Bug Report: Combine PDF Feature Opens in Reader Instead of Acrobat & Skips Files
Product: Adobe Acrobat
Version: 2025.001.20630
Operating System: Windows 11 (64-bit)

When I attempt to use the "Combine files in Acrobat" shortcut in Windows Explorer, it consistently opens Adobe Reader instead of Adobe Acrobat, even though Acrobat is installed and set as the default. Reader cannot perform the combine function so nothing happens. Additionally, when attempting to combine more than 15 files, some files are skipped and not included in the final PDF.

Steps to Reproduce:
I select multiple PDF files in Windows Explorer.
Right-click and choose “Combine files in Acrobat.”
Adobe Reader launches instead of Acrobat.

Impact to me:
This issue is causing a major slowdown in my productivity within a deadline-driven legal publishing company. It disrupts my workflow and requires manual intervention to complete tasks that were previously quick and easy.

Workarounds I have attempted:
Manually combining files within Acrobat (functional but time-consuming).
Uninstalling Adobe Reader, but it reinstalls automatically when using the shortcut.

Please prioritize a fix for this bug or provide a reliable workaround that does not require modifying system files. A clear method to prevent Reader from launching would be greatly appreciated.