How to Fix RMS-Protected PDFs Not Opening in Acrobat Reader
Question details
The user is unable to open an RMS-protected PDF directly from SharePoint and receives an error stating that a different reader is required.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open a Rights Management Services (RMS) protected PDF file hosted on SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat Reader blocks the file from opening, displaying a message that a different reader is required.
Ensure your internet connection is stable and that you have the correct SharePoint permissions to access the rights-managed document.
Update and Repair Acrobat Reader
Applying the latest application updates and repairing potential corruptions can resolve compatibility issues with Microsoft Information Protection plugins.
Acrobat Reader requires the latest updates and an intact installation directory to properly read RMS-protected documents.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader, navigate to the 'Help' tab on the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to install the latest version.
If you are on Windows, click on 'Help' again and select 'Repair Installation' to fix any missing or corrupted application files.
Once the update and repair processes are complete, restart your computer to ensure all background services and registries are refreshed.
Open the PDF Locally and Verify Plug-ins
Opening a protected file directly from a SharePoint browser environment can trigger reader errors. Downloading it bypasses network-level blocks.
Temporarily Adjust Security Preferences
Adobe's Enhanced Security sandbox may misidentify the RMS protection as a threat. Disabling it temporarily can help isolate the problem.
Switch to WPS Office for a Streamlined PDF Experience
If you frequently struggle with slow loading times or compatibility prompts in heavy PDF readers, consider using WPS Office. It offers a fast, lightweight, and comprehensive PDF reader and editor tailored for all your document needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint say a different reader is required for my PDF?
This prompt appears because the PDF is encrypted with Microsoft Rights Management Services (RMS), and your current browser or PDF reader lacks the required Microsoft Information Protection plug-in to decrypt and view the contents safely.
What is the Microsoft Information Protection plug-in?
It is an official security extension for PDF viewers that allows users to authenticate and open documents protected by Microsoft RMS or Azure Information Protection, ensuring that only authorized users can read the file.
Is it safe to disable Enhanced Security in Adobe Reader?
Generally, no. Disabling Enhanced Security removes the sandbox protections that prevent malicious code from executing. You should only disable it temporarily to troubleshoot a specific, highly trusted document, and you must re-enable it immediately after testing.
