No way to set maximum retrieved rows in pgadmin query tool
I don't think there is a global parameter to tweak in pgAdmin 1.16.*

As an alternative you can open tables with:

Tools -&gt; View Data -&gt; View Top 100 rows


This is also available from the context menu of a table in the object browser.
Once the data grid is open, a "Limit Bar" is available, where you can set a maximum for returned rows.

I would consider it a reasonable feature request to make this "Limit" element available in the "View data options" you get when you open a table with a filter (grid icon with funnel). This could also remember the last setting.

A global setting is a bit of a foot gun. People forget and then wonder why they don't get more rows.