How to fix Microsoft Edge error not opening PDF files?

Question

Issue: How to fix Microsoft Edge error not opening PDF files?

Hello. Since installing Creators Update (V1703), Microsoft Edge is preventing PDF files from opening. I have tried resetting the default apps with no success. When I click on a PDF file while browsing I get the error saying this site is not responding. I tried opening the same files on Firefox and it worked. What can I do to remedy this?

Answer provided

Microsoft Edge web browser has a default PDF reader in Windows 10, but users still face certain issues when trying to open the web link or launch a particular file. Some errors in particular appear on the screen when the file cannot be opened. There may be issues that can be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps to fix Microsoft Edge not opening PDF files.

Older versions of Windows like 7, 8 or 8.1 did not have a PDF reader preinstalled by default. Since Windows version 10, users no longer necessarily need to install a third-party tool to view PDF files, as the PDF viewer feature has been integrated into Microsoft Edge. Therefore, when installing Windows 10, Microsoft Edge not only appears as a default internet browser but also as a default PDF reader.

So when users click on a PDF file, the system will automatically launch MS Edge. Unfortunately, it has been found that many people have reported issues with Edge when trying to open PDF files. This problem usually occurs after installing Windows 10 Creators Update or sometimes after regular updates.

How to fix Microsoft Edge not allowing PDF files to be opened issue?

Microsoft Edge may not open some PDF files if they contain data intended for accessibility technologies, such as screen readers like Narrator. There could be other causes, however, such as Edge cache or malware infection. Therefore, before you panic or install a third-party PDF reader, run a scan with Reimage or a recommended anti-malware tool, and restart Microsoft Edge.

You should also clear Edge’s browsing history. If none of these steps fixed the issue with Edge not opening PDF files, check if the PDF file you chose to open is not damaged. In this case, try opening it on a different web browser. The last thing you can do if neither of these methods helps is to open the PDF files using a different reader until another solution is available for the problem.

Here is a video to make it easier for you:

Reset MS Edge as default PDF reader to fix Microsoft Edge not opening PDF files issue

1. Simultaneously press the keys Windows + I to open the Settings.
2. Open Applications and select Default apps.
3. Click on the link Choose default apps by file type.
4. Scroll down until you find the entry .PDF and click on Edge beside.
5. Select any other PDF reader from the list and set it as the default PDF reader temporarily.
6. Then reset Edge as the default drive and close Settings.
7. In order to apply the changes, it is advisable to restart the PC.

Repair Microsoft Edge to fix Microsoft Edge issues

1. Simultaneously press the keys Windows + I to open the Settings.
2. Select Applications and open Applications and Features.
3. Locate and click on the entry Microsoft Edge.
4. Find the link Advanced options and open the page Using storage and resetting the app.
5. On this page there must be the options To fix and Reset. Click on To fix (this does not delete the data).
6. To confirm the choice, click on the button To fix and close Settings.
7. Restart Microsoft Edge and see if the issue has been resolved.

Clear cache in Microsoft Edge to fix Microsoft Edge not opening PDFs issue

1. Launch the browser, then navigate to the page Settings.
2. Search Confidentiality, research and services and under Clear browsing data, click on Choose the items to erase.
3. Choose Cached images and files and click on Clear now.

If none of these tips fixed the fact that Edge won’t open PDF files, our final recommendation would be to temporarily use a different PDF reader until Microsoft releases a fix. To learn how to set another tool as the default PDF reader, see the tutorial on this page.

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