SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Not Opening PDF Files in Desktop App

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to open PDF files stored in SharePoint directly in their desktop PDF reader, even when the open in client application setting is enabled.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open SharePoint PDF files locally using a default desktop PDF application instead of the web browser.
Observed behavior: PDF files continue to open in the web browser because the SharePoint client application setting does not recognize PDF links.

Before you start

Ensure you have a reliable desktop PDF reader installed on your computer. Note that SharePoint's default web behavior natively restricts direct desktop launching for non-Microsoft file formats.

Solution 1Recommended

Sync SharePoint Library to File Explorer for Desktop Access

Since SharePoint natively forces PDFs to open in the browser, syncing the document library to your local computer is the most effective workaround to open them in a desktop app.

The 'Open in client application' setting in SharePoint applies exclusively to supported Microsoft Office file extensions (such as .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx) and does not control PDF links. As a result, clicking a PDF will always open it in the web browser by default.

To bypass this limitation and open PDFs in your local desktop software, you need to sync the SharePoint document library to your PC or use the download feature.

Navigate to the SharePoint library

Open the web browser and go to the SharePoint document library where your target PDF files are stored.

Click the Sync button

Locate and click the 'Sync' button in the top command bar of the document library. Allow any pop-ups requesting permission to open Microsoft OneDrive.

Access the synced folder

Once the sync is complete, open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and navigate to the newly added SharePoint folder, usually listed under your organization's name.

Open the PDF locally

Double-click the PDF file from the synced folder. It will now bypass the browser and open in your system's default desktop PDF application.

Submit Feedback to Microsoft: If you require native support for opening PDFs directly into a desktop app from the web interface, Microsoft recommends submitting this feature request through the official SharePoint feedback community.

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1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free installation package from the official WPS website and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
2. Set WPS as Your Default PDF Reader: Right-click any PDF file on your computer, select 'Open with' > 'Choose another app', select WPS Office, and check the 'Always use this app' box.
3. Open Synced Documents: Navigate to your locally synced SharePoint folders and double-click any PDF or Office document to instantly open it in WPS Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint ignore the Open in client application setting for PDFs?

The 'Open in client application' setting is strictly designed for native Microsoft Office file types. SharePoint does not recognize third-party PDF readers as supported client applications for this specific web feature, thus defaulting to the browser's built-in PDF viewer.

Can I force SharePoint to open PDFs in a desktop app directly from the browser?

No, there is currently no native SharePoint setting that allows direct desktop launching for PDFs from the web interface. You must either sync the document library using OneDrive or manually download the file first.

Will downloading the file change how it opens?

Yes. Once a PDF file is downloaded to your local hard drive, opening it will utilize your operating system's default PDF application rather than the web browser viewer.

How can I request Microsoft to add this PDF feature?

You can suggest this feature by visiting the official SharePoint Feedback Community portal. Submitting feedback helps Microsoft prioritize future updates and integration capabilities.

Document & File Issues