How to Fix the “PDF Files Won’t Open in Windows 10” Error?

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In recent times, PDF is the standard format for creating official documents. Many organizations, as well as individuals, prefer PDF as the prominent way to share information. Whether it is a single-page file or an entire hundred-page book, PDF stores the data without harming its integrity and structure. Moreover, it can be accessed on any platform whether a Windows, MAC, or a Linux machine.

Acrobat and Adobe Reader are the two prominent applications required to view PDF files on MAC, Windows, and Android devices. Being such a diverse and widely used format, PDF files show unusual behavior in certain situations. For instance, if you have recently upgraded from an earlier Windows version to Windows 10 then you are most likely to face “PDF files won’t open in Windows 10” kind of error messages while dealing with PDF files. Typically, such errors are common to Windows 10 users.

Reasons for “PDF files won’t open in Windows 10” error

As the reasons for getting an error are not always certain, there might be many possible reasons for such errors to occur in Windows 10. Let us have a quick view of the reasons that led to such errors on Windows 10.

• Corrupt PDF file
• Inappropriate installation of PDF reader applications
• PDF reader application being out-dated
• Use of incompatible software for PDF file generation

Fortunately, you can undo the clutches of this fatal error by executing some manual trouble shooting techniques. You can also opt. for automated methods like repair the PDF using some third-party software. Apparently, a simple way to repair Adobe PDF files is to use third-party software.

Manual Methods to Fix “PDF Files Won’t Open in Windows 10” error

The error can be undone by following some manual trouble shooting techniques. These are some common manual fixes that can help you get rid of the “Can’t open PDF in Windows 10” situation.

Manual fix 1: Update Adobe Acrobat

Updating your Adobe Acrobat Reader might help in fixing the issue. Sometimes out-dated versions may have conflicts with the PDF you are trying to open.

To update your Adobe Acrobat reader application, follow the steps given below:

1. Launch Adobe Reader on your system.
2. Click Help located in the toolbar menu and select Check for Updates…

It will update your Acrobat Reader to the latest version available. Now, try opening the files again. In case your Acrobat Reader is not working properly, you can use other instances like Microsoft Edge. For that, you must know How to Open PDF Documents in Microsoft Edge.

Manual fix 2: Disable Sandbox Protection

If you have Sandbox Protection mode activated on your Adobe Reader, you may face trouble while opening PDF files.
Consider enabling the Sandbox Protection mode; in order to do so all you have to do is:

1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader and click on Edit from the toolbar menu.
2. Select Preferences.
3. Select Security (Enhanced) tab from the category located on the left panel. Then, uncheck Enabled Protected Mode at startup checkbox from the Sandbox Protections section.

Manual fix 3: Try re-installing Adobe Acrobat Reader

There might be some installation errors, and so some essential services are lacking in your Acrobat Reader. Try re-installing the software. Try reinstalling the software. It can re-install easily via the application itself, just click Help >> Repair Installation.


In case all these methods fail to resolve the issue and you are still facing the error situation, then your PDF may have gone corrupt. Try taking help from trusted third-party software. In this regard, we have also highlighted an advanced software solution for your PDF corruption issues.

Kernel for PDF Repair is an efficient software product that deals with all kinds of corruption issues in your PDF files. It repairs corrupt PDF files and restores the data completely in its original form. Here is how the tool works:


1. Launch Kernel PDF Repair and click on Select File(s) button to locate and add the corrupt PDF files.
2. Once the files are added, review the list in case any unwanted files are added to the interface. You can select the unnecessary files and click the Remove Files(s) button to remove them from the list. Click Repair to initiate the repair process.
3. The repair process starts, all the repaired files will automatically get saved to the same location. Click on highlighted links to get to that folder.

Final Words
PDF files are used extensively for the exchange of data. Its compatibility with multiple platforms makes it even more reliable. But, like every other file format, uncertainties do occur with PDFs as well. This article covers all the information regarding inaccessibility and corruption of PDF files. And based on that, suggested some manual ways to fix the issue along with an ultimate professional PDF Repair solution for guaranteed repair of any level of corruption issues in the PDF files. It got a simple GUI, advanced algorithms, and interactive features to provide successful results in no time.