How to Open Excel PDF Hyperlinks in a Single Foxit Instance
Question details
The user wants to force Excel hyperlink formulas pointing to PDF files to open within a single Foxit PDF Editor application window, rather than launching a new instance for every clicked link.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel, Foxit PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Clicking multiple PDF hyperlinks from rows within an Excel spreadsheet.
- Observed behavior
- Each clicked hyperlink opens the PDF file in a completely new Foxit PDF application window instead of opening as a new tab within the already active instance.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows computer, as changing default application associations may require elevated permissions. Also, verify that Foxit PDF Editor is updated to the latest version.
Configure Foxit Preferences and Windows Default Apps
Microsoft Excel relies on your system's default PDF handler and its internal settings to manage application instances. Adjusting Foxit's preferences and Windows default apps resolves this issue.
Excel does not have a built-in setting to control whether external files like PDFs open in a single or multiple application instances. It simply passes the open command to Windows.
To fix this, you must configure Foxit PDF Editor to allow multiple tabs in one window, and ensure Windows strictly recognizes Foxit as the default PDF app to prevent conflicts with other readers like Adobe Acrobat.
Open Windows Settings, navigate to 'Apps' > 'Default apps', search for the '.pdf' file type, and set 'Foxit PDF Editor' or 'Foxit Reader' as the default application.
Launch Foxit PDF Editor. Click on the 'File' menu in the top-left corner and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown list.
In the Preferences dialog, select 'Documents' from the left-hand pane. Look for the 'Open Settings' section and check the option labeled 'Allow multiple instances' (ensure it is unchecked to keep everything in one window) and ensure 'Allow tabbed browsing' is enabled. Click 'OK' to save.
Close and reopen Microsoft Excel. Click on your PDF HYPERLINK formulas to verify that subsequent PDFs now open in new tabs within the same Foxit window.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet and PDF Handling
If managing external PDF reader instances like Foxit or Adobe becomes frustrating in Microsoft Excel, consider WPS Office. It features a built-in PDF viewer directly alongside your spreadsheets within a single, tabbed application interface, completely eliminating multi-window clutter.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open your .xlsx file. Click any PDF hyperlink to view it natively in an adjacent tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I force Microsoft Excel to control how external PDF files open?
No, Microsoft Excel does not have a native setting to dictate whether external files open in a new window or a new tab. Excel only sends an execution command to the operating system, which then follows the preferences set within your default PDF application.
Why do my Excel PDF hyperlinks open in Adobe Acrobat even though Foxit is my default?
This happens when Windows still associates specific URL protocols or specific PDF variations with Adobe Acrobat, or if an Adobe add-in within Excel is overriding the system default. You need to access Windows Default Apps and explicitly assign Foxit to all PDF extensions and protocols.
Does the HYPERLINK function behave differently than a standard inserted link?
No, both the Excel HYPERLINK formula and right-click inserted links trigger the system's default file handler identically. Any behavior regarding new tabs or windows must be adjusted in the settings of your PDF software.
