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How To Disable The PDF Reader in Edge on Windows 10

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How To Disable The PDF Reader in Edge on Windows 10

Microsoft Edge has a built-in PDF reader that automatically opens PDF files within the browser. While convenient for many, some users prefer to disable this feature, especially if they use a different PDF viewer or want to prevent Edge from opening PDFs directly. Disabling the PDF reader in Edge can help streamline your workflow, improve security, or simply give you more control over how PDFs are opened on your Windows 10 device. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to turn off the integrated PDF viewer in Edge, ensuring you can customize your browsing experience according to your preferences.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 PC with Microsoft Edge installed (default browser)
  • Administrator access to modify browser settings

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Microsoft Edge browser on your Windows 10 PC.
  2. Click on the three-dot menu icon (located at the top-right corner of the window) to open the Edge menu.
  3. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu to open the Edge settings page.
  4. In the Settings sidebar, click on “Cookies and site permissions”.
  5. Scroll down and click on “PDF documents” under the “Site permissions” section.
  6. Toggle off the switch labeled “Always open PDF files externally”. This setting disables the built-in PDF viewer and forces PDFs to open with your default external PDF application (like Adobe Acrobat Reader or another program).
  7. Close the Settings tab. Your changes are saved automatically.
  8. Test the change by clicking a PDF link or opening a PDF file in Edge. It should now open in your designated external PDF viewer instead of within the browser.

Common Mistakes

  • Not toggling the “Always open PDF files externally” switch, which leaves the built-in viewer active.
  • Confusing the setting with other PDF-related options, such as download preferences.
  • Not restarting the browser after changing settings, which may prevent the changes from taking effect.
  • Trying to disable the PDF reader through Windows settings rather than within Edge, which won’t work for this specific feature.

Tips

  • If you want PDFs to open in a specific external app, set that app as your default PDF viewer in Windows.
  • To re-enable the built-in PDF viewer, simply toggle the switch back on in the “PDF documents” settings.
  • Keep your Edge browser updated to ensure all settings and features work correctly.
  • If you encounter issues, try clearing browser cache or restarting your PC.

Troubleshooting

If disabling the PDF reader in Edge doesn’t work as expected, try the following:

  • Ensure you are editing the correct settings in the latest version of Edge. Sometimes, updates change menu locations.
  • Clear your browser cache and cookies, then restart Edge to apply the new settings.
  • Check your Windows default app for PDFs: go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, and make sure your preferred PDF viewer is set as the default.
  • If PDFs still open in Edge, try resetting Edge settings to default or reinstalling the browser.
  • Use the command line or Group Policy Editor for more advanced control if necessary, especially in enterprise environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I disable the PDF reader in Edge permanently?

Yes, by toggling off the “Always open PDF files externally” setting, PDFs will always open in your external viewer, effectively disabling the in-browser PDF reader.

2. Will disabling the PDF reader affect my ability to view PDFs in Edge?

No, PDFs will still open, but they will do so in your default PDF application instead of within the browser.

3. How do I revert this change if I want to re-enable the PDF viewer in Edge?

Simply go back to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > PDF documents, and toggle the “Always open PDF files externally” switch back on.

4. Is this setting available in the latest version of Edge?

Yes, this feature has been available since recent updates of Edge, but menu locations might vary slightly with updates.

5. Can I disable the PDF reader for specific sites only?

Edge’s settings for PDFs are generally global. For site-specific controls, consider using site permissions or extensions.

6. What external PDF viewers are recommended?

Popular options include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, and SumatraPDF. Set your preferred app as the default in Windows settings.

Disabling the PDF reader in Edge is a straightforward process that gives you more control over how PDFs are handled on your Windows 10 device. Whether you’re seeking a streamlined workflow or enhanced security, following these steps will help you customize your browsing environment effectively.

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How To Disable The PDF Reader in Edge on Windows 10
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