There’s nothing more frustrating than settling into your workflow, clicking on a PDF link intending to preview its contents in your browser, only to have it download automatically to your system. If you’ve recently installed a new PDF application like Foxit Reader and are using Google Chrome, you might have encountered this phenomenon. Fear not—it’s a common issue and it’s easily fixable once you understand what’s going on behind the scenes.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
When Chrome starts downloading PDFs instead of opening them in-browser after you install a PDF viewer like Foxit, the issue typically stems from changes in Chrome’s PDF viewing settings or system file associations. To fix this, check Chrome’s settings under PDF Documents and ensure the “Download PDFs” option is turned off. Also, verify that Foxit hasn’t overridden browser handling by becoming the default app for PDFs on your computer. You may also need to reinstall the Chrome PDF Viewer or change file associations back to default.
Understanding Why PDFs Start Downloading
When you install third-party PDF viewers such as Foxit Reader, the software may set itself as the primary handler for all PDF-related actions on your system. This includes changing preferences in your operating system and sometimes even modifying browser integrations. Chrome, by default, uses its own built-in PDF viewer, which lets you view PDF files directly in the browser window without downloading them.
The moment Foxit takes control, it may disable Chrome’s PDF Viewer either intentionally during installation or indirectly through file association changes. This results in browser links to PDFs prompting a download, sending many users on a troubleshooting journey they didn’t anticipate.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix Chrome PDF Auto-Download Issue
Thankfully, there are multiple ways to restore browser PDF viewing functionality. Here’s what you should check:
1. Check Chrome’s Built-in PDF Viewer Setting
Chrome has a specific setting that controls how PDF files are handled.
- Open Chrome and type chrome://settings/content/pdfDocuments in the address bar.
- Make sure the toggle for “Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome” is turned off.
Turning this off tells Chrome to use its internal viewer instead of pushing files to your downloads folder.
2. Re-enable Chrome’s PDF Viewer (If It Was Disabled)
Some installations of PDF readers disable the built-in Chrome PDF Viewer. To make sure it’s still active:
- Type chrome://extensions/ into your address bar.
- Look for “Chrome PDF Viewer” in the list (some versions of Chrome might integrate this as part of the browser and not display it separately).
- If it’s visible and disabled, re-enable it.
If you don’t see this option, the viewer might be embedded and function through the toggle we mentioned earlier. In that case, controlling the download behavior from the content settings page is sufficient.
3. Reset File Associations in the Operating System
PDFs that don’t open in the browser might also be a result of your operating system passing PDF handling to Foxit. Resetting your default PDF app can help give Chrome back some control.
Windows:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.
- Find .pdf and make sure Google Chrome is set as the default if you prefer viewing in-browser.
Mac:
- Right-click any PDF file in Finder and choose Get Info.
- Under “Open with”, select Chrome or Preview (depending on your needs).
- Click “Change All” to apply across all PDF files.
Changing these associations ensures the PDF doesn’t automatically open in Foxit, which might bypass Chrome’s viewer entirely.
4. Check Foxit Plugin Settings
Some versions of Foxit install browser plugins or extensions aimed at handling PDF documents directly. These plugins may override Chrome’s viewer or interfere with its operation.
- Open Foxit Reader.
- Go to File > Preferences > File Associations.
- Look for a setting that mentions browser or PDF integration. Uncheck any options that mention taking over in-browser PDF viewing.
- Click “Repair File Associations” to revert changes made during installation, allowing Chrome to regain control.
Foxit’s tendency to assert control over PDF behavior can unintentionally break your usual workflow. Changing its preference settings helps avoid this.
5. Clear Chrome’s Site Settings and Cache
Occasionally, corrupted site data or cached content can cause odd behaviors like incorrect file handling. While this step isn’t always necessary, it’s useful if previous solutions don’t work.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
- Select Cookies and Cached Images and Files, but avoid wiping passwords unless needed.
- Once cleared, restart Chrome and test a PDF link again.
Advanced Troubleshooting (If Necessary)
If none of the above steps restore the functionality, it’s time to take more direct action. Here are a few options:
- Reinstall Google Chrome: Uninstalling and reinstalling the browser resets all extensions and settings, often fixing the most persistent issues.
- Create a new Chrome profile: Sometimes user profiles become corrupted. Try creating a new Chrome user under chrome://settings/people and test the behavior there.
- Test in Incognito Mode: Running Chrome in Incognito disables most extensions. If PDFs load normally in this mode, one of your extensions might be the culprit. Disable them one-by-one to isolate the issue.
Preventing Future PDF Handling Problems
To maintain a consistent experience, take a few preventive steps when installing or updating third-party PDF applications:
- Watch installation prompts: Installers often include checkboxes to “Set as default PDF viewer.” Leave these unchecked if you prefer Chrome to manage PDFs.
- Regularly check Chrome’s PDF preferences: After updating apps, revisit Chrome’s Content Settings to ensure nothing’s changed unintentionally.
- Use PDF Viewer extensions selectively: Some users opt for Chrome extensions that enhance PDF handling, like Adobe Acrobat’s extension. Use these tools carefully as they can override built-in behavior.
In Summary
The issue of PDFs downloading instead of opening in Chrome typically arises when installing strong-willed applications like Foxit Reader that assume control over file associations. By adjusting Chrome’s PDF settings, possibly resetting system defaults, and checking the PDF application itself, you can quickly restore your preferred browser-based PDF viewing experience.
Hopefully, this guide has helped demystify the issue and provided practical steps to recover a smooth PDF workflow in Chrome. Happy browsing—and even happier PDF viewing!
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