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Failed To Load PDF Document Error in Chrome: How do I fix it?
Remove cache & addons ➕ update your browser
7 min. read
Updated onSeptember 5, 2024
updated onSeptember 5, 2024
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Failed to load PDF documentis an error that is most common in Chrome. However, in some cases, this error has been spotted in other tools that allow you to directly load a PDF file, such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and evenOutlook mail client.
PDF being such a popular format, it has become quite rooted in our daily routine, be it at work or at home. Thisfailed to load PDF documenterrorwill prevent you from directly viewing documents in your browser.
These are some of the most common scenarios you might encounter when a PDF has failed to load:
Why can’t I load my PDF?
If you get theFailed to load PDF documenterror message in Chrome or other browsers, their built-in viewer is likely unable to open a secured PDF.
To fix the issue, update your browser to the latest version or try using adedicated third-party PDF viewer.
This error could also be caused by some misconfigured setting or an issue with the browser. Several users also reported that theSend URLs of pages you visit to Googleoption inSync and Google serviceswas the culprit, and disabling it did the trick.
The solutions listed here should help you no matter the problem.
How do I fix a PDF that won’t load?
1. Change PDF settings in Chrome
According to users, if you’re getting thewon’t open PDF file errormessage in Chrome, the problem might be your content settings.
By default, Chrome is set to open PDF files internally, but you might be able to circumvent this issue simply by choosing to open PDF files in a dedicated PDF viewer.
Downloading a file instead of opening it directly in your browser is also great if you want to make sure the file is not damaged or broken.
If the file you try to open is corrupted there are some ways you canfix corrupted or damaged PDFs on Windows.
2. Make sure that Google Chrome is up to date
According to users, sometimes,Failed to loadPDFdocumentin Windows 11can appear if your browser is out of date. Certain glitches can appear once in a while, but the best way is to update your browser.
Google Chrome automatically downloads the missing updates in the background, but sometimes you might skip one for various reasons. Once the updates are installed, check if the problem is still there.
3. Try using third-party PDF readers
Sometimes, this error message can be related only to your browser. Although reading a PDF file in your browser is the most straightforward solution, it’s better to use adedicated PDF reader.
DocHubis a greatPDFeditor, and it offers many advanced features that you won’t find in your browser.
You can quickly view, create, edit, and convert your PDFs thanks to this excellent easy-to-use online platform.
Moreover, you can customize the content and layouts of your PDF documents and secure them with advanced 256-bit SSL encryption.
If you keep getting the errorfailed to load PDF documentin Chrome, perhaps this is a perfect time to consider using a dedicated PDF reader.
⇒Get DocHub
4. Remove problematic extensions
Some extensions might interfere with your browser and causeFailed to load PDF documentmessages while viewing certain files.
Once you disable all extensions, restart Chrome. If the issue doesn’t appear, it’s certain that one of your extensions is causing it. Enable the extensions one by one until you manage to recreate the problem.
Once you find the problematic extension, remove it and check if that permanently solves theFailed to load PDF documenterror on Salesforce.
5. Clear cache
Yourbrowserstores all sorts of files on the PC in order to display certain websites faster, but sometimes cache files can get corrupted, and this leads to variouserrors.
If you’re getting the error message, perhaps the issue is related to your cache, and in order to fix it, we advise you to clear it.
6. Reset Google Chrome
According to users, sometimes, certain settings in your browser can cause this issue to appear. In case you can’t find the problematic setting, you can reset your browser to the default.
By doing so, you’ll remove all extensions, settings, and browsing history. In case you want to preserve some of your data, such as bookmarks, you should back them up or enable syncing.
After you reset the browser, check if the problem is still there. To restore your settings and browsing history, be sure to sign in to your Google Account, and all your data will be restored.
7. Reinstall Google Chrome
If you have already tried to reset Google Chrome without success, you might want to try reinstalling it. Sometimes your installation can get corrupted, leading to this and many other problems.
To fix the issue, it’s advised that you reinstall Chrome completely. There are several ways to do that, and the best way to do it is to useuninstaller software.
Uninstaller software removes all files and registry entries associated with Chrome, ensuring that leftover files don’t interfere with future installations.
Once you remove Chrome, download, and install the latest version, the error will be fixed.
8. Use an alternative browser with PDF viewer
If nothing else on this list works you can always try using another browser that has a built-in PDF Viewer. Nowadays most browsers come fully equipped so it is not hard to find one for this task.
The easiest choice would beMicrosoft Edge, as it is the default browser recommended by Microsoft. Due to this, many systems come with this browser already installed, so switching to it should be easy.
As with all modern browsers, Microsoft Edge will allow you to import your settings and bookmarks, making you feel right at home in no time.
The methods listed here would also work if you encounter theFailed to load PDF documenton Outlook. Also, find out what to do if youcannot save PDF after editing.
If you’re a developer, you might’ve encountered anerror PDF validation broken pipemessage, but we have an article that covers this issue, so don’t miss it.
Which solution worked for you? Let us know in the comments section below!
More about the topics:Google Chrome Errors,PDF
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
Fact checked byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
