How to Stop SharePoint PDF Links from Opening in a New Tab
Question details
The user wants to prevent hyperlinks embedded inside a PDF from opening in a new browser tab when the document is displayed using the SharePoint File Viewer.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing a PDF document embedded in SharePoint that contains hyperlinks directing to other SharePoint pages.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking the hyperlinks inside the PDF viewer forces the destination pages to open in completely new browser tabs instead of the current active tab.
Verify your SharePoint site permissions and ensure your browser allows redirects, as you may need to explore custom development forums to alter default SharePoint behaviors.
Seek Custom Development in Microsoft Q&A
Because SharePoint does not offer a built-in toggle to change this PDF link behavior, you will need to request a custom script or web part solution from Microsoft developers.
By default, the SharePoint File Viewer overrides internal PDF link settings and forces all hyperlinks to open in a new tab to prevent users from accidentally navigating away from the document library. Modifying this requires customized web-based solutions.
Launch your web browser in Incognito or Private Browsing mode to ensure a clean session without cached account conflicts.
Go to the Microsoft Q&A Community website, which is the official hub for Microsoft development and customization queries.
Click the sign-in button and enter your personal Microsoft account or your Microsoft 365 work/school account credentials.
Create a new thread detailing your issue with the SharePoint File Viewer, specifically asking for a custom web part or script that forces PDF links to open in the same tab.
Manage Your PDFs Offline with WPS Office
While SharePoint controls how PDFs behave online, creating and formatting your PDF documents before uploading is essential. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring robust PDF editing capabilities and seamless compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite, then open the WPS PDF application.
- 3. Edit Your PDF Links: Open your PDF file, navigate to the 'Edit' tab, and use the 'Link' tool to adjust your document's internal hyperlinking properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDF links in SharePoint automatically open in a new tab?
This is an intentional design choice by the SharePoint File Viewer web part. It forces external and internal links to open in a new tab so that users do not lose their place in the current document library or SharePoint page.
Can I change the link behavior using a desktop PDF editor before uploading?
While many desktop PDF editors allow you to set link properties (such as 'Open in same window'), the online SharePoint File Viewer generally overrides these document-level settings with its own web-based viewing rules.
What should I do if the Microsoft Q&A sign-in page is unresponsive?
If the sign-in page freezes or clicking your account does nothing, it is likely a browser cache issue. Try opening the portal in a different web browser or use an Incognito/Private browsing window to bypass stored credentials.
