How to Fix PDF Files That Won't Open
Open a PDF that does nothing, shows a blank window, or asks for an app, using Windows, Edge, or a legitimate reader, without unofficial "PDF repair" downloads.
PDF Problems
PDF files that will not open, open blank, or prompt for a missing app.
Start with the closest symptom
These guides are grouped here because the first checks overlap. Open the guide that best matches what you see now, then use its verification section before moving to a broader fix.
Related tools
- PC Troubleshooting Wizard, Answer a few questions about what is going wrong. The wizard points you to the safest matching guide on this site.
- Windows Error Code Lookup, Look up a Windows update code or blue-screen name and see what it usually means, plus safe next steps.
- File Extension Lookup, Look up common Windows file extensions and see what they usually are, what opens them, and when to be careful.