Solved: Edge not Opening PDF

Start by clearing the cache and install the latest updates

Browsers » Edge

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by Tashreef Shareef 

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Key notes

  • Something’s keeping this PDF from opening is quite a common error that usually occurs when using Edge.
  • While Microsoft Edge is a solid browser, it comes with its ups and downs just like any other and the PDF not opening in Edge is one of the cons.
  • If this won’t solve your Microsoft Edge PDF issues, you can always look for a better alternative and we have just the thing.
Fix something's keeping this pdf from opening
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  • Easy migration: Use the Opera One assistant to transfer existing data, such as bookmarks, passwords, and more;
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Like most popular browsers, Microsoft Edge also comes with built-in PDF tools that allow Windows users to access PDF files without using third-party software. But, several users reported receiving the Something’s keeping this PDF from opening error.

You can find a variety of reports on the matter online.

I can’t figure out how to get it to force this PDF to open. I have to use a database system that was built for use with IE9. To pull some of the data, I have to have this database generate a PDF report. When I tell the database to generate that report using Microsoft Edge, it gives me the error message I have used as a title here.

If you’re stuck with a severe case of PDF not opening in Edge, here’s all you need to know about the problem and the most effective solutions for it.

Why can’t I open a PDF in Microsoft Edge?

A few years ago, several users reported encountering the Something’s keeping this PDF from opening error when opening a file with an apostrophe (‘) in its name. But, it was fixed in the subsequent version of Edge.

Also, installed extensions are often found to conflict with the functioning of the browser and lead to Microsoft Edge PDF issues. Disabling or removing them did the trick for many.

Besides, corrupt browsing data or misconfigured Edge settings too can lead to the Something’s keeping this PDF from opening error.

Quick Tip:

If you’re tired of Microsoft Edge causing issues with opening PDF files, consider switching to Opera One. The browser has all the best traits: workspaces and tab islands that help you easily organize your work.

You can easily open PDFs with your Opera One browser and can also use the snapshot tool to save important bits and pieces of your documents. Moreover, you get free, VPN, adblock, and  AI.

Opera One

Easily read your PDFs with this responsive and modern browser!
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How do I fix Something’s keeping this pdf from opening in Edge?

1. Install Adobe Reader from the official source

Before blaming your browser for the Something’s keeping this PDF from opening on Edge error, remember that you need to download a reliable PDF tool.

Adobe Reader is a feature-reach PDF tool known for its comprehensive set of tools that let you easily edit PDFs, create and convert PDFs, annotate them, and more.

The software can convert and ready pretty much any type of document. It even has an advanced OCR feature that converts scans into editable text.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Get the best PDF experience with Adobe’s fully-featured editing tools.
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2. Clear Microsoft Edge cache

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Clear browsing data tool.
  2. Select All time from the Time range dropdown menu.All time
  3. Now, select all the options here, and then click on the Clear data button.Clear data to fix something's keeping this pdf from opening

You can use the above procedure to clear Microsoft’s Edge cache or give a try to a dedicated cookie cleaner tool for quick and accurate results.

Once done, check if the We can’t open this file. Something went wrong error with PDF on Edge is fixed.

3. Check for Windows Updates

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Windows Update from the tabs on the left.Windows Update
  2. Click on Check for updates.check for updates
  3. If an update is listed after the scan, click on Download & install to get it.download & install to fix something's keeping this pdf from opening

Once done installing the latest version of the OS, check if the Something’s keeping this PDF from opening error is fixed.

4. Activate UAC

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Change user account control settings, and click on the relevant search result.change user account control settings
  2. Now move the slider for Choose when to be notified about changes to your computer to the bottom, and click OK to save the changes.Slide down to the bottom
  3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt that appears.click Yes

Relaunch Microsoft Edge and try to open the PDF document. It should open without any error. In case you still see the Something’s keeping this PDF from opening error, head to the last method.

5. Re-register Microsoft Edge

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator.Run as administrator
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.Click Yes
  3. In the PowerShell window, paste the following command and hit Enter:
    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}command to fix something's keeping this pdf from opening

Close the Windows PowerShell window and relaunch Edge. This should fix things if the Edge PDF plugin is not working. Try to access the PDF document again, and it should open without throwing any errors.

There you go! These are some simple methods to fix the Something’s keeping this PDF from opening error. Also, find out what to do if PDFs are not opening in Chrome.

Which fix worked for you? Let us know in the comments section below.

More about the topics: Microsoft Edge issues

Tashreef Shareef

Tashreef Shareef Shield

Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.