How to Stop PDFs from Opening Inside Internet Explorer
Question details
The user wants to prevent PDF files from automatically opening within the Internet Explorer browser window.
- Product
- Internet Explorer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or downloading PDF files from the web using the Internet Explorer browser.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files continue to open directly inside Internet Explorer instead of downloading or opening in an external PDF reader, even when the extension appears missing.
Ensure you have a dedicated desktop PDF reader installed on your computer so that you can open and view your PDF files after disabling the browser integration.
Disable the Adobe PDF Reader Add-on in Internet Explorer
Disabling the PDF add-on forces Internet Explorer to download the PDF file instead of rendering it natively in the browser window.
Internet Explorer uses browser add-ons to display specific file types natively. If PDFs are opening in the browser, an add-on like Adobe PDF Reader is likely active in the background.
Start Internet Explorer and click the Tools gear icon located in the top right corner of the browser window.
Select 'Manage Add-ons' from the dropdown menu to open the browser's extension settings.
Click on 'Toolbars and Extensions' in the left pane. Then, open the 'Show' drop-down menu and select 'All Add-ons'.
Locate 'Adobe PDF Reader' in the list, select it, and click the 'Disable' button.
Click 'Close' and restart Internet Explorer to apply the new settings.
Change Your System's Default PDF App
If the PDF add-on is missing from Internet Explorer, the issue may be caused by Windows system settings forcing the browser to act as the default PDF handler.
View and Edit PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Instead of relying on outdated browsers like Internet Explorer to handle your documents, use WPS Office as your primary PDF reader. It provides a secure, standalone environment for opening, editing, and managing your PDF files without browser interference.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Set as Default PDF Reader: Right-click any PDF file on your computer, select 'Properties', and change the 'Opens with' application to WPS Office.
- 3. Open Your PDF Documents: Double-click your PDF files to open them instantly in the WPS PDF interface instead of a web browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PDF files open in the browser instead of downloading?
Most browsers, including Internet Explorer and Chrome, have built-in PDF viewers or enabled add-ons designed to display PDFs natively for convenience. This intercepts the standard download process.
What should I do if the Adobe PDF Reader add-on is not listed in Internet Explorer?
First, ensure you have selected 'All Add-ons' in the 'Show' dropdown menu under Manage Add-ons. If it still does not appear, your Windows Default Apps settings might be forcing the file to open in Internet Explorer. You will need to change your default PDF viewer in your system settings.
Is Internet Explorer still safe to use for viewing PDFs?
No. Internet Explorer is an obsolete browser and is no longer supported or updated by Microsoft. Viewing files in unsupported browsers can expose your system to security risks. It is highly recommended to use a modern browser or a dedicated desktop PDF reader.
