View PDF Files on Internet Explorer 10

Like Google Chrome, you can also use Internet Explorer to view PDF (Portable Document Format) files. 10 is the latest version of IE and it is pre-installed on Windows 8 system. It is also compatible with Windows 7. 

When I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro, I can’t view my PDF files on IE 10. It keeps on opening the Download window every time I drag a PDF over to a new tab. I was able to fix the issue by doing the steps below. It is recommended to install Adobe Reader on your system to be able to get the ‘Adobe PDF Link Helper’ add-on for IE10. Without it, you won’t be able to view PDF files on IE10. 

Enable Adobe PDF Link Helper Add-on 

Before you proceed with the steps below, check the Manage add-ons window. You might have installed Adobe Reader already and Adobe PDF Link Helper was disabled. You can re-enable it by clicking the gear icon at the top-right hand corner of IE window then select Manage add-ons. Locate ‘Adobe PDF Link Helper’ under Toolbars and extensions. If the status is disabled, highlight the add-on then click Enable button. Re-launch IE10 then try to open a PDF file. 


If no Adobe PDF Link Helper is listed, proceed with the following steps: 

Step 1: Download the latest version of Adobe Reader here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/ 

You can use any internet browser to download Adobe Reader like IE, Mozilla or Google Chrome. 

Step 2: Proceed with the installation. When you get User Account Control warning message, click Yes. 

Don’t launch Internet Explorer during installation. Close all IE window. 

Step 3: After installation, launch Internet Explorer and you’ll get a warning message like this: 

The 'Adobe PDF Link Helper' add-on from 'Adobe Systems, Incorporated' is ready for use. Enable or Disable? 

Step 4: Click Enable button. 

Step 5: You can now view your PDF files on IE. 

Viewing PDF files 

To open a PDF file on IE10 instead of Adobe Reader, you can just simply drag it to an empty tab. IE will read and open it immediately.