How to restore PDF icons
The PDF file icons may disappear from your computer for various reasons, such as a system update or a system error. This can be frustrating if you frequently need to open PDF files on your computer.
Fortunately, restoring the PDF file icons is a fairly simple process that you can do yourself without the help of a computer technician.
In this article, we will show you step by step how to restore the PDF file icons on your Windows or Mac computer. Keep reading to find out how!
Checking Display Settings
If the PDF icons are not restored after following the previous steps, you may need to check the display settings on your computer.
Step 1: Checking Folder View Options
- Right-click on an empty folder on your desktop and select "Properties".
- In the Folder Properties dialog box, click on the "View" tab.
- Under "Advanced settings", make sure that the "Show preview handlers instead of icons" option is selected.
- Click "Apply" and then click "OK".
Step 2: Checking Acrobat Reader Settings
- Open Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
- Click "Edit" in the top menu bar and select "Preferences".
- In the Preferences dialog box, click "General" in the left column.
- Under the "Startup" section, make sure that the "Show Home screen when opening Acrobat" option is deselected.
- Click "OK" to save the changes.
After checking these settings, restart your computer and check if the PDF icons have been restored. If the problem persists, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Restoring PDF File Association
If the PDF file icon has been restored but the file still does not open when double-clicked, you may need to restore the file association. This means that the operating system needs to know which program to use to open PDF files.
Windows
To restore the PDF file association on Windows:
- Right-click on a PDF file.
- Select "Properties".
- In the Properties dialog box, click the "Change" button next to "Opens with".
- Select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from the list of available programs or search for it if it does not appear in the list.
- Make sure to select the checkbox "Always use this program to open this type of file" and click "OK".
You should now be able to open PDF files by double-clicking on them.
MacOS
To restore file association for PDF files on MacOS:
- Right-click on a PDF file.
- Select "Get Info".
- In the information window, expand the "Open with" section.
- Select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from the list of available programs or search for the program if it's not listed.
- Click the "Change All" button to apply the change to all PDF files.
You should now be able to open PDF files by double-clicking them.
Updating PDF software
If file icons for PDF files do not restore after trying the above methods, you may need to update the PDF software on your computer. Here's how to do it:
- Check your PDF software version: Open a PDF file and go to "Help" or "Info". Look for an option to check the software version.
- Check for available updates: Visit the website of the PDF software manufacturer and look for the download or updates section. Check if there is a newer version of the software available for download.
- Download and install the update: If an update is available, download it and follow instructions to properly install it onto your computer.
After completing the update, restart your computer and check if the PDF file icons have been restored.
Remember that some programs may require uninstallation before installing the new version. Be sure to read all instructions provided by the software manufacturer carefully.
In addition, keep in mind that updating software may take time and a stable internet connection. Make sure you have enough time and a reliable connection before proceeding with the update.
Repairing the operating system
If the above solutions haven't worked, it may be necessary to repair the operating system. This can fix underlying system issues causing PDF icon display problems.
Windows 10
- Open the Start menu and select "Settings".
- Select "Update & Security" and then "Recovery".
- Under "Reset this PC", select "Get started" and follow instructions to reset the operating system.
MacOS
- Start up your Mac in Recovery mode by holding down Command + R at startup.
- Select "Disk Utility" from the macOS Utilities menu and click "Continue".
- Select your Mac's main hard drive and click "Repair Disk".
- After repairing the disk, exit recovery mode and restart your Mac.
Note that repairing the operating system is a delicate operation and may result in data loss. Be sure to have a complete backup of your data before proceeding with this option.
Conclusions
In this article, we have seen how to restore pdf icons on your computer. We have explored different solutions, from simply modifying folder settings to reinstalling the Adobe Reader software. It is important to remember that the best solution depends on the specific problem you are experiencing.
If the pdf icons have disappeared due to a problem with Adobe Reader software, trying to uninstall and reinstall it may be the best solution. If the problem is related to folder settings, modifying these settings may solve the issue.
Also, remember that it is always a good idea to keep your software updated to avoid similar problems in the future. Make sure to regularly check for available updates for your Adobe Reader software or any other software used to open pdf files.
- Check folder settings if pdf icons have disappeared
- Uninstall and reinstall Adobe Reader if the problem is related to software
- Always keep your software updated to avoid future issues
We hope these solutions have been helpful in restoring pdf icons on your computer. If you still have issues or questions, do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.
