Fixed: PDF Preview Handler Not Working

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If you’re facing issues with the PDF Preview Handler not working in Outlook or File Explorer, don’t worry—it’s a common problem with easy solutions! While this issue may prevent you from viewing PDF attachments or files directly in the preview pane, it’s simple to fix. Whether it’s outdated software, temporary files, or Outlook settings causing the hiccup, this guide provides clear, actionable steps to get the PDF Preview Handler working in outlook smoothly again. With just a few adjustments, you’ll be back to previewing PDFs effortlessly in no time!

Why the PDF Preview Handler Isn’t Working in Outlook or File Explorer

There are several potential causes for the PDF Preview Handler not functioning correctly:

  • Outdated Adobe Acrobat Reader: An outdated version might cause compatibility issues.
  • Corrupted Temporary Files: Sometimes, temporary files interfere with the preview handler.
  • Missing Registry Entries: The PDF Preview Handler relies on certain registry entries.
  • Conflicting Third-Party Add-ins: Add-ins in Outlook can disable the PDF Preview Handler.

This article will cover detailed troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.

6 Easy Steps to Fix the PDF Preview Handler Not Working

From updating Adobe Acrobat Reader to clearing temporary files and adjusting Outlook settings, these solutions will restore the preview functionality for PDF files.

➡️Step 1: Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the Latest Version

Outdated software can often cause issues with PDF preview. Ensure you’re using the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for optimal performance.

  1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  2. Click on “Help” in the menu.
  3. Select “Check for Updates.”
  4. Install any available updates and restart your system.
latest-version-of-adobe-reader

Updating your software ensures you have the latest bug fixes and compatibility improvements.

➡️Step 2. Set Adobe Acrobat Reader as Your Default PDF Viewer

If Adobe Acrobat Reader isn’t set as your default PDF viewer, this could be causing the issue. Follow these steps to fix it:

  1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  2. Go to “Edit” > “Preferences.”
  3. Scroll to “General” and check the box for “Enable PDF thumbnail previews in Windows Explorer.”
  4. Under “Startup,” ensure Adobe Acrobat is set as the default PDF viewer.

This will help prevent delays when previewing PDF files.

➡️Step 3. Clear Temporary Files to Resolve the Issue

Clearing temporary files is often overlooked but can resolve various issues with the PDF Preview Handler.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type %temp% and hit Enter.
  3. Delete all files in the folder that opens.
  4. Next, navigate to *%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook* and remove any remaining files.

Clearing temporary files can boost system performance and resolve errors with the PDF Preview Handler.

➡️Step 4. Enable PDF Preview Handler in Outlook

If you’re unable to preview PDFs in Outlook, check that the PDF Preview Handler is enabled:

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Click on “File” > “Options.”
  3. Go to “Trust Center” > “Trust Center Settings” > “Attachment Handling.”
  4. Ensure “Turn off Attachment Preview” is unchecked.
  5. Click on “Attachment and Document Previewers” and ensure PDF Preview Handler is checked.
enable-pdf-preview-handler

This step ensures that PDFs can be viewed directly from Outlook without needing to open them separately.

➡️Step 5. Add Missing Registry Entries to Fix the Handler

In some cases, missing or corrupted registry entries can prevent the PDF Preview Handler from functioning. Here’s how to add them manually:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:
  3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Classes\CLSID\{DC6EFB56-9CFA-464D-8880-44885D7DC193}
  4. Double-click the AppID entry and set its value to:
  5. {534A1E02-D58F-44f0-B58B-36CBED287C7C}
  6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Adding the correct registry entries can help the preview handler work as expected.

➡️Step 6. Disable Conflicting Add-Ins in Outlook

Outlook add-ins can interfere with the PDF Preview Handler. To troubleshoot:

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Click on “File” > “Options” > “Add-ins.”
  3. Under “Manage,” select COM Add-ins and click “Go.”
  4. Disable suspicious add-ins and click “OK.”

Disabling conflicting add-ins may restore the PDF preview functionality.

ℹ️PDF Preview Handler Not Working: FAQ

What is Outlook PDF preview manager error?

An error in managing Outlook PDF preview occurred when you could not view PDF attachments in the Outlook read window.

What may cause errors in managing Outlook PDF preview?

Errors may be caused by various factors, including managing corrupted PDF sample viewing. Older software, conflicting with other third-party programs, or using the older version of Acrobat Reader as a configured PDF reader.

How to fix PDF sample management not working?

To fix this problem, you can try reinstalling or updating the PDF sample manager, updating Outlook and Adobe Acrobat Reader, or disabling conflicting plugins in Outlook.

How to Recover PDF Files on Windows 11/10?

If the above methods don’t work, you can use WinfrGUI, a reliable data recovery software to recover damaged PDF files.

  • Download and install WinfrGUI
  • Start the program and select the folder or drive location where the PDF file will be saved. Click “Scan” to start.
  • Wait for the scan to be completed, then look at the sample and select the file you want to recover.
  • Click on “Recover” and select a new location to save the recovered PDF file.
Download WinfrGUI Free

Conclusion

In conclusion, if the PDF Preview Handler not working, following these 6 easy steps should resolve the issue and restore seamless PDF viewing in Outlook and File Explorer. From updating your Adobe Acrobat Reader to checking Outlook settings and clearing temporary files, these solutions address the most common causes of the problem. If the issue persists, it might be worth considering reinstalling Adobe Acrobat Reader or Outlook to ensure everything is correctly configured. With these fixes, you can get back to effortlessly previewing PDF documents without any disruptions.

>>Also Read How to Recover an Unreadable PDF File in Easy Steps?