Stop Chrome from Opening PDFs: Easy Fixes

Are you tired of Google Chrome automatically opening PDF files in a new tab instead of downloading them? You're not alone. While this feature can be convenient, it's not ideal for everyone. Here's how you can change this behavior and make Chrome download PDFs instead.

How to Stop Chrome from Automatically Opening PDFs After Download
How to Stop Chrome from Automatically Opening PDFs After Download

Before we dive into the solutions, let's understand why this issue might be happening. Google Chrome, by default, tries to display PDF files within the browser to enhance user experience. However, this can be changed based on your preferences.

How to Fix a PDF Not Opening in Chrome - Make Tech Easier
How to Fix a PDF Not Opening in Chrome - Make Tech Easier

Changing Default PDF Handling in Chrome

Google Chrome provides a built-in option to change how it handles PDF files. Here's how you can access it:

How to Fix PDFs Not Opening in Google Chrome
How to Fix PDFs Not Opening in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots (vertical ellipsis) in the top-right corner to open the menu.

Using the Built-in Option

Solution for Why Are My PDFs Opening in Chrome Instead of Adobe
Solution for Why Are My PDFs Opening in Chrome Instead of Adobe

1. Hover over "Settings" and click on it. Alternatively, you can type "chrome://settings" in the address bar and press Enter.

2. Scroll down and click on "Advanced". If you don't see this option, it means you're already on the advanced settings page.

3. Under the "Privacy and security" section, click on "Content settings".

How to Fix a PDF Not Opening in Chrome - Make Tech Easier
How to Fix a PDF Not Opening in Chrome - Make Tech Easier

4. Click on "PDF documents".

5. Change the setting from "Allow" to "Download PDF files".

6. Click "Done" to save your changes.

How to Edit and Annotate PDFs in Google Chrome
How to Edit and Annotate PDFs in Google Chrome

Using a Third-Party Extension

If the built-in option doesn't work for you, or you find it too complex, consider using a third-party extension like "PDF Download". Here's how to use it:

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1. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store (chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions).

2. Search for "PDF Download" and add it to your browser.

3. Once added, the extension will automatically change the behavior of PDF files in Chrome.

Changing PDF Handling on a Per-Site Basis

If you want to change the behavior for specific websites only, you can do so using Chrome's site settings:

1. Follow steps 1-4 from the "Using the Built-in Option" section above.

Using Site Settings

1. Under the "When opening a link in the current tab" section, click on the dropdown menu next to the website you want to change the settings for.

2. Change the setting from "Allow" to "Download PDF files".

3. Click "Done" to save your changes.

Remember, these changes will only apply to the current Chrome profile. If you use multiple profiles, you'll need to make these changes in each one.

Now that you've learned how to make Chrome download PDFs instead of opening them, you can enjoy a more personalized browsing experience. Happy surfing!

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