Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader has long been the most visible Windows alternative to Adobe Reader, but with its latest update, this popular freeware falters slightly. While the jump from version 2 to version 3 cut bloat while adding in a few features, version 4 adds some new features but also throws some unpleasant curveballs.
The setup process has grown more cumbersome. It will automatically check you into the Foxit license agreement, and you are also opted-in to install the Foxit Search Bar that changes your default search provider to Ask and makes Ask.com your home page. It also opts you into the Foxit add-on for Firefox, and into creating desktop, quick launch, and Start menu icons that link to eBay. Also, in our tests, it commandeered the default PDF reader setting even though we unchecked that box.

Version 4s interface is practically indistinguishable from the previous version. The toolbar still contains a lengthy row of icons. It's not a bad design, but it does look very Windows XP and might be overwhelming to some users. Thankfully, it is a customizable toolbar that you can change by right-clicking on it.

Download here.

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