.0 installation fails to make this default application

Post by Ivan - Tracker Software »

Microsoft is doing their best to prevent anyone from changing the file associations for the .pdf, .htm, and .html extensions.
On our end, we are doing what we can to try and work around that, but unfortunately, it is not always possible.
The best workaround would be to manually set the Editor as the default for PDF files for each user. Assuming of course that our installer or the Editor itself failed to do so.
We understand that it is inconvenient, but MS seem to believe the PDF must be viewed in Edge only. :(
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Ticer
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Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:42 am

Re: Version 11.0.1.0 installation fails to make this default application

Post by Ticer »

Since Windows 10, Microsoft blocks apps from changing some protected file types like PDF. The recommended way is to create a default app association xml file and set it in registry.
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Thats a good source about this topic: https://woshub.com/managing-default-file-associations-in-windows-10/
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Doukara
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Re: Version 11.0.1.0 installation fails to make this default application

Post by Doukara »

Ivan - Tracker Software wrote: Wed Jun 17, 2026 9:07 pm Microsoft is doing their best to prevent anyone from changing the file associations for the .pdf, .htm, and .html extensions.
On our end, we are doing what we can to try and work around that, but unfortunately, it is not always possible.
The best workaround would be to manually set the Editor as the default for PDF files for each user. Assuming of course that our installer or the Editor itself failed to do so.
We understand that it is inconvenient, but MS seem to believe the PDF must be viewed in Edge only. :(
Sorry, but I do not understand why it worked fine with 10.8 and suddenly stopped with v11. Like I said in my previous message, whatever we do, it will roll back to edge with the V11. Editor is set by default and will roll back to edge within hours. I do understand that Microsoft push to force Edge, but what do you have changed in your code in 10 vs. 11 that make that happen? We are currently rolling back to V10.8 and blocking autoupdated. Waiting for your reply and fix.

Also Adding,

There is no difference if we do a manual install, auto update or winget install.
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Sean - PDF-XChange
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Re: Version 11.0.1.0 installation fails to make this default application

Post by Sean - PDF-XChange »

Hi Doukara,

I'm afraid the development team do not have anything more to add here, other than what was already outlined above - sorry we can't offer you any more clarification on this issue.

Kind regards,
Sean Godley
Technical Writer
PDF-XChange Co LTD
Sales: +1 (250) 324-1621
Fax: +1 (250) 324-1623