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Fix PDFs Opening in Microsoft Word: How to Read and Create PDF Files

Steve K Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a reliable way to read and create PDF files, specifically wanting to stop PDFs from automatically converting and opening as Microsoft Word documents.

How to Fix PDFs Opening in Microsoft Word and Create PDF Files

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Opening downloaded or locally saved PDF files using Windows 10 File Explorer or web browsers.
Observed behavior: PDF files automatically open as editable Word documents instead of displaying securely in a standard PDF reader format.

Before you start

Ensure you have a dedicated PDF reader installed on your computer, as relying solely on Microsoft Word will cause the application to attempt to convert the PDF into an editable text document.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10

Reconfigure your Windows 10 settings so that PDF files are automatically routed to a proper PDF viewer instead of Microsoft Word.

By default, Windows may associate the .pdf file extension with Microsoft Word or a web browser. Changing the default file association will ensure your PDFs open in their native, read-only format.

Locate a PDF File

Find any .pdf file saved on your desktop or within File Explorer.

Open the Context Menu

Right-click on the PDF file, hover over 'Open with' in the dropdown menu, and select 'Choose another app'.

Select a Dedicated PDF Reader

Scroll through the list of applications and click on your preferred PDF reader (such as Foxit PDF Reader, WPS Office, or Adobe Acrobat).

Apply Default Settings

Check the box at the bottom that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click 'OK' to save your new settings.

Change the Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10

Default Changed Successfully: All future PDF files you download or open will now launch directly in your chosen PDF reader instead of converting to Microsoft Word.

Solution 2

Create PDF Files Using Microsoft Word

Use the built-in export features of Microsoft 365 to securely generate PDF files from your existing Word documents.

Read and Create PDFs Seamlessly

Use WPS Office as Your All-in-One PDF and Document Solution

Instead of paying for an expensive external PDF license or struggling with forced Word conversions, use WPS Office. It features a robust, built-in PDF toolkit that allows you to read, create, and edit PDF files flawlessly alongside its powerful Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office free on your Windows PC.
2. Access the PDF Tools: Open the WPS Office desktop app and click on the 'PDF' tab on the left sidebar to enter the dedicated PDF workspace.
3. Read PDF Files: Click 'Open' and select your PDF, or simply drag and drop the PDF file into the WPS interface for instant viewing.
4. Create PDF Files: Open any existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file within WPS Office, click 'Menu', select 'Export to PDF', and save your new file securely.

Read, create, and annotate PDF files natively without needing third-party plugins.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, ensuring seamless handling of .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files.Free, lightweight, and incredibly easy to use with a familiar tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my PDFs keep opening as Word documents?

This happens when Microsoft Word is set as the default application for handling .pdf files in Windows 10. Word uses a feature called 'PDF Reflow' to convert the static PDF into an editable document. To stop this, you must change your default app settings to associate .pdf files with a dedicated PDF reader.

Can I create a PDF file directly in Microsoft 365?

Yes, you can natively create PDF files within Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Simply open your document, go to 'File', click 'Save As', and select 'PDF' from the file type dropdown menu before saving.

Do I need to buy a permanent license just to read PDF files?

No, you do not need to purchase a license to view PDF files. There are many reliable and free PDF readers available for Windows 10, including Foxit Reader, built-in web browsers like Microsoft Edge, or all-in-one productivity suites like WPS Office.

Document & File Issues