PDF files, which are Portable Document Format files, are the foundation for building and distributing documents due to their propriety in holding a document’s appearance and layout across various operating systems and screen sizes. Millions across the globe use it daily to distribute presentations and critical work-related documents among colleagues.
However, entering a PDF file requires the right tool, and, as most work is often done on the PC, many Windows 11 users do not have the optimal answers. If you are one of the users with a Windows 11 device, keep reading; this guide will teach you the easiest ways to open PDF files on Windows 11, ensuring your documents are within your reach.
Ways to Open PDF Files in Windows 11
Sadly, Microsoft has not created a dedicated tool for opening PDF files in the Windows 11 operating system. Yet, there is no reason to despair since plenty of alternatives can suffice for this task.
You can either get a third-party program for your Windows 11-based device or operate an internet browser and an online-based utility. Here is how it works.
1. Using Acrobat Reader
Firstly, Acrobat Reader .pdf has been the favorite program for millions of users to open files in the specified format for over three decades. Additionally, this platform allows users to adjust files to fit back into this development and easily install them using the accessible version of Acrobat Reader.
1. First, visit Adobe Acrobat Reader’s website and download the software. Ensure you uncheck both the “Adobe Genuine” and “More add-ons” options on the page before hitting the download button.
2. Now, double-click on the downloaded file to proceed further. Then, wait for the installation process to start and download the entire file.
3. Once the process is complete, you will get an Installation Complete notification on the screen. Checkmark the Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader option and press the Finish button.
4. Now, you will be greeted with Acrobat Reader’s home screen. Here, press the Open button.
5. Here, locate the PDF file and click on it. Finally, hit the Open button, and the file will open in Acrobat Reader on your PC.
One most important note you should know is that the accessible version of Adobe Acrobat Reader only opens a PDF file on your Windows 11 devices. If you have any additional requirements such as editing, conversion, signing, or compressing the software, then indeed you should buy the pro version of the software.
2. Using Google Chrome
Everyone should know that most internet browsers also open a PDF file on Windows 11 devices. Every internet browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, opens a PDF file. I will describe how you can open a PDF in Google Chrome.
1. Locate the PDF file you want to open on your Windows 11 machine.
2. Then, double-click on the file to proceed further.
3. On the next dialogue screen, select Google Chrome from the list of options.
4. Now, press the Always button to make Chrome your default PDF viewer. If you want to open a PDF file using Chrome, then hit the Just Once button.
After you make the choice, your PC will fire up the Chrome browser in a new tab with the PDF file you want to view. In Chrome, you can zoom in or out in the PDF file to view text more clearly.
The buttons for these are available on top of the screen, or you can just use the mouse to scroll.
3. Using Online Utilities
Besides Adobe Acrobat Reader and Google Chrome, you can also use online utilities to open PDF files. There are many free websites available on the interwebs with this feature. Smallpdf is one of the widely used websites to open PDF files in Windows 11.
1. First, open Smallpdf’s website by clicking on this link.
2. On the home page, click on the Choose Files button. You can also click and hold on the PDF file and drag + drop it anywhere on the website to open it.
3. Now, locate the PDF file on your PC’s hard drive and click on it. After selecting, hit the Ok button.
Then, the PDF file will be uploaded to Smallpdf’s website, and it will open it. Here, you can also sign the PDF, apart from editing it for free.
Once done making changes, click on the Export button to retrieve it.
Final Words
So, as we can see from the data above, the PDF file format is just one of the most widespread in the world. Users have gotten an easy way to create and send PDF files by e-mail or other methods. In addition, you can put many documents into a single file, which is another convenient advantage.
So, the best way to open it is to use Google Chrome or other browsers. To edit, a popular program is Acrobat Reader on many sites. If you want to know how to open RAR files in Windows 11, read our extensive guide.
