PDF Opening Issues

How to Open Excel PDF Hyperlinks in Default PDF Application

Muhammad Talha Oct 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants PDF hyperlinks in an Excel spreadsheet to open in their computer's default desktop PDF application rather than inside a web browser.

How to Open Excel PDF Hyperlinks in Your Default PDF Application

Product: Excel
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Clicking a hyperlink in an Excel workbook that points to a PDF file.
Observed behavior: Excel automatically opens cloud-based or HTTPS PDF links in the default web browser instead of the locally installed PDF reader.

Before you start

Verify whether your linked PDF files are stored on a local drive or hosted on a cloud platform like SharePoint, as this dictates how Excel processes the link.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Default PDF Reader and Format Local File Links

Configure Windows to open PDFs in your preferred desktop app and format your Excel hyperlinks using local file URLs.

Hyperlinks using HTTPS (such as SharePoint links) are inherently web URLs and will always default to opening in a web browser. To launch a desktop PDF application, the link must point to a local or network drive path.

Set Default PDF App in Windows

Right-click any PDF file on your computer, select 'Open with', then choose 'Choose another app'. Select your preferred PDF software, check 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click OK.

Format Hyperlink in Excel

Open your Excel spreadsheet and use the HYPERLINK function with a local file URI format. Type =HYPERLINK("file:///C:/Path/To/Your/File.pdf", "Open Document").

Test the Hyperlink

Click the newly created link in your spreadsheet. Excel will now bypass the web browser and launch the local file directly in your default PDF reader.

Set Default PDF Reader and Format Local File Links

Sharing Local Links: Local file URLs will only work for colleagues if they have access to the exact same file path (like a shared network drive). Excel does not support Windows environment variables like %username% directly within hyperlink formulas.

All-in-One Office Suite

Manage Spreadsheets and PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office

WPS Office is a comprehensive suite that includes powerful spreadsheet and PDF editing tools built right into a single workspace. You can manage your data and open linked PDFs natively without switching apps.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free on your Windows device.
2. Set as Default PDF Reader: During installation or in your Windows settings, set WPS Office as your default application for viewing PDF files.
3. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your document containing the PDF hyperlinks.
4. Click to Open in a New Tab: Click any local PDF link. The document will instantly open in a new tab within your existing WPS Office window, avoiding browser pop-ups entirely.

Open and read PDFs directly within the same application interfaceFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and hyperlink functionsLightweight, tabbed workspace for effortless multitaskingFree built-in PDF reader and editor to streamline your workflow

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my SharePoint PDF links open in a web browser?

SharePoint and other cloud services use HTTPS links. When you click an HTTPS link in Excel, it sends the request to your system's default web browser, which then uses its own built-in PDF viewer to display the file.

Can I use the %username% variable in an Excel hyperlink?

No, Excel's HYPERLINK function does not natively resolve Windows environment variables like %username%. If you need to share a file across different users, it is better to use a shared network drive path.

How do I make a local PDF link work for other users?

To ensure local links work for multiple users, the PDF file must be stored on a shared network drive mapped to the exact same drive letter for everyone, and the hyperlink must use that shared path (e.g., file:///Z:/SharedFolder/File.pdf).

PDF Troubleshooting