Fix Acrobat Opening Two PDF Tabs in Internet Explorer
Question details
After updating Adobe Acrobat or Reader to version 19.010.20064, PDF files open in two Internet Explorer tabs, causing digitally signed submissions (such as with Topaz signature pads) to fail.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening and digitally signing PDF documents within the Internet Explorer web browser.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking a PDF link causes Internet Explorer to open duplicate tabs, which interrupts the workflow and prevents digital signature submissions from completing successfully.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer to install software updates, and save any pending work in your open PDF documents and browser tabs before restarting.
Update Adobe Acrobat or Reader to Patch 19.010.20069 or Later
Installing the official patch released by the engineering team resolves the known bug that triggers duplicate tabs and signature submission failures.
The double-tab issue is a known glitch introduced specifically in version 19.010.20064 of Adobe Acrobat and Reader. The Adobe engineering team has released a high-priority patch (19.010.20069 or newer) to correct this behavior and restore normal digital signing workflows.
Open the Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader application from your desktop or Windows Start menu.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates' from the drop-down list.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install patch version 19.010.20069 or the latest available release.
Restart your computer, open Internet Explorer, and try the PDF digital signing workflow again to confirm the duplicate tab issue is resolved.
Use WPS Office to Open and Sign PDF Documents
Avoid browser plugin glitches and duplicate tab errors by using WPS PDF to natively open, view, and digitally sign your PDF documents securely.
- 1. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office on your computer and click on the 'PDF' tab in the main interface.
- 2. Open your Document: Click 'Open' and select the PDF file you need to view or sign from your local drive.
- 3. Access Signature Tools: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon to add your digital signature.
- 4. Apply and Save: Insert your signature, apply it to the document, and save the file securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Internet Explorer open two tabs when I click a PDF link?
This is a known bug introduced in Adobe Acrobat and Reader version 19.010.20064. The browser plugin malfunctions and triggers a duplicate tab. Updating to Adobe patch 19.010.20069 or later resolves this issue.
Why are my Topaz signature pad submissions failing in Internet Explorer?
The duplicate tab bug in the older Acrobat update interrupts the active browser session and form submission process. This prevents digital signatures and form data from being verified and submitted correctly.
Can I fix the PDF double-tab issue without updating Acrobat?
While updating is the recommended official fix, you can temporarily work around the issue by downloading the PDF file to your local drive and opening it directly in a standalone PDF reader instead of inside the Internet Explorer browser.
How do I check my current Adobe Acrobat version?
Open your Adobe Acrobat or Reader application, click on the 'Help' menu at the top, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat' or 'About Adobe Reader'. A dialog box will appear displaying your current version number.
