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Some .pdf file from a network drive asking to be downloaded first before opening in Edge.

Ken N 20 Reputation points
2025-11-10T03:18:24.8533333+00:00

Hello,

I'm experiencing weirdness when opening pdf file from a network drive. Some files asks me to download it locally first on my machine and I noticed that download windows is IE. User's image

Some files opens right away in edge without asking to be downloaded locally.

Tried the following but got the same issue:

-Checked the web and they said to disable the setting below in edge, but got the same issue.

User's image

-Edge is the default app to open pdf file.

-Repaired Edge.

-Edge's version is in 142.0.3595.53

Any ideas?

Thanks for the help.

Microsoft Edge | Read PDFs | Windows 11
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  1. Edward Schlobohm01 9,150 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-10T06:36:27.3433333+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for explaining your situation so clearly. From what you’ve described, some PDFs on your network drive open directly in Edge, while others prompt you to download them first. Your screenshot shows the download prompt coming from Internet Explorer’s legacy manager, which means those files are handled by the old IE engine instead of Edge’s PDF viewer.

    This usually happens when the file is accessed through a network location that Edge treats like a web link, or when IE mode is still enabled in Edge or enforced by Group Policy. To fix this, check Edge’s settings at edge://settings/defaultbrowser and turn off the option that allows sites to reload in Internet Explorer mode, then restart Edge. Clear any compatibility lists at edge://compat/enterprise if your organization uses them. Make sure Edge is set to open PDFs directly by checking edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments and disabling “Always download PDF files.” Also review edge://settings/downloads for any legacy download handling. If the file is opened through a web link, try using the UNC path like \server\share\file.pdf or a mapped drive instead.

    Finally, remove Internet Explorer features from Windows by unchecking IE 11 in Windows Features and restarting your PC.

    If you’re on a corporate network, this might be caused by Group Policy enforcing IE mode for intranet sites.

    Looking forward to hearing how it goes. Happy to help anytime.

    Warm regards,

    Edward

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  1. Ken N 20 Reputation points
    2025-11-11T00:28:38.3566667+00:00

    Hi Edwards,

    Thanks for the help. It was the GPO.

    I've unliked it to the machines OU and confirmed its working now.

    Regards,

    Ken

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  2. Edward Schlobohm01 9,150 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-14T16:41:47.1733333+00:00

    Hi,

    I'm glad that it is working now!

    If you need further assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out,

    Have a good one!

    Regards,

    Edward

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