PDF Editing Issues

Fix PDF Editing and Fill & Sign Not Working in Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 10

Camila Milosovich Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to edit and sign a PDF document on Windows 10 but is unable to do so because the browser does not support these features.

How to Fix PDF Editing and Fill & Sign Not Working in Windows 10

Product: Internet Explorer 11
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Attempting to use the Fill & Sign tool or edit a PDF document directly within an outdated web browser.
Observed behavior: PDF editing tools fail to work, and the browser displays a specific error message stating that the Fill & Sign feature is unavailable.

Before you start

Ensure that your Windows 10 operating system is up to date and check if your PDF file is protected with a permissions password, which might restrict editing and signing regardless of the software used.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Dedicated Desktop PDF Editor

Switching to a dedicated desktop application bypasses browser limitations and provides full access to comprehensive PDF editing and signing tools.

Internet Explorer 11 lacks the underlying technology to support modern PDF editing frameworks. Installing a dedicated desktop program is the most reliable way to fill, sign, and modify PDF documents.

Install a PDF application

Download and install a free or premium desktop PDF application, such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat Reader, onto your Windows 10 computer.

Open the PDF locally

Right-click your PDF file, hover over 'Open with', and select your newly installed PDF desktop application instead of a web browser.

Access Fill & Sign tools

Navigate to the top toolbar, click on the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Edit' tab, and use the provided tools to type into form fields or draw your digital signature.

Desktop Advantage: Desktop applications work offline and offer significantly more formatting control than browser-based PDF viewers.

Solution 2

Switch to a Supported Modern Web Browser

If you prefer not to install desktop software, switching to a modern web browser will restore basic Fill & Sign functionality.

Powerful PDF Editor

Edit and Sign PDFs Easily with WPS Office

Avoid browser compatibility issues completely. WPS Office includes a robust, built-in PDF editor that lets you modify text, fill out forms, and apply digital signatures natively on Windows 10.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select the PDF document you need to edit or sign.
3. Select Fill & Sign: Navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the top ribbon and click on the 'Fill & Sign' button.
4. Create your signature: Click 'Sign', choose to type, draw, or import an image of your signature, and place it on the document.
5. Save changes: Click the 'Save' icon at the top left or press Ctrl+S to save your newly signed PDF.

Built-in Fill & Sign feature for fast and secure document authorizationEasily edit PDF text, images, and pages just like a Word documentHighly compatible with Adobe PDF standards and form fieldsLightweight, fast, and completely free to use for basic reading and signing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Fill & Sign unavailable in Internet Explorer 11?

Internet Explorer 11 is an outdated browser that does not support the modern web scripts and HTML5 features required for advanced PDF capabilities like Fill & Sign. You must use a modern browser like Chrome or Edge, or a dedicated desktop PDF editor.

Can I edit a PDF for free on Windows 10?

Yes, you can use a free desktop application like WPS Office. Simply open the PDF in WPS Office, navigate to the Edit tab, and you can modify text, insert images, or add signatures without needing a premium subscription for basic tools.

How do I add a drawn signature to a PDF without printing it?

Open your PDF in a dedicated editor like WPS Office. Go to the Fill & Sign tab, select 'Sign', and choose the 'Draw' option. You can use your mouse or trackpad to draw your signature directly onto the screen, then place it anywhere on the document.

PDF Troubleshooting