PDF Not Opening in Edge? Here’s How to Open It

Read time: 9 minutes

Since PDF files are widely used for invoices, eBooks, contracts, reports, newsletters, user manuals, and so on, people think that they must have a reliable PDF viewer to open PDF files with a smooth and easier viewing experience. You don’t always need a specific PDF viewer application like Adobe Acrobat or others. Microsoft Edge has a built-in PDF viewer, and you can open, read, search, highlight, print, and even annotate PDF files in it.

If your Edge isn’t opening PDF files, or you are unsure how to open PDF in Microsoft Edge, this guide will help. You’ll learn multiple ways to open PDFs and effective fixes for PDF not opening in Edge issue as well.

Is Microsoft Edge Good for Opening PDF Files? Why People Prefer It

Microsoft Edge itself includes a built-in PDF reader that helps users to open most PDF documents directly. Some of the useful capabilities that make it a favorite option are:

• Open PDFs with no dependency on additional add-ons or software
• Direct search for words or phrases within a document
• Use Read Aloud for improved accessibility
• Print or save PDF documents
• Open password-protected PDFs
• Generate PDF file summary via Copilot

Note: To open protected PDFs, you must have Windows 11 or previous versions through Windows 8, or macOS versions 10.12 and above.

Proven Ways to Open PDF in Edge: All Methods Explained

To open PDF in Edge, you can use any of the methods discussed below. Understand each and choose the one that is easier for you:

Method 1: Double-Click on PDF

The double-click to open PDF technique works when your Edge is already configured as your default PDF application. Otherwise, you need to set Edge as the default app for PDF. Follow these steps:

1. Locate and go to the folder that has PDF in File Explorer.
2. Double-click the PDF that you want to open.

Method 2.Open PDF using CTRL+O in Microsoft Edge

Instead of the double click technique, you can still open PDF in Edge using the CTRL+O. Here is how:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and press Ctrl + O. The browser’s window will open.
2. Locate and select your PDF file, then click Open.

The PDF file will be opened in a new tab.

Note: You can also drag and drop your PDF files directly into Microsoft Edge to open them. It is the quickest way, and you can open multiple PDFs in Edge in no time.

Method 3. Open a PDF Within a Website

Several websites provide documents, from manuals and research papers to invoices and forms, in PDF format. However, every PDF is associated with a link. You now just need to click the PDF link, and Microsoft Edge usually opens it directly in the browser. Sometimes Edge downloads the PDF instead of opening it. In that case, adjust your PDF handling settings and open PDF in Edge without downloading.

Method 4. Use “Open With” Option to Open PDF File in Edge

Open With option is another way you can use to open PDF file in Edge. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Locate and right-click the PDF file, then tap on Open with.
2. Choose Microsoft Edge from the given options.

Your PDF file will be opened in Microsoft Edge.

Note: If Edge doesn’t appear in the list, click Choose another app, select Microsoft Edge.

Features Beyond Viewing PDFs: What Else Can You Do

Opening a PDF file in Edge is just the beginning; you can use many other features and work with your PDF file. Know the features and descriptions from the table given below:

Facing PDF Not Opening in Edge Issue? Let’s Find the Right Causes

Sometimes PDF files fail to open even though Edge supports them. With improper browser-related settings and damaged PDF files, you may encounter PDF not opening issue in Edge. Some other causes are as follows:

• Outdated Microsoft Edge
• Interfering browser add-ons
• Incorrect PDF handling settings
• Damaged browser cache data

Fixes to Follow When You’re Unable to Open PDF in Microsoft Edge

If PDF files won’t open in Windows 10 from the Microsoft Edge web browser, you need to follow resolution on the basis of the cause. However, it is tedious to find the real cause.

Method 1. Clear Browser Cache

Corrupted or damaged cache data make browsers inconvenient. Immediately delete browser cache to fix unable to open PDF files in Microsoft Edge. Steps to follow are:

1. Open Edge, click on the three dots, and select Clear Browsing Data.
2. Look under Delete browsing data and click Choose what to clear.
3. Select the files you want to remove and click Clear now.

Method 2. Check PDF View Settings in Edge

Wrong PDF view settings can also get you in a situation where you are unable to open PDF files in Microsoft Edge. Instead, it will download the PDF file. To open PDF in Edge without downloading, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Open Edge and click on the three dots, then hit Settings.
2. Move to Privacy, search and services, then select Site permissions.
3. Click on PDF documents and turn off Always download PDF files accordingly.

Method 3. Update Microsoft Edge

Usually, an updated Edge performs better. It also fixes various internal issues automatically. Follow the steps below to update Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Settings and click About Microsoft Edge.
2. If any update is available, then install it and click Restart.

Method 4. Repair Microsoft Edge

If you have not installed Microsoft Edge properly, then you may be unable to open PDF files in Microsoft Edge. Repair Edge with the steps mentioned below:

1. Close all tabs in Edge. From the Start Menu, go to Settings, select Apps, then tap on Installed Apps.
2. Click on the three dots next to Microsoft Edge and select Modify.
3. Repair Microsoft Edge window will appear; click Repair.

Method 5. Disable Troublesome Edge Extensions

Sometimes, incorrect or faulty extensions stop Edge from opening the PDF document. Disable the troublesome extensions with the following steps to open a PDF in the web browser:

1. Open Edge, tap on the three dots, then select Extensions, and tap on Manage Extensions.
2. Disable all add-ons and open PDF file. If opened, enable add-ons one by one. Remove the faulty one if found.

Method 6. Reset Edge Web Browser

If the issue is still not resolved, then you should try to reset the Microsoft Edge web browser. Here are the steps to do so:

1. In Edge, tap on the three lines and go to Settings.
2. Click on the Reset settings option, then tap on Restore settings to their default values.
3. It will open the Reset settings window; click on Reset.

How to Repair Corrupted PDF Files? Must-Follow Way

When you open a PDF file in a different browser or PDF viewer, and it won’t open, the PDF file is corrupted or damaged. You must repair it to get accessibility again. Several times, a basic workaround can work and repair corrupted PDF files.

If the PDF file is severely corrupted or you get abnormal results with the basic workarounds, then a deep repair is needed. Kernel PDF Repair tool is such a utility that effectively scans and repairs corrupted PDF files even in bulk, at any level of corruption or damage.

During the process, it keeps the complete data structure the same as the original; this means there will not be any change in the original formatting and layout of PDF content. Even hyperlinks, images, as well as other elements of PDF remain accessible; you can open PDF file in any browser or a PDF-specific application.

Conclusion

Now that you know possible ways to open PDF file in Edge. Whether Edge is your default PDF application or not, you can open PDF file easily. However, sometimes Edge fails to do so due to file-specific and browser-specific issues. In such a case, use the provided methods to resolve the PDF not opening issue in Edge.

Since PDF files are useful, they also get corrupted due to poor file management. Manual ways to repair a PDF file are effective at a certain level. Hence, to get your PDF working in any browser or PDF viewer, you must try the PDF repair solution as a direct approach.

Frequently Asked Questions