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Summary: Is your Outlook PDF preview not working, and you’re struggling to fix it? Here are the best solutions! Try enabling the Outlook PDF Preview handler, deleting temporary files, repairing Outlook Profiles, etc., and other methods we will discuss in the article. If you found the corruption/damaged issue in the PDF file, consider the Best PDF Repair Tool for an ultimate and secure solution.

"My manager sent me a project documentation in a PDF file, but I found the Outlook PDF Preview not working correctly when I opened the PDF file. Is there any problem with the previewer? Can I fix Outlook PDF preview not working issue quickly so I can complete my assignment on time?"

Many users often report that the Outlook PDF preview handler fails to work whenever they open their necessary PDF attachments. However, the PDF preview issue in Outlook is quite common but annoying, halting the normal workflow and productivity. Thus, it is important to fix Outlook PDF preview handle quickly for a smoother email experience.

To help you out, we’ll guide you through simple, step-by-step solutions that easily fix Outlook PDF preview not working issue. Whether Adobe is problematic, Outlook has issues, or the PDF is corrupted, you will get complete guidance for resolution. Here’s the fix!!

Why is Outlook PDF Preview Not Working?

There are several reasons why the PDF preview handler not working in Outlook issue occurs. Some of the most common reasons are:

  • Outdated Outlook/PDF reader program.
  • Software/security firewall conflicts.
  • The PDF file is password-protected.
  • Corrupted/damaged PDF file.
  • Presence of faulty add-ins in Outlook.
  • Absence of a right PDF reader application
  • Missing or disabled PDF preview handler.

After understanding the reasons, let’s now learn how to fix PDF preview in Outlook effortlessly.

Basic Tips to Fix Outlook PDF Preview Not Working Issue Quickly

You can follow the below-mentioned important troubleshooting to fix Outlook PDF preview not working issue quickly: These are:

  • Update your Outlook program.
  • Close all background applications.
  • Ask the sender to resend the PDF files.
  • Keep your PDF Reader application updated.
  • Start Outlook in Safe mode and then open the PDF file.
  • Ensure a stable internet connection while downloading PDF file.

If the above tips don’t fix Outlook PDF preview handler not working in Outlook issue, then you need to execute the other effective solutions.

Fix Outlook PDF Preview Not Working Issue? [Top 5 Solutions]

Here are some proven methods that will help you fix Outlook PDF preview handler not working in Outlook issue. Understand each method and pick that suits you:

Method 1. Enable Outlook PDF Preview Handler

Outlook cannot preview PDF attachments when the PDF preview handler is disabled. So, follow the below steps to check and enable PDF preview handler:

Step 1. Open Outlook, go to the File tab, and tap on Options.

Step 2. Click Trust Centre, then Trust Centre Settings.

Step 3. Tap on the Attachment Handling tab and uncheck the Turn off Attachment Preview option if it is checked.enable outlook pdf preview handler

Now, restart the Outlook application and try to open PDF files.

Method 2. Disable Faulty/Incompatible Add-Ins

Sometimes, Add-ins interfere with smooth functionalities and result in the Outlook PDF preview not working issue. To disable Outlook add-ins, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Open the Outlook program, click on the File tab, and tap Options.

Step 2. Select Add-ins and click the Go button.

Step 3. Uncheck all Add-ins and click OK to disable them.disable faulty add ins

Method 3. Repair Outlook Profile

Outlook cannot preview PDF attachments when the profile is corrupted or misconfigured. So, repair your Outlook profile immediately to fix Outlook PDF preview not working issue. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open Control Panel, go to the Mail program, and tap on Show Profiles.

Step 2. Now, select your Outlook profile and click Repair.

Step 3. Input the required fields (Incoming Mail & Outgoing Mail) and click Next.repair outlook profile

This process will repair your Outlook profile, allowing you to preview PDF files easily. If the issue persists due to Outlook data file corruption, use the PST Repair Tool to fix corrupted PST files and restore full preview functionality.

Method 4. Repair Microsoft Outlook

Repairing Outlook is necessary when it displays error messages or other issues, such as loading or freezing issues. It can also fix Outlook PDF preview handler issue automatically. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Go to Control Panel and tap on Programs and Features.

Step 2. Select your Microsoft Program, right-click, and tap on Change.

Step 3. Choose between Quick Repair & Online Repair and tap on Repair.repair microsoft outlook

After a while, the repair process will be completed. Restart your system and try to open PDF file.

Method 5. Delete Temporary Files

Deleting temporary files enhances system performance, boosts storage, and resolves software issues. So, delete temporary files to fix Outlook PDF preview not working issue. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue box.

Step 2. Input %temp% in the dialogue box and click OK.

Step 3. Now, go to the path below and delete all temporary files and folders in the path.

C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\INetCache\\Content.Outlook or C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Temporary Internet Files\\Content.Outlook.

The above methods are highly effective to fix Outlook PDF Preview handler issue but fail when the PDF file is highly corrupted. So, you need to repair corrupted/damaged PDF files quickly to resolve Outlook PDF preview not working issue.

How to Repair Corrupted/Damaged PDF Files Permanently?

Repairing PDF files is easy, but it becomes a bit complex with manual methods. Moreover, manual processes don’t guarantee complete recovery, require consecutive steps, and may damage the layout or cause data loss in PDF files. Thus, you need an automated tool to repair PDF file corruption.

Kernel PDF Repair is the best tool for repairing broken, damaged or corrupt PDF files without data loss. It uses advanced algorithms to recover entire texts, images, digital signatures, and other elements from a corrupted PDF in a few easy steps. Moreover, you don’t need to be a tech expert to use this tool; even a novice can operate and use all its features effectively. Hence, the Outlook PDF preview not working issue will be fixed after repairing the PDF files.

Wrapping Up

It is frustrating when your Outlook cannot preview PDF attachments. However, you can fix it easily. Try the tips and methods mentioned above, and if there is a problem with the PDF file, then opt for best tool to fix Outlook PDF preview not working issue. You can install the tool on any Windows OS and try its free trial version with all the features. So, don’t let a preview issue slow you down! Download now!!

FAQs: What do People Ask?

Q. Why can’t I open PDF attachments in Outlook? How to fix this issue?

A. Generally, outdated Outlook, corrupted PDF files, misconfigured Outlook, or broken attachment links are the main reasons for cannot open PDF attachments in Outlook issue. You can try several solutions to fix this issue, like updating Outlook, repairing Outlook issues, disabling the preview attachment features, etc.  

Q. Can I fix the Outlook PDF preview issue without using any tools?

A. Yes, you can try enabling the preview handler, updating Outlook, disabling add-ins, or deleting temporary files before using a third-party repair tool.

Q. Does a corrupted PDF cause preview issues in Outlook?

A. Yes, a corrupted or damaged PDF file can prevent Outlook from displaying its preview. In such cases, PDF repair tools like Kernel PDF Repair are recommended for effective resolution.

Q. Is it safe to delete temporary files to fix Outlook preview issues?

A. Yes, deleting temporary files can help fix software glitches and improve performance without harming your important system data.

Kernel for PDF Repair
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