How to Open PDF Documents in Microsoft Edge?

Read time 4 minutes

Windows 10 has Edge as its default web browser instead of Microsoft’s traditional web browser, Internet Explorer, in all the devices. Also, Microsoft Edge is now the default pdf reader to open and view pdf files in Windows 10 supported workstations.

Unable to Open PDF Files in MS Edge?

The earlier versions of Windows (Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1) have a universal PDF support that allows opening PDF files using Acrobat Reader, Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, or similar programs. But after making an upgrade to Windows 10, PDF files are automatically opened in PDF Explorer even if the Acrobat Reader is installed on the machine.

Microsoft Edge provides only minimal access controls (like zoom in, zoom out, print, etc.) and lacks some convenient features, like, sending the PDF as an attachment with Outlook. Also, the file can become inaccessible, and MS Edge may indicate some error messages. Simply, Edge users often face issues while opening PDF files in their browser.

Change the Default PDF Viewing Setting in MS Edge

Set the default PDF viewing settings in MS Edge as given below:

Set MS Edge as the default program for opening PDF files

1. Reach Control panel and open it.
2. On the Control panel home, select Default Programs..
3. Select the “Associate a file type or protocol with a program.”
4. Search for PDF entry and select Change Program option.
   
5. When a pop-up appears on the screen, then select the Microsoft Edge program to open the PDF file.
6. Now, select and check on Always use this app to open .pdf.
7. Click OK to save the changes.

Switching to Acrobat XI /Reader XI

You may also change your default settings from MS Edge to Acrobat Reader XI or a similar program for opening PDF files. For this:

1. Select PDF file and then right click on it.
2. Select Open with option, and click Choose another app.
3. Select the Adobe Acrobat option, when the dialog box is displayed on the screen.
4. Checkmark the Always use this app to open .pdf box to save the settings for future use.
   

How to Open Inaccessible PDF Files?

If the user has changed the default PDF reader from Microsoft Edge to some other program while upgrading to Windows 10, use the following instructions to make Microsoft Edge as default PDF viewer again.

1. Select and right-click the PDF file.
2. Choose Open with, and then select Choose another app.
3. After selecting Choose another app, select Edge to make it the default PDF reader.

Conclusion

Though Edge is the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, users are often hesitant to use Microsoft Edge PDF viewer for various reasons. As the option to change the default settings is available, users can try to switch to other PDF viewing programs like Acrobat Reader. But if any PDF inaccessibility issues are encountered even after that, you may try a PDF repair tool.