Fix Cannot Open PDF Directly from Hotmail in Internet Explorer
Question details
The user is unable to open PDF email attachments directly from Hotmail using Internet Explorer, even though the files download successfully.
- Product
- Internet Explorer, Hotmail, PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Clicking to open a PDF attachment directly from an email within the Hotmail web interface using the Internet Explorer browser.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF attachment downloads successfully but fails to launch or display directly within the browser window.
Ensure that your Internet Explorer browser and your desktop PDF reader software are updated to their latest versions to avoid outdated plugin compatibility issues.
Download the PDF Attachment Before Opening
If the browser's built-in PDF viewer or plugin is failing, downloading the file to your local drive is the most reliable workaround.
Browser plugins for older versions of Internet Explorer can sometimes conflict with webmail interfaces like Hotmail. Bypassing the browser viewer ensures the file opens safely in your dedicated desktop application.
Click the download icon or link next to the PDF attachment in your Hotmail email.
When prompted by Internet Explorer, choose 'Save as' and select an easily accessible location, such as your Downloads folder or Desktop.
Navigate to the saved location using Windows File Explorer and double-click the PDF file to open it in your default desktop PDF reader.
Check and Enable the PDF Browser Add-on
Incorrectly configured browser plugins can prevent PDFs from launching directly in Internet Explorer.
Use WPS Office as Your Default PDF Reader
Bypass browser plugin errors entirely by downloading your Hotmail PDF attachments and opening them instantly with the fast, lightweight WPS PDF reader.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office free from the official website.
- 2. Locate Downloaded PDF: Right-click any PDF file you have downloaded from Hotmail to your computer.
- 3. Change Default App: Select 'Open with' and choose 'Choose another app'.
- 4. Set WPS as Default: Select 'WPS Office', check the box for 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click OK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDFs download instead of opening in Internet Explorer?
This usually happens if the PDF browser add-on is disabled, outdated, or if the browser's security settings prevent active document content from launching directly from webmail clients like Hotmail.
How can I stop Hotmail from blocking PDF attachments?
Check your browser's security zones. Go to Internet Options > Security > Trusted sites, and add the Hotmail/Outlook URL to ensure the browser allows file downloads and executions from your email.
Will updating my browser fix the PDF opening error?
Yes, updating from an older browser like Internet Explorer to a modern browser (like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome) often resolves legacy plugin compatibility issues with PDF attachments.
How do I find the PDF I just downloaded from Hotmail?
Press Ctrl + J while in Internet Explorer to open the Download Manager, or check your computer's default 'Downloads' folder using Windows File Explorer.
