Fix PDF Files That Will Not Open in SharePoint Online
Question details
The user needs to resolve PDF files that fail to open or preview in SharePoint Online when the Adobe Document Cloud browser add-in is installed.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint Online with Adobe Document Cloud browser add-in
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user tries to open or preview PDF files stored in a SharePoint Online document library from a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files do not open or preview because the Adobe Document Cloud browser add-in interferes with SharePoint Online's built-in PDF viewer.
Confirm whether the Adobe Document Cloud browser add-in is installed and enabled in your browser, and note which browser you are using because extension settings differ between Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
Disable or Remove the Adobe Document Cloud Browser Add-in
Use this solution when SharePoint Online PDF preview stops working and the Adobe Document Cloud add-in is installed.
SharePoint Online has a built-in PDF viewer, but the Adobe Document Cloud add-in can intercept PDF requests and prevent previews from loading.
In Chrome or Edge, click the browser menu, select Extensions or Manage extensions, and locate Adobe Document Cloud in the installed list.
Turn off the Adobe Document Cloud toggle or click Remove, then close the extensions tab.
Close and reopen the browser, return to the SharePoint Online document library, and select the PDF file to confirm it previews.
Download the PDF and Open It in WPS Office
Use this workaround when preview remains blocked or when you need reliable offline PDF access.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative for Opening PDFs from SharePoint Online
When SharePoint Online previews fail because of the Adobe Document Cloud browser add-in, WPS Office gives you a free, lightweight way to download and open PDFs locally. It keeps Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF format compatibility with a familiar ribbon interface, so you can keep working without waiting for the browser viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Adobe Document Cloud add-in always block SharePoint Online PDF previews?
It can. When the add-in is installed and enabled, it may intercept PDF requests and prevent SharePoint's built-in PDF viewer from loading. Disabling or removing it usually resolves the issue.
Will deleting the Adobe browser add-in affect Adobe PDF files on my computer?
No. Removing the browser add-in only changes how PDFs open in the browser. Local Adobe applications and PDF files on the computer are not removed.
What should I do if SharePoint PDFs still do not open after disabling the add-in?
Try downloading the PDF and opening it in WPS Office. If browser preview still fails in SharePoint Online, review Adobe's web viewing guidance and contact Adobe Support because the preview issue is tied to Adobe software.
Can WPS Office open PDF files downloaded from SharePoint Online?
Yes. WPS Office can open, view, annotate, and convert downloaded PDFs, and it offers compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.
Is WPS Office free to use as a Microsoft Office alternative?
Yes. WPS Office provides a free version with PDF and Office format support, a familiar ribbon interface, and easy migration from Microsoft Office.
