Computer always downloads in pdf

By default, most downloaded PDF files open in the Internet browser currently in use, usually in a new window or tab. This page will outline how to make the browser download PDF files automatically, rather than open them in a new tab. To proceed, select your browser from the list below and follow the instructions.

Microsoft Edge Legacy

Microsoft Edge Legacy does not download PDF files by default and this setting cannot be changed. However, Edge Legacy does give you the option to save a PDF after it opens in the browser.

1. Open the Microsoft Edge Legacy browser.
2. Browse to the PDF file you'd like to view or download and click it.
3. The file should automatically open in the browser window.
4. To save (download) the PDF, click the icon, located near the top-right corner of the browser window.

Internet Explorer

Similar to Microsoft Edge Legacy, Internet Explorer displays PDF files by default, instead of offering to download them for you. However, downloading a PDF is still possible. Follow these steps to view or download a PDF with Internet Explorer.

1. Open the Internet Explorer browser.
2. Browse to the PDF you'd like to view or download and click it.
3. The file should automatically open in the browser window.
4. To save (download) the PDF, click the icon, located near the bottom of the browser window. If you do not see the save icon, move your mouse towards the bottom of the browser window, and a black bar should appear, where the save icon is located.

Google Chrome

By default, Google Chrome opens a PDF file in the browser window instead of saving it to the downloads folder. To change how Google Chrome treats PDF files in the browser, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
2. Click the icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu that appears.
4. On the Settings window, under Privacy and security, click the Site Settings option.
5. Scroll down the Site Settings screen to find and click the PDF documents option.
6. Next to Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome, click the toggle switch to set to the On or Off position. Chrome downloads a PDF when the toggle switch is set to On and displays a PDF in the browser when set to Off.

1. Close the Settingstab.

Mozilla Firefox

If you're using Firefox, follow these steps.

1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. Click the icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
3. Select from the drop-down menu that appears.
4. On the left side of the screen, make sure the General option is selected.

1. In the Applications section (under the Files and Applications heading), select the Portable Document File (PDF) entry in the Content Type column, and click the down arrow icon to the right.
2. To make Firefox automatically download PDF files, select Save File from the drop-down menu.

Opera

By default, Opera opens a PDF file in the browser window instead of saving it to the downloads folder. To change how Opera treats PDF files in the browser, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Opera Internet browser.
2. Click the Opera menu button in the upper-left corner.
3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu that appears.
4. In the Settings window, under Privacy and security, click the Site Settings option.

1. Scroll down to the Site Settings screen to find and click the PDF documents option.
2. Next to Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Opera, click the toggle switch to set to the On or Off position. Opera downloads a PDF when the toggle switch is set to On and displays a PDF in the browser when set to Off.

1. Close the Settingstab.