10 Best Free PDF Reader Software For Windows [2022 Edition]
If you’re looking to view a PDF file nowadays the first thing that immediately comes to mind is web browsers, the majority of which come with an integrated PDF reader. This has eliminated the need for separate PDF viewer or viewer software. However, features like digital signature, form filling, annotation, etc. remain the ideal choice for sophisticated PDF software.
On Windows 10, there are plenty of options available for you to download PDF viewer applications. What are the best options you should choose? We’ve put together an index of the top 10 top PDF readers available for Windows PCs. The list for 2022 includes the such as Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, SumatraPDF, Foxit Reader, and more. they are all household names.
The right Reader for PDF on Windows that meets your requirements for the coming year isn’t difficult however, you must be aware of the options available. We’ll talk about the various software available to view and read PDF documents. We’ll also help you choose which one is the best fit for your needs:
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
If you’re searching for an efficient program for reading PDF files, I’d suggest Adobe Acrobat Reader. It’s not unusual to find a PDF file that requires the use of a sophisticated PDF viewer. These are fillable forms that aren’t able to handle with a standard PDF reader program for Windows.
Adobe Reader for Windows provides different reading modes, text highlighting, adding notes, filling forms, digital signatures, adding stamps, etc. Adobe’s PDF reader free for Windows is also able to support tabbed views which means you can view multiple PDF files at once.
If your requirements aren’t straightforward, and you’re not looking to “read” PDF files, and you want advanced features, then downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the best option. It’s also the ideal Reader for PDF files that have large documents that certain lightweight programs aren’t able to handle fully.
Pros
- It can edit and convert PDF files.
- It also offers advanced signing and editing tools.
- Provides support for multiple platforms
Cons
- Pro version that includes extra capabilities is charged
- Minor app glitches
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
2. SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF is an open-source, lightweight PDF reader program that you can install and run on a Windows computer. It is licensed under the GPLv3 license. SumatraPDF also supports other PDF formats and includes formats like EPUB, MOBI, FB2, CHM, XPS, and DjVu.
As I’ve mentioned that this is a free and excellent PDF reader is extremely lightweight, and its 64-bit installation is only 5MB. If you’re searching for a PDF reader that can provide a great and fast reading experience and the most essential features, then SumatraPDF is the best Reader for PDF. It’s not as advanced, however. features such as annotations, document signing, and filling in forms.
It has keyboard shortcuts for various keyboards that will help you navigate faster and enhance the reading experience. Sumatra is also able to provide simple previewing of LaTeX documents. Additionally, you can set up various text editors to work with Sumatra. The PDF viewer for free can run within a restricted mode.
Pros
- Provides support for a variety of file formats, including ePub
- It’s a light app
Cons
- No editing tools
- There is no support for any of the advanced features
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
3. Expert PDF Reader
Another no-cost software includes The Expert PDF Reader which is created by Visagesoft. Regarding appearance and feel, it’ll give you the feel of the old MS Office apps. However, the fact that it excels in what it does is what makes Expert PDF Reader an option worth looking into.
When it comes to capabilities In terms of features, the Windows PDF reader can handle virtually any type of document you want to throw at it. You can also alter annotations, apply rubber stamps, and more. in existing files, even when they were created with different software.
Additionally, you can also bookmark PDF files, look up thumbnails of pages as well as use the tabs feature to open multiple PDF files simultaneously using this PDF viewer for free.
Pros
- Supports a variety of file formats
- Handles large files effectively
Cons
- Doesn’t have the latest tools and features
- Not suitable for those who are experienced users
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
4. Nitro Free PDF Reader
Nitro Reader is another well-known name in the realm of productivity and office software. I personally love this PDF document reader for free since it can find the right balance between usability and features. It’s not loaded with unnecessary features that aren’t needed by anyone. The sleek interface is the rest of the applications of Microsoft’s Office suite.
In addition to the standard capabilities, Nitro Reader also comes with a convenient QuickSign feature that makes signing documents an easy task. It also lets you secure your documents, and make sure that they’re accessible to those who have been issued a digital certificate by you. Therefore, you should choose Nitro Reader if you want to use a straightforward pdf reader on Windows which also comes with an attractive user interface.
Pros
- Easy to use interface
- Provides a range of advanced features
- Certain features are exclusive to this app
Cons
- Forces users to download the trial version for free. professional version
- Deactivates various features in the free version
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
5. Foxit Reader
If you’re searching for an affordable and reliable pdf reader that works with Windows 10/11 and older versions of Microsoft Windows, your search may be finished in Foxit Reader.
Similar to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit is a popular brand in the field in the field of a document reader. In contrast to Adobe’s PDF reading software, Foxit is comparatively lighter.
In the past, Foxit also introduced its new online ConnectedPDF Document Management System. The Text Viewer mode eliminates the complicated formatting and provides the file in a simple Notepad-like format. the document.
The collaboration capabilities further enhance the experience of reading PDFs by letting you work online and share the PDF with other users. This is a powerful software to read PDF files. It is packed with all the required features.
Pros
- Cloud sharing tools for cloud users.
- Features collaborative features to collaborate with others
- It includes advanced editing tools
Cons
- Minor app glitches are reported on older Windows versions
- Consumes a large number of system resources
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
6. Google Drive
Similar to your web browser, Google Drive can also open PDF files with no external software. But what it provides is a PDF reader online as opposed to other full-blown Windows applications that are listed on this list.
It provides basic functions like PDF printing, downloading, and lets you locate the content of the document. You just need to choose the option of opening an existing PDF in Google Docs and converting that PDF to editable Doc format.
In addition to opening a PDF in its basic format, it is possible to connect other Chrome applications to this PDF reader to enhance the capabilities of this reader. In the end, it could turn out into a wonderful alternative to the traditional PDF viewer when you store your documents on Google Drive. Google Drive.
Pros
- Convenient use through browsers and other devices
- Access PDF files on any device
Cons
- Doesn’t have advanced editing features
- There is only an online version
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
7. Web Browsers - Chrome, Firefox, Edge
If your primary objective is to view PDF files and you don’t want features that are included in the most advanced software to read PDF files for Windows You don’t require special software. The web browsers you use, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Opera include an integrated PDF reader for free.
They are an integral part of your internet browser and are updated frequently with the latest features to complement your browser. When you click an image of a PDF the browser begins loading the pdf file by itself and gives you a clean reading experience. Each browser lets you utilize features such as variable text size, rotation as well as downloading and printing.
If you need to view locally stored PDF files in your browser on the internet it is necessary to drag the file to an opened browser. You may also right-click the file and choose your preferred browser by selecting the “Choose a Browser” option “Choose Another App” option. If you don’t view or open PDF files often the web browser is the most efficient PDF viewer that you can find.
Pros
- Efficient handling of PDF
- convenient for the majority of users.
Cons
- Lacks editing features
- Not suitable for advanced users.
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
8. Slim PDF
Like SumatraPDF, Slim PDF is another lightweight option to look into in the search for the top pdf reader on the Windows OS 10/11. Slim PDF is billed as the world’s smallest PDF desktop reader.
It’s a simple-to-use PDF reader that is suitable for PC users. It has recently been upgraded with a new interface with support for the darker mode that most people like. As is expected, this complimentary PDF reader is focused on reading, viewing, and printing PDF documents.
Slim PDF loads quickly and allows you to complete your task in less time. It is important to note it is that the Windows PDF reader does not support numerous keyboard shortcuts that are popular So don’t be deceived. Additionally, it won’t allow you to mark your content word for word. However, it’s an application for portable PDF readers that simply does what it says on the tin.
Pros
- It’s a light application
- Easy to use interface
Cons
- Doesn’t have the latest features
- Less efficient file handling
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
9. Javelin PDF Reader
The final entry on our list of top PDF readers to 2022 includes Javelin PDF Reader. It has all the basics of PDF reading needed to finish everyday chores. The interface overall is sleek, and you can select from the majority of commonly used reading modes, including continuous, full-screen or side-by-side, and so on.
With only 2MB of download size, Javelin is pretty lightweight in comparison to other similar programs like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Foxit Reader. The PDF viewer that is free is compatible with DRM-protected PDF files without any problems and also provides annotation and markup.
Pros
- It’s a light application
- Convenient for users who just wish to view PDFs
Cons
- Lacks editing features
- Not suitable for advanced users.
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
10. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is a free pdf reader that works with Windows 10/11 that has been redesigned and simplified. It is fast to load and offers a simple experience for printing, reading, and annotating, or saving text and images as well as other information. using a PDF file.
Before that, the program was known as PDF-XChange Viewer. The program did not have the basic editing features that are available for download. It also comes with features such as OCR and digital signatures in addition. But the UI could be a bit overloaded and cluttered with too many choices. perhaps a revamp would let the user breathe.
According to the developers, The free version of the PDF-XChange editor includes more than 60 percent of the features that are included in the paid version.
Pros
- user-friendly interface
- Features basic functions
- Create PDF files from existing documents
Cons
- Editing features require
- More expensive than the competitors.
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
Btw, What is PDF? Who was the person who created it?
PDF is the abbreviation as Portable Document Format and it was created by Adobe the creators of Acrobat Reader – in the 1990s.
One of the main advantages of PDF is that it retains the formatting and attributes of the document formatting according to the person who created it. For instance, you may have noticed how the MS Word file looks different when it is opened with a different word processor application.
Furthermore, PDF makes documents secure against tampering, which means that unauthorized users aren’t able to make changes in the document’s original format. This is an essential feature when dealing with sensitive information, and especially in a time where we’re faced with an abundance of fake information.
Which one is the most efficient pdf reader on Windows 10, Windows 10, and Windows 11?
We have compiled the top PDF reader software available for Windows 10/11 and previous versions that you can test for 2022. Based on the use you make and requirements, your selections may be different. For instance, you may require an open-source PDF reader, or even one that is free, or even a premium one with additional capabilities.
I believe that you’ve got complete PDF readers such as Acrobat DC, Foxit, and Nitro. These Windows PDF readers come with all the features are required for normal use. However, if you do not want the hassle of installing or a separate installation, you can use the PDF reader to your web browser, or the PDF reader online available in Google Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find the PDF viewer that is the default that comes with Windows 10?
Windows 10 doesn’t come preloaded with a separate PDF reader application. Its default Edge browser allows you to access PDF files with ease if you require it.
How do I edit PDF files on my PC?
The majority of PDF viewer applications and web browsers can’t edit PDF documents. Many online PDF editors programs let you modify the content of PDF files.
Do you think PDF is better than word files?
There isn’t a definitive solution to the question. However, the fact, that documents in PDF format aren’t editable, it gives it an advantage when it contains the most important details.
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