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How to Open PDF Files in Microsoft Edge with Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user wants to open PDF files directly within Microsoft Edge using Adobe Acrobat, but legacy plug-ins are no longer supported by the browser.
- Product
- Microsoft Edge / Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to view PDF files within the Microsoft Edge browser environment using the Adobe Acrobat engine.
- Observed behavior
- The legacy Adobe Acrobat or Reader ActiveX plug-in fails to load or function in the modern Microsoft Edge browser.
Ensure your Microsoft Edge browser is updated to the latest version. If you prefer utilizing Adobe tools natively, verify that you have the standalone desktop version of Adobe Acrobat or Reader installed on your system.
Install the Adobe Acrobat Extension for Microsoft Edge
Since legacy ActiveX plug-ins are disabled, you must install the official, modern Microsoft Edge extension provided by Adobe to view PDFs within the browser.
Modern browsers rely on modern extension frameworks rather than old ActiveX controls. Adobe has released an updated extension specifically designed for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store.
Type 'Adobe Acrobat: PDF edit, convert, sign tools' in the search bar.
Click the 'Get' button, then click 'Add extension' in the pop-up window to confirm the installation.
Once installed, click the Adobe Acrobat icon in your toolbar and follow the prompt to 'Make Adobe Acrobat my default PDF viewer in Microsoft Edge'.
Use Microsoft Edge's Built-in PDF Viewer
Microsoft Edge comes with a highly capable native PDF reader that requires no additional plugins or downloads.
Download the PDF and Open in the Desktop Application
For advanced editing or filling out complex forms, it is best to bypass the browser entirely and open the document in the full Adobe Acrobat Reader desktop app.
Easily View, Edit, and Manage PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office includes a powerful desktop PDF editor that bypasses browser limitations entirely. It allows you to view, edit, annotate, and manage multiple PDF files smoothly without relying on outdated web extensions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
- 3. Set as Default Viewer: Right-click any PDF file on your computer, select 'Open with', choose 'WPS Office', and check the box to 'Always use this app to open .pdf files'.
- 4. Start Editing: Double-click your PDF files to open them instantly in WPS PDF, where you can read, modify text, and add signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Adobe Acrobat plug-in stop working in Microsoft Edge?
Modern versions of Microsoft Edge are built on the Chromium engine and no longer support legacy ActiveX plug-ins, which the older Adobe Acrobat browser extensions heavily relied upon.
Can I force Microsoft Edge to open PDFs in the browser instead of downloading them?
Yes. Open Edge and navigate to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > PDF documents. Ensure that the 'Always download PDF files' toggle is turned off.
How do I change my default PDF viewer in Windows from Edge to Adobe Acrobat?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps. Scroll down and click 'Choose default apps by file type'. Locate the '.pdf' extension and click on Microsoft Edge to change the associated app to Adobe Acrobat.
Why can I not open more than one PDF file at a time in Adobe Acrobat DC?
This can happen if your Acrobat settings are misconfigured. Open Adobe Acrobat, go to Edit > Preferences > General, and ensure the box for 'Open documents as new tabs in the same window' is checked.
