PDF Preview in Windows Explorer does not adjust to scaled monitors

Report · Feb 15, 2024

I have multiple monitors—27" (scaled at 100%) and 32" (scaled at 150%)—to enable viewing content at a similar size. While the preview pane in Windows Explorer on the 27" screens works fine with PDFs, when opening or dragging over to 150% on the 32" screens, the preview does not adjust, and cuts off all the navigational info at the bottom. These are each shown below. If I change the 32" screens to 100%, this removes the problem, but this is not fix as I need scaling to properly view the content. I do have PDF thumbnail previews in Windows Explorer enabled, and auto-detect for scaling for screen resolution in the general preferences of Adobe.

Report · Feb 15, 2024

FYI...the 27" monitors are 100% at 1920x1080, and the 32" monitors are 150% at 3840x2160.

Report · Feb 15, 2024

So...it would appear for PDF files that the appearance in the preview pane in Windows Explorer is tied to whichever is your "main display". When I switch the main display from the 27" (set at 100%), tot he 32" (set at 150%), then the preview pane is corrected on the 32", but then the preview on the 27" is now smaller in size, does not drag larger in the preview pane, and now has 150% sized navigation controls.

Report · Feb 15, 2024

So unless I hear otherwise, it would seem the best (but not perfect) situation for users to use the highest percentage scaled screen as your "main display" (if using multiple displays), otherwise the preview pane image will be too large and the navigation tools inaccessible in smaller percentage scaled monitors. At least with this switch I can navigate through pages and see the full preview in all of them (even if some are smaller). I am using the standalone Adobe Pro 2020, and not sure if this issued exists or was fixed with the subscription? We are switching to subscription for Pro in July '24 with the next fiscal year, so if it is fixed I can make do until then.

Report · Feb 15, 2024

In talking with our IT, they are pretty sure this is also a Windows Explorer issue, since apparently Windows Explorer is actually tied directly to the the main display settings, that are then used by the other monitors. Then again, MS Word, Excel, etc. have no issues with the preview on any monitor, so perhaps it is both Windows and Adobe.