Fix Acrobat Reader Errors When Previewing PDFs in Outlook
Question details
Users are encountering errors when attempting to view PDF attachments in the Outlook preview pane or local PDF files in Windows Explorer.
- Product
- Outlook, Windows Explorer, Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Clicking on a PDF attachment inside Microsoft Outlook or selecting a PDF file in Windows Explorer to view it via the preview pane.
- Observed behavior
- The preview fails to load correctly, often triggering an unintended background Acrobat Reader process and displaying an error message, even if a valid PDF reader is already installed.
Ensure your Windows operating system, Microsoft Office applications, and PDF reader software are fully updated, as outdated versions frequently cause preview handler conflicts.
Set the Default PDF Application in Windows Settings
Correcting the default PDF application association ensures that Windows and Outlook utilize the proper preview handler without triggering conflicts.
Sometimes installing multiple PDF readers or receiving background updates can break the default registry associations. Re-assigning the default PDF reader forces Windows to rebuild this connection.
Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows Settings menu, then click on 'Apps'.
Select 'Default apps' from the left sidebar, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click on 'Choose default apps by file type'.
Scroll through the alphabetical list until you find the '.pdf' extension. Click on the application currently listed next to it.
Select your preferred PDF reader (such as Acrobat Pro, Acrobat Reader, or WPS Office) from the pop-up list to set it as the default owner.
Close Microsoft Outlook and Windows Explorer completely, then reopen them to test the PDF preview pane.
Update and Repair Your PDF Installation
If setting the default app does not work, the installed PDF software's preview handler might be corrupted and requires a repair.
Read and Preview PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office
Tired of Acrobat Reader conflicts and Outlook preview errors? WPS Office includes a fast, built-in PDF reader that integrates flawlessly with Windows. By setting WPS as your default PDF application, you can bypass complex preview handler errors and view files securely.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the latest version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Access Default App Settings: Right-click any PDF file on your computer, select 'Open with', and click 'Choose another app'.
- 3. Select WPS Office: Choose WPS Office from the list, check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click OK.
- 4. Preview Without Errors: Restart Microsoft Outlook and select any email with a PDF attachment to instantly view it in the reading pane without errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook say 'This file cannot be previewed because of an error with the following previewer'?
This error generally occurs when the registry keys for the PDF preview handler are corrupted, the PDF software is outdated, or the default PDF application is misconfigured in Windows settings.
Does 64-bit Outlook require a specific PDF reader?
Yes. If you are using a 64-bit version of Microsoft Office, you must ensure that your installed PDF reader includes a 64-bit compatible preview handler for the Outlook reading pane to function correctly.
How do I turn on the preview pane in Microsoft Outlook?
Open Microsoft Outlook, go to the 'View' tab on the top ribbon, click on 'Reading Pane', and choose either 'Right' or 'Bottom' to enable attachment previews.
Can I disable the PDF preview feature in Outlook for security reasons?
Yes. Navigate to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Attachment Handling. Here, you can check 'Turn off Attachment Preview' to disable all previews, or click 'Attachment and Document Previewers' to uncheck specific formats like PDF.
