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PDF not Opening in Outlook? How to Fix
Opening it with an alternative PDF reader will help
4 min. read
Updated onFebruary 28, 2024
updated onFebruary 28, 2024
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Key notes
Microsoft Outlook is one of the top relevant desktop email clients that can be synced even with custom webmail.
Some Windows users reported that Microsoft Outlookwon’t open PDFattachments in their emails. so this seems to be a general problem. It is known that this issuealso occurs in Chrome, and also other popular browsers.
For this reason, Windows Report has compiled relevant solutions to this menacing problem. In case you can’t open PDF files in Outlook, consider the practical guide below.
Why can’t I open a PDF email attachment?
If you find yourself in this situation, it could be because of any of the following reasons:
Now that we have spoken about possible causes, we can discuss some accessible alternatives and solutions.
What can I do if I can’t open PDF attachments in Outlook?
Table of contents:
1. Scan the PDF
If Outlook won’t open a PDF file, you need to scan it to ascertain whether it is safe for your Windows PC.
Some PDF files sent to email contain viruses, malware, or even spyware that pose unwanted threats to your system, so be sure to scan it.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the PDF file and select scan with ….(third-party antivirus) to scan the PDF file.
2. Use a PDF reader
You may be unable to open a PDF attachments in Outlook directly due to corrupted files or other causes. To bypass this unpleasant issue, it’s recommended to usePDF reader software.
So, you can get an all-rounded solution that will open each PDF file with no troubles, thenpdfFilleris the go-to resolution.
This software lets you view, edit, and share your PDFs, giving the best viewing experience with its easy-to-use tools. The process is plain intuitive, with drag-and-drop action that will open your documents without any troubles.
Moreover, you can fill and sign PDF documents and get or offer feedback by adding notes, text boxes to your teammates.
➡️Get pdfFiller
3. Run Windows Update
Microsoft constantly releases frequent patches containing fixes and drivers for your Windows PC. Hence, ensure you’re running the latest OS version on your computer.
This would keep your PC bug-free and help you if Outlook doesn’t open a PDF file.
4. Use the correct password
Some PDF files are encrypted using a password that secures the PDF from unwanted access—for example, bank statements, payment receipts, sensitive files, etc.
To open this set of files, you need to use the correct password, which is confidential and can only be known by the appropriate individual.
If your PDF file ispassword-encrypted, you may need to ask for the password to open the PDF file.
5. Temporarily disable the antivirus protection
Sometimes, antivirus programs can delete or quarantine specific files, patches, or DLLs associated with programs. However, antivirus scanning engines might misinterpret files that can be trusted with potentially harmful packages.
So if you experience PDFs that are not opening in Outlook 365, disabling your antivirus might be a helpful workaround.
Note: After opening the PDF attachments, ensure you enable the antivirus protection afterward.
Before you leave, find out how todownload Outlook emails as PDF.
Please share your experience solving the Outlook won’t open PDF attachments problem. Feel free to comment below in the comment section, and we will get back to you.
More about the topics:Adobe Acrobat Reader,PDF
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
Fact checked byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
