Can't preview PDF in Outlook on Surface Go

Question

I recently purchased the Surface Go and have kept it in S mode. I'm unable to preview a PDF in Outlook and keep getting the message "This file cannot be previewed because there is no previewer installed for it." I've already installed the PDF reader from the Microsoft app store. Is there another app I need to install in order to preview PDFs in Outlook? Otherwise, I have to save it and open it in order to view it which is a waste of time and space on the device. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi, DLfromga!

Thanks for reaching Microsoft Community. We are sorry to learn you are having troubles previewing PDF files in Outlook and I understand it takes time to save the file in order to view it.

Based on the Preview attachments in Outlook page, Outlook doesn't include a built-in PDF previewer. In order to preview PDF files, use the following steps.

1. Close Outlook
2. Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader
3. Make Adobe Acrobat Reader the default program used to open PDF file.
4. Refer to this page on how you can change default programs in Windows 10
5. Restart Outlook.

If this works, we highly encourage you to inform our Community by clicking on Yes or marking my post as an answer. This will help other members who may have the same issue as you. Otherwise, don't hesitate to update us so we can further assist you. 

Kind regards,                                                                                                                 

Janette_Z

Answer 2

Thank you, Janette_Z.  Your advice did help. But because the Surface Go is in S Mode, I was unable to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.  What I had to do instead was download PDF Reader from the Microsoft App Store. Once that was downloaded, I went into settings and changed the default app for .pdf files to PDF Reader and saved it.  Now, I'm able to open PDFs on Outlook on my Surface Go.

Thank you!