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megan33350539be6y
Participant
July 23, 2024
Answered

this file can't be previewed because of an error with the pdf preview handler

  • July 23, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 2280 views

I am having trouble previewing PDFs in the Windows Explorer preview pane.  I am running Windows 11. I have tried everything I can think of, reinstalling Acrobat Reader, making it the default program, etc. I can preview Word files and images, so this problem only occurs with PDF files.

    Correct answer cheryl_7203

    I have found the easiest way to fix this is to select the Menu > Help > Repair installation

    See attached screen shot for details.

     

    3 replies

    C
    cheryl_7203Correct answer
    Participant
    August 22, 2025

    I have found the easiest way to fix this is to select the Menu > Help > Repair installation

    See attached screen shot for details.

     

    F
    Fred28343147ta6c
    Participant
    November 17, 2025

    Thank you. Worked like a charm. 

    radzmar
    Community Expert
    radzmarCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 4, 2024

    The Windows explorer preview pane has nothing to do with Acrobat Reader. If it's not working, you need to fix your windows. Reinstalling Reader won't fix anything about this. 

    G
    Glockheavy
    Participant
    July 25, 2024

    I'm having this issue with one of my customer's computers.  She recently purchased a Surface laptop 15 with the new arm-based chips. I was wondering if there may be a compatibility issue. I've gone through each step listed in the forums and have yet to find a solution. 

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