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PDF Preview in Explorer preview pane through Edge in Windows Server 2022

Anonymous
2025-06-13T15:44:25+00:00

Is it possible to show PDF Previews in the File Explorer preview pane in Windows Server 2022 (RDS Environment) using Microsoft Edge? The customer doesn't want to install Adobe Reader. This apparently does work in Windows 11, however we've confirmed this isn't working for us (out of the box) on Windows Server 2022.

Microsoft Edge | Read PDFs | Previous Windows versions

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  1. Alexandr S 100.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-06-13T17:34:57+00:00

    Hello.

    Most likely, in Windows Server 2022, using Edge, there is no way to set up a PDF preview in Explorer. This OS is very different from Windows 11, where it is implemented. I recommend installing a utility from Microsoft called Power Toys: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xp89dcgq3k6vl...

    The utility is resident and consumes virtually no resources. It includes add-ons for preview in the Explorer, including for PDF. It is configured in the Settings of Power Toys-File Management-Add-ons for Explorer. The result looks something like this:

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-13T19:17:01+00:00

    Hi Alex,

    As it appears PowerToys is not supported on Windows Server (2022).

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  3. Alexandr S 100.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-06-14T00:37:56+00:00

    If Power Toys is not installed from the Microsoft Store, then try other installation methods.: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/power...

    Also have a look here: https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys - there may be information there on how to make changes, for example through the registry or bypass the OS version check.

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