Fix SharePoint PDF Metadata Fields Missing in Microsoft Edge
Question details
Users are unable to see SharePoint PDF metadata fields within the Microsoft Edge information panel.

- Product
- SharePoint and Microsoft Edge
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing SharePoint PDF documents and checking their associated file properties or metadata via the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Observed behavior
- PDF metadata fields unexpectedly disappear, fail to load, or show an alternate interface in the Edge information panel, often accompanied by significant interface loading delays.
Ensure your Microsoft Edge browser is updated to the latest version, and verify whether this metadata issue occurs for all users or just within a specific Edge profile.
Verify and Adjust Microsoft Edge PDF Reader Policies
Modifying the NewPDFReaderEnabled policy in Microsoft Intune or Edge settings can resolve compatibility issues with the built-in PDF viewer.
Microsoft Edge frequently updates its built-in PDF reader, which can occasionally conflict with SharePoint's information pane overlay. Adjusting the PDF handler policy forces Edge to revert or update its rendering method, often restoring the missing metadata.
Open your Microsoft Intune admin center or your local Microsoft Edge Group Policy management editor.
Navigate to the Microsoft Edge policies section and search for the 'NewPDFReaderEnabled' policy setting.
Configure the policy to 'Disabled' or 'Enabled' depending on your current default state to test if it resolves the missing fields.
Restart the Microsoft Edge browser, log back into SharePoint, and open the PDF to check if the metadata fields have returned.

Test with a New Edge Profile and Allow Interface Loading Time
Profile-specific corruption or temporary rendering delays can cause metadata fields to appear blank.
Open a Microsoft Support Ticket
If local browser troubleshooting fails, the issue may require backend intervention from Microsoft Support.
Manage and Edit PDF Metadata Easily with WPS Office
Browser-based PDF readers like Microsoft Edge can sometimes struggle with SharePoint integration and metadata display. For a more stable experience, WPS Office offers a robust, built-in PDF editor. As a free and lightweight Microsoft Office alternative, WPS allows you to seamlessly view, edit, and manage PDF documents locally, bypassing browser rendering issues completely.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Open the PDF Editor: Launch the application and select 'PDF Edit' from the main dashboard.
- 3. Manage Document Properties: Open your downloaded SharePoint PDF and navigate to the document properties to view and edit metadata reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the SharePoint information pane empty when viewing PDFs in Microsoft Edge?
This usually happens due to updates in the built-in PDF reader in Microsoft Edge, which may alter how the information panel is rendered or introduce significant delays when fetching metadata from SharePoint.
Can I disable the new PDF reader in Microsoft Edge?
Yes, administrators can use Microsoft Intune or local Group Policy settings to configure the 'NewPDFReaderEnabled' policy. Toggling this policy can revert the browser to the older PDF handler and often restores the metadata fields.
Does clearing browser cache fix the missing SharePoint metadata?
It can sometimes help. However, creating and testing the PDF in a completely new Edge profile is a more reliable way to determine if local cache or profile-specific settings are the root cause.
How long should I wait for the metadata fields to load?
In some affected Edge configurations, the information pane experiences a noticeable rendering delay. Click the ellipsis (...) to open the pane and wait up to 30 to 60 seconds to see if the interface eventually populates the fields.




