ByWhenever we download a PDF file in Google Chrome, it often opens automatically in the browser. This is inconvenient for many users, especially when they want PDF files to only download and later open in another PDF reader (such as Adobe Reader). If you are also bothered by this problem and want a permanent solution, then this detailed guide is for you.
Why does the problem of PDF files opening automatically occur?
According to Chrome’s default settings, whenever you download a PDF from a website, it opens inside Chrome immediately after download. The purpose of this is to provide a quick preview, but it creates a few problems:
PDFs are not saved in the file system
Cannot be opened with third-party PDF readers
Hard to find in the download folder
How to turn off auto-opening of PDFs in Chrome (Step-by-Step Guide)
You can easily stop Chrome from automatically opening PDF files by following the steps given below.
1. Go to Chrome Settings
Open Google Chrome on your computer.
Click on the three dots (⋮) at the top right.
Click on Settings.
2. Open the Privacy and Security section
In Settings, go to Privacy and Security from the left menu.
Click on Site Settings there.
3. Find the PDF Documents setting
Scroll down and click on Additional Content Settings.
Here you will find the option of PDF Documents.
Click on this option.
4. Enable “Download PDFs”
You will now see an option: “Download PDFs instead of automatically opening them in Chrome”
Turn this option ON (move the toggle button to the right).
Now Chrome will download PDF files but will not open them automatically.
Stop PDF files already opening in Chrome
If you previously allowed PDF files to open in Chrome and now they are opening automatically, to turn them off:
1. Go to the Downloads section
Type in Chrome’s address bar: `chrome://settings/downloads`
Find “Open certain file types automatically after downloading”
If it is enabled, click the “Clear” button
This will remove all file types from auto-opening, so PDFs will not open automatically either.
How to always open PDFs in another PDF reader
After blocking PDFs in Chrome, you can make PDFs open in a third-party app like Adobe Acrobat Reader by default if you want.
1. Set the default app in Windows
Right-click on any PDF file
Click Open with > Choose another app
Choose Adobe Acrobat Reader or another PDF reader
Tick “Always use this app to open .pdf files” below
Click OK
From now on, all PDF files will open in that chosen app.
Advanced Tips: Using Extensions and Flag Settings
1. Use Chrome Extensions
Some useful extensions block PDFs automatically:
PDF Viewer Switcher
PDF Download
Download PDF Files Instead of Opening
Install these from the Chrome Web Store and set them according to your preferences.
2. Change settings from Chrome Flags (use with caution)
Go to the browser: `chrome://flags/`
Type in the search bar: PDF
If you find any flags related to PDF, disable them
Note: These flags are experimental, so read the full description before changing them.
How to stop PDFs from opening in Chrome on mobile
The Chrome mobile app doesn’t have as much control as the desktop, but you can do a few things:
1. Update Chrome
Keep Chrome updated from the Play Store / App Store
2. Install a third-party PDF reader
Install an app like Adobe Reader or WPS Office
Make them the default by going to the phone’s Settings > Apps > Default apps > PDF viewer
3. Select “Open in another app” inside Chrome
After a few PDFs have been downloaded, Chrome gives an option: Open with…
From here you can choose your preferred app.
Benefits of stopping PDF files from auto-opening
Privacy is maintained – your information is protected by not opening files automatically.
Bandwidth savings – online PDF viewers are not loaded.
Easy file management – files are saved in the download folder.
Better experience – third-party apps open PDFs better.
What to do in case of a problem?
If PDFs are still opening automatically in Chrome:
Restart Chrome once
Try resetting settings
Uninstall and re-install Chrome
Contact a technical expert
Conclusion
In this article, we explained in detail how to stop PDF files from opening automatically in Chrome. By making some small changes in Chrome settings, you can get rid of this trouble and open your PDF files in third-party apps comfortably. This setup not only gives you control, but also improves data security and workflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to stop PDFs from opening automatically in Chrome
Q1: When I download a PDF in Chrome, why does it open automatically?
As per Chrome’s default settings, PDF files open in the browser itself after downloading so that you can view them immediately. But you can change this setting so that the file just downloads and does not open automatically.
Q2: How can I stop PDF files from auto-opening in Chrome?
1. Open Chrome’s Settings
2. Go to “Privacy and Security” > “Site Settings” > “PDF Documents”
3. Turn on the “Download PDFs instead of automatically opening them in Chrome” option.
Q3: Can I set PDF files to open in a third-party app?
Yes, you can set PDF files in Windows or Mac systems to open in a third-party app like Adobe Acrobat Reader by default. For this, right click on the file and select “Open with” > “Choose another app” and make the app the default.
Question 4: How to remove auto-open file types already set in Chrome?
Answer:
1. Go to `chrome://settings/downloads`
2. Click on the “Clear” button next to “Open certain file types automatically after downloading”.
Question 5: How to stop PDF from auto opening in mobile Chrome?
Answer: This option is limited in Chrome browser on mobile, but you can install PDF Reader apps and make them the default app. Also, when the PDF is downloaded, you can open it in other apps using “Open with…”.
Question 6: Can PDF auto-open be stopped with Chrome extensions?
Answer: Yes, you can install extensions like PDF Download or PDF Viewer Switcher from Chrome Web Store, which stop PDF from auto opening and give you the option to download.
Question 7: Is this setting permanent?
Answer: Yes, this setting is permanent unless you reset Chrome or a browser update affects the settings.
Question 8: Is there a security risk in opening PDFs in the browser?
Answer: Yes, in some cases online PDFs may contain malware or scripts. So using a secure PDF reader is a better and safer option.
Question 9: Can I stop PDFs from auto-opening only on some sites?
Answer: Chrome currently applies this setting to all sites equally. There are no custom PDF open options for individual sites.
Question 10: What to do if PDFs are still auto-opening after changing the settings?
Answer:
Close Chrome once and then reopen it
Update the browser
Reset download settings
or Reinstall Chrome
