PDFs Not Opening in Internet Explorer? Solved!

When it comes to opening PDF files, I usually don't have any trouble. Whether I'm using Google Chrome, Firefox, or the new Microsoft Edge, PDFs open smoothly, no matter their size.

However, it's a different story with Internet Explorer. Almost every time I try to open a PDF in Internet Explorer, I'm met with a frustrating grey or white screen. What's even worse is that it often causes the browser to crash, freeze, or just stop responding entirely. When this happens, I can't even close the browser normally; I have to use the Task Manager to shut it down.

I've already tried enabling the Adobe PDF add-on in Internet Explorer and then restarting both my browser and my computer, but the problem still comes back. In case you'd like to try, here's how I enabled the Adobe PDF add-on:

1. Open Internet Explorer and click the Cog icon beside the smiley emoji located at the right end part of the address bar and search bar. Click on Manage add-ons.
2. Select Toolbars and Extensions under Add-on Type (this should be automatically selected) and In the Show menu drop-down, select All Add-ons. 
3. Click Adobe PDF and click Enable. Adobe PDF systems status will now be enabled.

I even went as far as uninstalling and then reinstalling Internet Explorer, and resetting all its settings. But, despite all that, I'm still running into the same problem. If you want to give it a shot, here's how I reset my Internet Explorer settings:

1. Open Internet Explorer and click the Cog icon beside the smiley emoji located at the right end part of the address bar and search bar. Click on Internet options.
2. Click on the Advanced tab and click the Reset button to Reset Internet Explorer's settings to their default condition under the Reset Internet Explorer settings section. Click the Ok button after.
3. Click the Ok button after.
4. Restart your browser.

So, to finally get rid of those PDF opening problems in Internet Explorer, try these solutions:

1. Save your PDF document and open it using other browsers with advanced features like Google Chrome and Firefox; or
2. Install the new browser recommended by Microsoft which is the new Microsoft Edge.
   

   Internet Explorer is an old browser that the company no longer actively develops. Due to a lack of modern features and an aging configuration, Internet Explorer 11 is increasingly insufficient for today's web. —MakeUseOf - Technology, Simplified
   
   Microsoft will end support for Internet Explorer 11 across its Microsoft 365 apps and services next year. In exactly a year, on August 17^th, 2021, Internet Explorer 11 will no longer be supported for Microsoft’s online services like Office 365, OneDrive, Outlook, and more. Microsoft is also ending support for Internet Explorer 11 with the Microsoft Teams web app later this year, with support ending on November 30th. Alongside the support changes, Microsoft is also planning to drop support for its existing legacy version of Microsoft Edge on March 9^th, 2021. After the end of support date, the legacy version of Edge will no longer receive security updates. Microsoft has been moving existing Windows 10 users over to new its Chromium-based Edge browser, and the company says new devices and future Windows feature updates will all include the new Edge browser. —The Verge

Other related articles about Internet Explorer:

1. Support for older versions of Internet Explorer ended
2. Lifecycle FAQ - Internet Explorer and Edge