Microsoft will replace the built-in PDF reader in the Edge browser with a version of Adobe Acrobat for Windows. That should be completed in September for consumer devices. For managed devices, the reader disappears at a later time and an opt-out exists.
Microsoft says integrating Acrobat technology will improve the PDF experience for Windows users. The Adobe Acrobat PDF engine gives users a “unique PDF experience,” including higher graphics quality with more precise colors and better performance and accessibility, according to Microsoft.
Users who want advanced features, such as the option to adjust text and images and convert PDF files into other file formats, you must purchase an Acrobat subscription. Microsoft says that basic features will remain free and no existing functionality will go away. Users will see a “discreet” Adobe watermark in the bottom corner of their PDF reader. There will also be an option to try out the advanced features.
This PDF reader from Adobe as part of Edge will be available to all Windows 10 and 11 users from March, after which in September all users should be able to use the new reader. The old, built-in PDF reader will no longer be available at that point.
Business devices follow a different timeline for phasing out the built-in PDF reader and unlike consumers, these users can opt for an optional -out. The opt-in policy starts in March and ends in September. Subsequently, the opt-out period immediately starts in September and ends in March 2024.
This step to phase out the built-in PDF reader in Edge will not yet be implemented in macOS, although it is stated in the future also planned there. When this will be implemented for Apple’s operating system will be announced at a later date.
