PDF won't open? How to fix PDF files not opening error

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her starting time Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things engineering science, especially emerging technologies -- AI and Dna computing in... Read more

Posted: April 2020

  • It is truly frustrating when PDF files won't open up due to outdated Adobe Reader or damaged PDF files.
  • If you can't open PDF files after upgrading to Windows x, cheque for Adobe Reader settings.
  • Besides, make sure that Adobe Reader or Acrobat is the default program to open PDFs.
  • You can try to repair the program if the PDF file is not opening and you are sure is non corrupted.

PDF files won't open fix

Did yous recently upgrade your computer or install Windows 10 and now you are having problems opening PDF files?

Then you have come to the right place. There are many factors that can forestall a PDF file from opening in Acrobat or Adobe reader, including Reader or Acrobat is out of date or the pdf file is damaged.

Also, yous can have this problem if the files were created with not-Adobe programs or you are trying to open some suspicious PDF files. Furthermore, the program itself, Reader or Acrobat, can exist damaged.

When trying to open a PDF file, the organisation does non give any error message nor does it open the file. Only a busy icon appears for a few seconds and then nothing, not even a blink of a new window/frame.

This issue tin likewise exist termed as the mother of all PDF problems in Windows 10. In this tutorial, we are going to talk over the causes as well as give you lot solutions that might fix the issues. So let'southward get started.

What can I practise if I tin can't open PDF files in Adobe Reader?

1. Install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat

If you are using an outdated Adobe Acrobat version, and then it might non be well placed to open all your PDF files. Adobe updates its Acrobat and Reader apps on a regular basis.

That'south why we tin merely encourage you to download the software from Adobe's official distribution page. While there, selection the electric current Os system version and hit the Download Now  button.

Grabbing the latest version will most likely ready conflicts with your arrangement. That will make a huge difference if the current one is corrupted.

Moreover, the latest fixes and security improvements volition proceed Adobe Acrobat running smoothly at all times.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Prepare all of your PDF-related bug by using the earth's virtually well-known PDF editor and reader to open the files.

2. Disable the Protected style at startup

  1. Open Reader. You can type Adobe in the search box for ease of admission.pdf files
  2. Click the Edit push in the peak left corner.pdf_files_2
  3. Coil down the Edit carte du jour until you encounter Preferences, then click on it.pdf files-preferences
  4. A new window volition open with various categories. Select Security enhances by clicking on it.pdf_files_security-3
  5. Under the Sandbox protections , disable the Protected mode at startup by unchecking the box.pdf_files_5_protected_mode
  6. Many users reported of having fixed the outcome by performing this process.

Note: The core of this problem lies in the settings. If the in a higher place procedure does not ready the issue, then read on to discover what might be the cause, and the possible solution to fix the problem.

We as well have a consummate guide on how to set corrupted or damaged PDF on Windows that tin can offer alternatives to solve this problem quickly.

Download a third-party universal file opener

If you lot cannot fix these bug, we would strongly recommend using a third-party tool. FileViewer Plus is a universal file viewer for Windows that can open and brandish over 300 different file types.

The new updated version offers improved PDF support for better rendering and converts PDF selectively page by folio.

Yous can download a free fully-functional trial from the official website or buy information technology at an affordable price.

3. Inquire the sender to resend the file if it is damaged

Adept Tip: Some PC issues are difficult to tackle, particularly when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If yous are having troubles fixing an error, your system may exist partially cleaved. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click hither to download and commencement repairing.

This is not a very common problem, but it'due south possible that the program that was used to brand the PDF file did non create it perfectly. At times, the PDF file may as well comprise corrupt data.

Moreover, if the file was transferred using a USB or website, chances are that information technology may not take transferred to the stick or uploaded to the website perfectly.

The easiest way to define this is to effort opening another PDF file and if it opens, then yous'll know that the file in question is damaged. The easiest solution is to ask the sender to resend the file.

iv. Revert to an earlier version for non-compliant PDFs

At times you may try to open several PDF files on your Windows 10 PC and they neglect to open because they were created from non-Adobe products.

PDF files created from non-Adobe products don't ever comply with the PDF standards and specifications hence exercise not open in Adobe Acrobat or Reader.

Also, earlier versions of Adobe Acrobat or Reader are not as strict every bit the newer versions. Then, when using the latest version you might non be able to open up a PDF file that you used to open in the older version of the app.

If you trust the creator of the file and its origin, so you should consider reverting to an earlier version of Acrobat or Reader to open up the file.

Reverting to an older version will require you to showtime uninstall the version of the Reader or Acrobat currently on your drive.

five. Repair program installation

pdf_files_repair

Adobe Acrobat or Reader, or the resources they rely on could be damaged, hence unable to execute their functions finer. The solution hither is to repair the installation.

You tin use the control panel to perform the repair procedure or open the program and choose Help > Repair program installation which is easier.

Most of the problems you lot volition encounter when opening PDF files volition be due to ane of the cases discussed above. Information technology's also important to ensure that your operating system recognizes PDF.

For instance, Microsoft Edge is not just the default browser in Windows 10 but also the default PDF reader. Y'all can alter that so every bit to make Reader or Acrobat your default PDF reader.

The to a higher place solutions will help yous address the issue with PDF files that won't open up afterwards you have upgraded your system.

Did you find this commodity useful? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments section beneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Damaged PDF files the almost common causes of this issue. In our quick guide, yous tin discover solutions for PDF files that are not opening.