Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Microsoft Edge’s built-in PDF reader lets you open, read, search, annotate, translate, print, and fill many PDFs without installing Adobe Acrobat or a browser extension. It works with online, local, and embedded PDFs in the desktop versions of Edge for Windows and macOS. Edge can add annotations and supported form entries, but it is not a full PDF editor.
What Edge’s PDF reader can do
The reader is built into Edge and updates with the browser. Depending on the Edge build and administrator policy, it may use Edge’s original PDF reader or the Adobe Acrobat-powered rendering engine. The Adobe engine does not install the full Acrobat desktop application or automatically provide its advanced editing features.
| Task | Supported in Edge |
|---|---|
| Read, navigate, search, zoom, rotate, and change page layout | Yes, when the PDF has usable text for text-based features |
| Highlight, draw, and add text annotations | Yes |
| Fill standard PDF fields | Many basic AcroForm fields, if supported |
| Translate selectable text | Yes |
| Read text aloud | Yes, when the PDF has readable text |
| Edit the PDF’s original paragraphs and images or reorganize pages | No, not as a general PDF editor |
| Handle XFA or JavaScript forms | No |
Open a PDF in Microsoft Edge
Open an online PDF
- Select a PDF link on a webpage.
- If Edge is configured to display PDFs internally, the document opens in a new Edge tab.
- Use the PDF toolbar to navigate, annotate, save, or print it.
Open a PDF saved on your computer
In File Explorer on Windows or Finder on macOS, open the PDF and choose Microsoft Edge if your operating system asks which application to use. You can also drag the file into an open Edge window.
If Edge downloads the PDF instead of displaying it, check the PDF download setting and whether an organization has disabled the internal viewer.
#1 Best Overall
- Light and compact - With adjustable brightness, high contrast ratio, and fast page turns.
- Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
- Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
- Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
Make Edge open PDFs internally
- Open a new Edge tab.
- Enter edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments in the address bar and press Enter.
- Turn off Always download PDF files.
You can also go to Settings and more (…) > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > PDF documents. The setting’s wording and location have changed over time; older instructions may call it Always open PDF files externally.
An administrator can enforce the AlwaysOpenPdfExternally policy, which overrides the individual setting and makes Edge treat PDFs as downloads for opening in the operating system’s default PDF application. If the setting is unavailable or keeps reverting, contact your organization’s administrator.
Navigate and view a PDF
The PDF toolbar provides the main reading controls:
- Table of contents: Shows the PDF’s bookmarks or outline, if it contains navigational outline data.
- Search: Finds words or phrases when the PDF has a usable text layer.
- Page controls: Move between pages or enter a page number.
- Zoom: Enlarge or reduce the page.
- Fit to page and Fit to width: Adjust the page to the window.
- Rotate: Changes the page orientation on screen.
- Page view: Switches between single-page and two-page layouts where available.
A PDF can have headings and a visual table of contents without navigational outline data. Edge cannot create a bookmark outline from the page appearance alone.
Select and copy PDF text
- Drag over the text you want to select.
- Right-click the selection.
- Choose Copy or another available command. You can also use Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on macOS.
These actions require a usable text layer. A scanned PDF may contain only page images: it can display normally, but text selection, search, translation, highlighting, and Read Aloud may not work. Use an OCR-capable application first if you need selectable text.
Highlight text
- Select text in the PDF.
- Right-click the selection.
- Choose the highlighting command and a color.
Highlighting may also be available on the toolbar. You can edit or remove highlights with the annotation controls.
Rank #2
- Latest Android Tablet - This android tablet features a quad-core processor, android 15 OS and a 10.1" IPS screen, its smooth operation enables seamless video playback, gaming, and multitasking.
- 12GB RAM/64GB ROM + 1TB Expand - With ample storage capacity that can be expanded up to 1TB via SD card (sold separately), you can confidently store all your photos, videos and files without concerns.
- IPS Display & Dual Camera - Equipped with 10.1" IPS 1280x800 HD screen, 2.0MP front camera/8.0MP rear camera, this android 15 tablet offers you a delightful experience while watching movies, reading books, or making video calls.
- Long Battery Life - Built-in 6000mAh lithium battery, this android tablet provides up to 8 hours of uninterrupted video playback, enabling you to use it for longer periods without any interruptions.
- Worry-Free Service - We offer comprehensive support to put your mind at ease. Our warranty lasts for 1 year. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will respond promptly and assist you in resolving any issues.
Draw or write on a PDF
- Select the drawing or inking tool on the PDF toolbar.
- Choose an ink color and stroke width, if available.
- Draw, write, underline, or mark the page with a mouse, trackpad, stylus, or touchscreen.
Inking adds an annotation; it does not change the original text beneath it. You can use it for notes, signatures made with a stylus, or markup.
Add text to a PDF
To place a text box in a blank area of a page:
- Select Add text on the PDF toolbar.
- Select where the text should appear.
- Type your text.
- Select the text box to move it or change its font, if those controls are available.
This adds a text annotation. It does not replace existing words, edit a paragraph, reflow the document, or change the underlying page content.
Add a comment or text note
In Edge versions that expose comments through the text-selection menu:
- Select the relevant text.
- Right-click the selection.
- Select Add Comment.
- Enter the note and select the check mark to save it.
The selected text is marked and a comment indicator appears. Select the indicator to read or edit the note. The command may not appear for every PDF, Edge version, or organization-managed browser.
Fill out a PDF form
Edge supports many basic AcroForm fields, including standard text fields, check boxes, radio buttons, and basic drop-downs. Select a supported field and enter information as you would in another form.
Some PDFs only look like forms. A scanned application may be a page image with no interactive fields. Use Add text or an application with OCR and form-authoring tools instead.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- 【Android Tablet】Equipped with the latest Android system, it has stronger compatibility, faster response speed and smoother operation. It is GMS certified, pre-installed with Google Play, and supports social applications such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. It is very suitable for watching videos, online chatting, reading e-books, etc.
- 【Smooth Performance】This tablet is equipped with a 1024x600 IPS touch screen, Unisoc SC7731E quad-core processor, 6GB memory (2GB + 4GB virtual memory), 32GB ROM, and the tablet storage space can be expanded to 1TB using an SD card, which can store everything you need.
- 【Powerful Function】This is a cost-effective tablet. Affordable price and excellent configuration. Equipped with 2MP+5MP dual cameras, Bluetooth, 5G/2.4G dual-band WiFi, FM radio, speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, etc. Suitable for reading, photography, video, music, etc., meeting most of your daily needs.
- 【Child-friendly functions and parental control】Pre-installed Google Kids Space application, providing rich content suitable for different age groups. Equipped with a parental control mode, it allows you to filter content, set educational goals, and manage screen time limits based on your child's age, providing a safe use environment that does not require constant supervision.
- 【Portable & Lightweight & Protective Case】- The tablet body is slim and lightweight, easy to carry. It can be easily put into a bag, backpack or even back pocket. In addition, the durable and environmentally friendly protective case can effectively protect your tablet from drops, scratches and dust. You can use it anywhere you want.
Edge does not support XFA forms or forms that depend on PDF JavaScript. Forms requiring specialized calculations, validation, or workflow logic may also fail. If a government, bank, or employer form does not work correctly, use the application recommended by the form provider.
Save highlights, notes, and form entries
- Annotate the document or fill its supported fields.
- Select the Save control in the PDF toolbar.
- Save a copy with a new filename if you want to preserve the original.
Edge can save a copy with highlights, markings, text annotations, and supported form entries. Save before closing the tab. This does not turn the PDF into a fully editable source document.
Read a PDF aloud
- Open the PDF in Edge’s internal reader.
- Select Read aloud on the PDF toolbar.
- Use the playback controls to pause, resume, skip, change the voice, or adjust the reading speed.
- Close the Read Aloud toolbar when finished.
The shortcuts are Ctrl+Shift+U on Windows and Command+Shift+U on macOS. Read Aloud needs readable text, so it may fail on image-only scans without OCR, unusual text encoding, or complex multi-column layouts. If it starts in the wrong place, select a smaller text range or use a dedicated accessibility application.
Do not confuse PDF Read Aloud with Reading mode, formerly called Immersive Reader. Reading mode is primarily for webpages and is available under Settings and more (…) > Settings > Appearance > Toolbar > Reading mode. On supported webpages, F9 opens it. The PDF’s Read Aloud control is separate.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOlder guides may recommend enabling an Edge flag for PDF Read Aloud. That advice is obsolete; use the current Read aloud control or shortcut instead.
Translate selected PDF text
- Select text in the PDF.
- Select the translation control on the PDF toolbar, or right-click the selection.
- Choose Translate selection when it appears.
- Choose a target language in the translation pane.
Microsoft advertises PDF translation in more than 70 languages. Translation requires selectable text and generally will not work on a scan without OCR.
Rank #4
- Our most advanced Kindle Scribe – Features an 11” Colorsoft display with front light, built-in notebook, AI tools, and support for popular cloud services.
- Bring ideas to life in color – The custom-built Colorsoft display delivers high-contrast, paper-like color that’s easy on the eyes without distracting flashes when writing.
- Get a pen-on-paper feel: The textured surface and responsive display create a smooth, paper-like writing experience. Plus, the included pen never needs charging and has a built-in eraser and shortcut button for tools like the highlighter.
- More room to read, write, and think – Just 5.4mm thin and 400g light, with fluid performance and a large 11" display that gives you space to work comfortably.
- Get more out of your notes – Take notes in the built-in notebook, then use AI to find information, ask questions about what you’ve written, and generate summaries. You can also clean up handwriting or convert it to text.
Use keyboard navigation with Caret browsing
Caret browsing places a keyboard cursor in supported page and PDF content.
- Press F7 to toggle Caret browsing.
- Use the arrow keys to move through text.
- Hold Shift while moving to select text.
This can help with keyboard-based text selection, highlighting, links, and supported form controls.
Recommended Free Tools
Print a PDF from Edge
- Select the PDF reader’s print control, if it is visible.
- Alternatively, select Settings and more (…) > Print.
- Choose available options such as printer, page range, orientation, or copies.
- Select Print.
Printing may be unavailable if the document’s permissions prohibit it, the PDF is being downloaded instead of displayed, or the document is protected.
View protected PDFs
Edge can open certain PDFs protected with Microsoft Purview Information Protection or Information Rights Management. The document’s assigned permissions determine whether you can view, copy, print, annotate, or save it. Protected-document restrictions take precedence over normal toolbar options. Consumer identities are not supported for viewing MIP-protected PDFs in Microsoft’s documented scenario.
Check digital signatures
Edge can view and validate certificate-based digital signatures in supported PDFs. Validation checks information about an existing certificate signature; it is not a complete signing workflow and does not guarantee support for every signature format.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When you need Acrobat or another PDF editor
Use a dedicated PDF application if you need to edit original text or images, combine files, reorganize pages, convert documents, run advanced calculations, or complete specialized fill-and-sign workflows. Edge’s Add text, drawing, and highlighting tools are annotations, not general content-editing tools.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 【High Performance Android 16 Tablet for Smooth Work & Entertainment】：Looking for a responsive daily electronics computer? This Android 16 tablet is exactly the ideal tablet for adults you need. Powered by upgraded hardware and the newest android 16 system, this 10 inch tablet runs extremely smoothly. It loads apps fast, plays games without lag, and handles multitasking effortlessly. Whether for office work, web browsing or casual entertainment, this steady Android tablet always performs well. It’s a solid and budget-friendly tablet for your daily use.
- 【24GB+64GB Large Storage & 1TB Expandable Memory Tablet】：Storage issues are totally gone with this 10 inch tablet! Equipped with 24GB RAM and 64GB internal storage, this robust Android tablet can run multiple apps and games simultaneously without slowing down. You can expand the memory up to 1TB with a TF card (not included) to store countless photos, videos and documents. Functional and user-oriented, this tablet for adults is a perfect daily electronics computer for work, study and entertainment.
- 【6000mAh Long-Lasting Battery & Fast Charging 10 Inch Tablet】：This 10 inch tablet packs a 6000mAh large battery to support your all-day use! It keeps running steadily for video streaming, office work and web browsing, no need to charge frequently. The fast charging feature also saves your precious time, letting you get fully powered up quickly. Lightweight and sturdy, this trust-worthy tablet is a must-have daily electronics computer, and the reliable tablet fits both indoor and outdoor use perfectly.
- 【10-Inch HD Display & Widevine L1 Certified Android Tablet】：Get a great watching experience on this tablet! The 10-inch 1280*800 HD screen delivers bright and clear visuals for reading, scrolling and video watching. Certified with Widevine L1, this premium tablet supports true full HD streaming on Netflix, Prime Video and other mainstream platforms, no more fuzzy compressed images. As a practical daily electronics computer, this 10 inch tablet brings you crisp, high-quality viewing anytime at home.
- 【Dual Camera & Stereo Speaker Tablet for Multi-Scenario Use】：Designed for daily adult life, this all-round tablet comes with dual cameras, fast Face ID unlock and dual stereo speakers. The dual cameras support clear video calls and daily photography, and Face ID lets you unlock your device in seconds safely. Matched with immersive stereo sound, this Android tablet greatly upgrades your experience of watching movies, listening to music and chatting online. This versatile android 16 tablet is your perfect portable electronics computer for home, office and travel.
Some Edge installations show an Acrobat subscription button in the native PDF viewer. It helps users discover or subscribe to Adobe’s premium offerings. The Adobe-powered rendering engine or subscription button does not mean the full Acrobat application is available in the browser.
Fix common Edge PDF problems
| Problem | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| The PDF downloads instead of opening | Turn off Always download PDF files at edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments if policy allows it. An administrator may enforce AlwaysOpenPdfExternally. |
| Text cannot be selected or search finds nothing | The file may be a scan, image-only PDF, or have a defective text layer. Use OCR or another PDF application. |
| Read Aloud is missing | Confirm the file is open in Edge’s reader, has readable text, and Read Aloud is not disabled by policy. |
| Read Aloud reads columns in the wrong order | The PDF’s reading order may be ambiguous. Select a smaller range or use a dedicated accessibility tool. |
| Form fields do not work | The form may use unsupported XFA or JavaScript, or require calculations or validation Edge does not implement. Try the provider’s recommended application. |
| Annotations disappeared | Save a copy with the changes before closing the tab. |
| Printing is unavailable | Check document permissions, protected-document restrictions, and whether Edge is downloading the file instead of displaying it. |
| The PDF looks editable but is not | Edge can annotate a document but cannot generally edit its original text. Use a dedicated PDF editor or convert the document to an editable format. |
FAQ
Is Microsoft Edge’s PDF reader free?
Yes. The standard Edge PDF reader is built into the browser and does not require an Adobe Acrobat installation or browser extension.
Can Edge edit PDF text?
No, not in the full sense. Edge can add text boxes, highlights, drawings, comments, and supported form entries, but it cannot generally rewrite the PDF’s existing paragraphs or rearrange its content.
Why can’t I select text in an Edge PDF?
The PDF may be a scan containing page images rather than a selectable text layer, or its text encoding may be defective. Use OCR before trying to search, translate, highlight, or read it aloud.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can Edge fill every PDF form?
No. Many basic AcroForm fields work, but Edge does not support XFA forms or PDF forms that depend on JavaScript and specialized calculations.
How do I stop Edge from downloading PDFs?
Open edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments and turn off Always download PDF files. An organization policy named AlwaysOpenPdfExternally can prevent you from changing this behavior.
Does Edge read scanned PDFs aloud?
Usually not. Read Aloud needs readable text, while a scanned PDF normally contains images. Use OCR first if you need speech or text selection.
The Bottom Line
For everyday PDF work, Edge’s built-in reader handles viewing, navigation, search, basic forms, annotations, translation, Read Aloud, and printing. Set edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments to open PDFs internally, and save a copy after making changes. Use Acrobat or another dedicated PDF editor when you need to change original content, process advanced forms, or manage pages and files.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
