Microsoft Edge, the default web browser for Windows, includes a built-in PDF viewer that allows users to open and interact with PDF files directly within the browser. While this feature is convenient for many, some users may prefer to use an alternative PDF reader for advanced functionality or personal preference.
Disabling the Edge PDF viewer requires adjusting system or browser settings to ensure PDF files are handled by your preferred application.
Why Disable the Edge PDF Viewer?
The Edge PDF viewer is integrated into the browser, offering basic functionality such as viewing, annotating, and printing PDFs. However, it lacks advanced features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition), batch processing, or extensive editing tools.
If you rely on these features, switching to a dedicated PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, or SumatraPDF may be more efficient. Additionally, some users may find the Edge PDF viewer’s interface limiting or prefer a standalone application for better performance.
Step 1: Change Default PDF App in Windows Settings
To disable the Edge PDF viewer, you must first change the default application for opening PDF files in Windows. This ensures that PDFs are no longer automatically opened in Edge. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to Apps and select Default apps from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the .pdf file type and click on the current default app (likely Microsoft Edge).
- Select your preferred PDF reader from the list of available applications.
Once completed, PDF files will open in your chosen application instead of Edge. However, this does not entirely disable the Edge PDF viewer, as it remains the default handler for PDFs opened within the browser.
Step 2: Disable Edge PDF Viewer via Browser Settings
To prevent Edge from opening PDFs internally, you need to adjust the browser’s settings. This ensures that PDFs are downloaded or opened externally when accessed via Edge. Here’s how:
- Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll down and click on Cookies and site permissions.
- Under the Permissions section, locate and click on PDF documents.
- Toggle off the option labeled Always open PDF files externally.
This setting ensures that PDFs are no longer opened within Edge, even if they are accessed via a link or downloaded from the web.
Step 3: Modify Edge’s PDF Handling via Registry Editor
For advanced users, modifying the Windows Registry can provide a more permanent solution to disable the Edge PDF viewer. This method requires caution, as incorrect changes to the registry can cause system instability. Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
- If the Edge key does not exist, right-click on Microsoft, select New > Key, and name it Edge.
- Right-click on the Edge key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AlwaysOpenPdfExternally.
- Double-click the new value and set its data to 1.
This registry modification forces Edge to open PDFs externally, bypassing its built-in viewer entirely.
Step 4: Verify the Changes
After completing the above steps, verify that the changes have taken effect. Open a PDF file from your desktop or download one from the web. If the file opens in your preferred PDF reader instead of Edge, the settings have been applied successfully. If not, revisit the steps to ensure all configurations are correct.
Alternative PDF Readers to Consider
Once the Edge PDF viewer is disabled, you can explore alternative PDF readers that offer advanced features. Some popular options include:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader: A feature-rich application with extensive editing and annotation tools.
- Foxit Reader: A lightweight yet powerful PDF reader with cloud integration.
- SumatraPDF: A minimalistic, open-source PDF reader ideal for quick viewing.
Each of these applications provides unique functionalities, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs.