5 Best Free Chrome PDF Viewers for Windows 10 and Mac

Generally Chrome lets you open PDF files with its integrated default PDF viewer. If Chrome PDF viewer is not working, this post introduces 5 free Chrome PDF viewers that let you open and check PDF file content with ease. Check them below. This tutorial also offers some troubleshooting tips to help you troubleshoot Google Chrome PDF viewer not working issue.

5 Best Free Chrome PDF Viewers

PDF Viewer

This Chrome extension uses HTML5 to display PDF files directly in browser. You can use it to replace Chrome default PDF viewer to read PDF files in Chrome.

PDF Reader

This PDF viewer for Chrome is based on Mozilla’s PDF.js library and use it to display PDF files in your Chrome browser. You can also use it to open PDF files in Firefox browser.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader, developed by Adobe Inc., is a suit of application software and web services that allows you to view, create, print, and manage PDF files. It offers a Chrome extension that lets you substitute the built-in Google Chrome PDF viewer. It is available on Windows, macOS, Linus, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, etc.

Xodo PDF Viewer & Editor

This is a free PDF viewer, free PDF editor and annotation tool. You can find it in any modern browser, download it for Windows, Android and iOS devices. It also supports viewing and editing PDF files from Google Drive and Dropbox. It lets you fully manage PDF files.

Soda PDF Viewer

This Google Chrome PDF reader allows you to view, edit, convert, and annotate PDF files on any device. (Related: Convert PDF to PPT or Vice Versa)

Download Adobe (Acrobat) Reader for Windows 10/11

Check the guide for how to download Adobe (Acrobat) Reader for Windows 10/11, Mac, Android, iPhone. The system requirements of Adobe Reader are also included.

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How to Enable or Disable Chrome PDF Viewer

You can follow the steps to enable or disable Chrome default PDF viewer.

• Open Chrome browser.
• Click the three-dot Chrome menu icon at the upper-right corner in Chrome. Click Settings.
• Click Privacy and Security in the left panel in Chrome Settings window. And click Site Settings in the right window.
• Next scroll down in the right window and click Additional content settings -> PDF documents.
• Turn the switch off of “Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome” option. This will enable Chrome PDF viewer. To disable it, slide the switch to ON.

Fix Chrome PDF Viewer Not working

If Chrome’s default PDF viewer is not working, you can try the tips to fix Chrome PDF viewer not working issue.

Check Chrome PDF Viewer Settings

Follow the instructions above to enable Chrome PDF viewer.

Run Chrome in Safe Mode

If the cause is from other extensions, you can start Chrome in safe mode. (Related: Chrome Safe Mode)

Update Chrome

Update Google Chrome to the latest version to fix possible Chrome problems and bugs.

Clear Caches

Clear caches, cookies and browsing data of Chrome to see if it can fix Chrome PDF viewer not working issue.

Chrome Virus Scan

Run a Chrome virus scan to remove possible malware or virus infection of Chrome.

Bonus Tip: How to Recover Deleted or Lost Files from Storage Media

If you mistakenly deleted some files or lost some important files on drives, you can use the free data recovery software – MiniTool Power Data Recovery – to easily recover files from computer and external hard drives.

How to Recover My Files/Data for Free in 3 Steps [23 FAQs]

Easy 3 steps to fast recover my files/data for free with best free file recovery software. 23 FAQs for how to recover my files and lost data are included.

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