How to Enable the PDF Reader in Microsoft Edge

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A computer screen displaying a PDF document in Microsoft Edge.

If you've recently switched to Microsoft Edge, enabling the built-in PDF reader will allow you to open and read PDF files directly in your browser without any additional software. This process is simple and can be completed in just a few steps. Here’s how to enable the PDF reader in Edge.

How do I enable the PDF reader in Edge?

Prerequisites

  • Microsoft Edge installed on your computer.
  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on the three-dot menu icon (•••) located at the top right corner of the browser window.
  3. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
  4. In the Settings menu, click on Cookies and site permissions in the left panel.
  5. Scroll down to find PDF documents and click on it.
  6. You will see an option that says Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Edge. Make sure this option is turned off. If it's on, click the toggle to switch it off.
  7. Close the Settings tab. You should now be able to open PDF files directly in Edge.

Is the PDF reader already enabled?

To check if the PDF reader is already enabled in Edge, follow these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on the three-dot menu icon (•••) at the top right corner.
  3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
  4. Navigate to Cookies and site permissions on the left side.
  5. Find PDF documents in the list and click on it.
  6. Look at the option for Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Edge. If this option is turned off, the PDF reader is enabled. If it's turned on, you will need to turn it off to enable the reader.

What if I can't open PDF files?

If you find that the PDF reader in Edge won't open, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Ensure that the PDF reader is enabled by following the steps in the previous section.
  2. Check for any updates for Microsoft Edge. Click the three-dot menu (•••), go to Help and feedback, and select About Microsoft Edge. The browser will automatically check for updates.
  3. If Edge is up to date but still not opening PDFs, try clearing your browser cache. Go to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear and select the appropriate options.
  4. Restart Edge and try opening the PDF file again.

Are there any settings I should be aware of?

In addition to enabling the PDF reader, consider these settings:

  • Enable or disable PDF annotations: Edge allows you to annotate PDFs. This feature can be accessed in the PDF document viewer once you open a PDF.
  • Default PDF viewer: If you have other PDF applications installed, you might want to set Edge as the default viewer for PDF files. Right-click on any PDF file, select Open with, then Choose another app, and select Microsoft Edge. Check the box that says Always use this app to open .pdf files to set it as default.

FAQs about Edge PDF Reader

  1. Can I print PDFs from Edge? Yes, you can print PDFs directly from Edge. Open the PDF and click on the print icon or press Ctrl + P.
  2. Does Edge support filling out PDF forms? Yes, Microsoft Edge supports filling out forms in PDF files, allowing you to enter text and save your changes.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to enable the PDF reader in Microsoft Edge and troubleshoot common issues, you can easily view and manage your PDF documents. If you encounter any further problems, consider checking the Microsoft support forums for additional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print PDFs from Edge?

Yes, you can print PDFs directly from Edge. Open the PDF and click on the print icon or press `Ctrl + P`.

Does Edge support filling out PDF forms?

Yes, Microsoft Edge supports filling out forms in PDF files, allowing you to enter text and save your changes.