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Fix SharePoint PDFs Opening Slowly After 64-Bit Acrobat Reader Install
Question details
User experiences slow loading times when trying to open PDF files in SharePoint after upgrading their Adobe Acrobat Reader to the 64-bit version.
- Product
- SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Accessing and opening PDF documents stored within SharePoint libraries using a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files take significantly longer to load or display after the user transitioned from the 32-bit to the 64-bit version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Verify whether you are using SharePoint Online or SharePoint Server, and ensure your web browser is fully updated before troubleshooting PDF extensions.
Adjust Browser PDF Integration Settings
Modifying how your browser handles PDF documents can quickly bypass conflicts caused by the 64-bit Acrobat add-in.
Slow loading times are often tied to how the browser communicates with the PDF handler rather than the SharePoint architecture itself. Forcing the browser to use its native viewer can improve speed.
Navigate to the settings menu of your web browser (e.g., Edge or Chrome) and search for 'PDF documents'.
Set the browser to 'Open PDFs in browser' instead of downloading them or forcing them to open in the external desktop application.
Return to your SharePoint document library, refresh the page, and click on a PDF file to see if the loading speed has improved.
Modify Acrobat Reader Preferences
Changing specific security and rendering preferences in Acrobat Reader can resolve performance delays when interfacing with SharePoint.
Revert to 32-Bit Acrobat Reader
If compatibility issues persist with the 64-bit version, rolling back to the 32-bit version is a reliable workaround.
Experience Lightning-Fast PDF Viewing with WPS Office
If you are struggling with slow PDF loading times and plugin compatibility issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides an ultra-fast, built-in PDF reader alongside full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, ensuring seamless document management.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite on your device.
- 3. Set as Default PDF Reader: Right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', choose WPS Office, and check the box to always use this app for blazing-fast access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does upgrading to 64-bit Acrobat Reader slow down PDF loading in SharePoint?
The delay is typically caused by how the newer 64-bit PDF handler or browser add-in integrates with your specific web browser, leading to compatibility bottlenecks rather than a SharePoint server architecture issue.
Does SharePoint Online require a specific 32-bit or 64-bit client application?
No. SharePoint Online is a cloud service accessed entirely through a web browser. It does not rely on a local 32-bit or 64-bit client application, meaning issues are usually browser or local-software related.
How can I tell if I am using SharePoint Online or SharePoint Server?
Check your browser's address bar. SharePoint Online URLs typically include 'sharepoint.com'. If you are using SharePoint Server, the URL will usually feature a custom company domain without the '.sharepoint.com' suffix.
What should I do if PDFs are still slow after reverting to the 32-bit reader?
If performance does not improve after testing different browsers and reverting to the 32-bit version, contact Microsoft or Adobe Support with detailed screenshots of your environment to investigate deeper network or tenant-level issues.
