How to Fix PDF from opening in Edge on Windows 10/11

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction


Like most popular browsers, Microsoft Edge also comes with built-in PDF tools that allow Windows users to read PDF files without having to use a third-party PDF tool.

In this guide, you'll learn how to fix PDF from opening in Edge on Windows 10/11.

2. How to Fix

1. Install Adobe Reader from the official source

  1. Adobe Reader is a feature-reach PDF tool known for its comprehensive set of tools that let you easily edit PDFs, create and convert PDFs, annotate them, and more. 

2. Use a different browser

  1. First, download the PDF file to your computer.

  2. Open the folder where the file is stored.

  3. Right-click on the PDF file and select Open with.

  1. Now from the list of apps, select Opera Internet Browser.

  2. The PDF file should open without any error now. 

 

3. Clear Microsoft Edge cache

 

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge and go to Menu and Settings.

  2. Click on the Lock icon (Privacy and Security) option.

  1. Under Browsing data, click on Choose what to clear.


  1. Select cache data and files and click on Clear.

  2. Relaunch Microsoft Edge and check for any improvements.
  • Long story short, the default cleaning state selects the caches that need to be cleaned, including those present in your browsers.

4. Check for Windows Updates

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.

  2. Go to Update and Security.

  1. Click on Windows Updates and check for any pending updates.

  2. Download and install the update and check if the update has resolved the error.

5. Activate UAC

  1. Press Windows  Key + R to open Run.

  2. Type Control and press OK to open the Control Panel.

  3. Click on User Account > User Account. Click on Change User Account Control Settings.


  1. Now move the slider to the second level to Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default).

  2. Click OK to save the changes.

  3. Relaunch Microsoft Edge and try to open the PDF document. It should open without any error.

6. Re-register Microsoft Edge

 

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).


  1. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and hit Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose} 

  2. Close Windows PowerShell window and relaunch Edge. Try to access the PDF document again and check for any improvements.
  • There you go, these are just a couple of simple methods that you can use to fix Something that’s keeping this PDF from opening error.