Unlike the previous version of the Windows operating system, Windows 10 doesn’t ship with the Reader app. Those of you who have used Windows 8/8.1 will know that the native Reader app was the official PDF reader app in Windows 8/8.1. In other words, in the previous version of Windows, we could easily read PDF documents without the help of third-party software.
The Reader app has been omitted from Windows 10 for unknown reasons. In Windows 10, the new Microsoft Edge is the default app to open PDF files but that you can change the default PDF reader to a third-party application. Although the new Edge browser allows you to open and view PDF files, a dedicated app would have been nice.
Since almost all major web browsers support PDF files and allow you to view PDF files within the browser, most users will never need to install a dedicated PDF reader to open and view PDF files.
Adobe Reader DC
There are plenty of PDF viewers available but most users prefer using Adobe PDF Reader.
That said, if you’re on a touch device, Adobe Reader touch is certainly the best free PDF reader app out there for Windows 10 as it offers more features compared to the Reader app.
If you often need to view PDF files, you can download Adobe Reader Touch, or the desktop version of Adobe PDF reader, or the official Reader app.
Adobe Reader Touch
Go for Adobe Reader Touch if are running Windows 10 on a tablet, phone or any other touch device. Adobe Reader Touch is developed for devices that supports touch inputs but supports traditional desktops as well.
Download Adobe Reader Touch (Store link)
Reader app from Microsoft
Although the official Reader app is not available in Windows 10, one can install the app from the Windows Store. Its simple user interface makes it one of the best free PDF reader apps out there for Windows 10.
Download Reader app (Store link)
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (free)
The desktop version of Adobe PDF Reader is probably the most downloaded PDF reader application for Windows. As said before, there are plenty of alternatives out there with better set of features but most users prefer using the tried and tested Adobe PDF Reader.
Gaaiho PDF Reader
Sometime back, we reviewed the free version of Gaaiho PDF Reader. If you’re looking for a free PDF reader with great set of features for your Windows 10, you should try out Gaaihoo PDF Reader first before trying out anything else.
This free desktop PDF viewer allows you edit PDF files by adding comments, handwritten signatures, bookmarks, stamps, and annotations. The user interface of the tool is looks very identical to Office 2013/2016 and is very elegant.
Have you installed a dedicated PDF reader in Windows 10?
Findecanor says
Windows 10’s Reader app is no longer available from the Microsoft Store.
The store lists it, but it has actually been replaced with a message box with a button for launching Edge.
The only reason why I had enabled Internet connection on my tablet in the first place was because there was some kind of problem that made Reader not work. And the next time I logged in and tried to start Reader, there had been an “update” and I got this insult instead of the app. I deleted it and went to the store: and got the same placard again.
Amili says
Some people advised PDF-XChange Editor, and I would like to add that the really worth soft for the wide range works with PDFs. It works great in Win 10, 8, 7.. and also it is in the portable version. After trying that, believe me, you will love it too :)
Ksana says
I have PDF-XChange Editor on my computer, and it works just perfect! Previous build had new engine for forms, new build has some very nice features. It grows and improves very fast.
Norbert says
I tried both Gaaiho and X-change; unfortunately none of them opens pdf files created by the Camscanner mobile app.
OsPo says
PDF-XChange Editor works in WIndows 10 too. It was awesome in Win 8, 7, … etc and getiing better and better. Lovely software for reading and editing pdfs and many other file types that can be converted to pdf.
Andrea says
Lovely PDF-XChange yeah true!!! The best all around I think.
Maybe I would use Adobe, but Acrobat not Reader. Only I don’t want to spend so much money for one software, better I’d buy Editor Pro for great small price.
I still use free version and can say that’s absolutely enough for everyday tasks.
weirdPsycho says
PDF-XChange Editor oh yeah! The smallest, fastest, most feature-rich PDF editor/viewer available!
Elegant?! LMAO! :D
marie says
hi,
i am using adobe reader for a year now and i am having problems with it. when im making notes in my pdf files or just scrolling through the pages, the reader just stopsworking and after some seconds a window pops up that says, close window, that’s how i lose all my info and notes that i have made in my pdf files. please help me.
Olivia says
I love free software and I love free PDF-XChange Editor!
Especially the latest version 6.
A lot of free useful features. Just awesome!
Ziath says
After reading this just realized that I can use the web brwoser to read pdf instead of installing pdf reader software.
thanks for the tip.
admin says
Thanks for your input, Steviebhoy. Yes, both of them are good.
Steviebhoy says
Comic reader & soda pdf 3d reader in windows store are the best I have came across so far.
TheRaptor says
Simon says: your screaming about the term “elegant” being used to describe software…..
and yet your intro starts off with: For the love of God, REALLY!
Simons says
For the love of god when will people please stop calling software “elegant”.
MikeFromMarkham says
Sumatra PDF has been my default reader for years. Haven’t tested it yet with Windows 10, but I suspect it will only work in desktop mode.
TriptoAfsin says
gaaiho has a good desgin but it’s rendering performance is not up to the mark.It’s Sluggish .I think Foxit Has Better Performnce than gaaiho