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(Updated) New PDF Viewer Enabled by Default in Microsoft Edge Starting October 2025
MC1154300 · build prod-20251231-200323
Category
planForChange
Severity
normal
Major change
False
Last modified
2026-05-18 16:49:55
Summary source
Azure OpenAI (gpt-4.1)
Action by (Graph)
Action by (AI)
Services
Microsoft 365 suite
Tags
Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Master tags
User, Admin
Roadmap IDs
489231

One-line summary

Starting October 2025, Microsoft Edge for Windows will use the Adobe PDF viewer by default; opt-out via policy ends September 2026, after which all users move to the new viewer.

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Details

RoadmapIds
489231
Summary
Starting October 2025, Microsoft Edge on Windows will default to an Adobe-powered PDF viewer for enterprise users, enhancing performance and features. Rollout completes by March 2026. Admins can manage or opt out via policies until September 2026, after which the new viewer becomes mandatory.
Platforms
Web

Body (from Message Center)

Updated May 18, 2026: We have updated the opt-out timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[Introduction]

Starting in October 2025, Microsoft Edge version 141 will introduce the Adobe-powered PDF viewer as the default experience for enterprise users on Windows. This change enhances performance, accessibility, and compatibility, and introduces exclusive enterprise features. It follows our earlier public announcement and aligns with Roadmap ID 489231 and MC post MC1072406.

General Availability: Migration will occur on a phased rollout. Rollout will begin October 2025 and will complete March 2026. 

[How this affects your organization:]

Who is affected:

  • All enterprise users on Windows using Microsoft Edge.

What will happen:

  • The Adobe-powered PDF viewer will replace the legacy viewer as the default experience.
  • User interface and controls will remain unchanged.
  • The new viewer offers improved performance, accessibility, compatibility, and exclusive enterprise features.

Admins can manage the experience using two policies:

NewPDFReaderEnabled: Controls the default viewer in Edge for Windows. 

NewPDFReaderWebView2List: Controls viewer behavior in WebView2 apps. 

Policy behavior:

Policy StateBefore Enablement by DefaultAfter Enablement by Default
DefaultOld PDF ViewerNew PDF Viewer
EnabledNew PDF ViewerNew PDF Viewer
DisabledOld PDF ViewerOld PDF Viewer
[What you can do to prepare:]

No action is required if your organization is ready to adopt the new viewer.

If you wish to manage the experience:

  • Enable the new viewer early using the NewPDFReaderEnabled policy.
  • Opt-out by disabling the same policy. Opt-out will be supported until September 2026, at which time the policy will be deprecated and any remaining organizations will be moved to the new viewer. 
  • Review and update internal documentation if needed.
  • Communicate this change to helpdesk or support teams.

    Learn more: Microsoft Edge and Adobe partner to improve the PDF experience.

    For support, contact your Microsoft CSAM or CSS representative.

    [Compliance considerations:]
    No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.

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          "Summary": "Starting October 2025, Microsoft Edge on Windows will default to an Adobe-powered PDF viewer for enterprise users, enhancing performance and features. Rollout completes by March 2026. Admins can manage or opt out via policies until September 2026, after which the new viewer becomes mandatory."
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        "title": "(Updated) New PDF Viewer Enabled by Default in Microsoft Edge Starting October 2025"
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