Microsoft Copilot is pretty useless at the best of times, which is why most people can't get rid of it quickly enough. However, if you are one of the few people that is happy to use it, you've probably noticed that it has a really hard time opening PDF files sometimes. Usually, it's related to file restrictions, outdated components, or broken system integrations. So follow along as this guide shows you a few things you can do to fix this issue on Windows 11.

Takeaways:

  1. How do you fix Copilot on Windows 11, not being able to open PDF files?
  2. Why can't I open PDF files using Copilot on Windows 11.

How to Open a PDF File in Copilot

To open a PDF in Microsoft Copilot:

  • Drag and drop the file into the chat box, or
  • Use the attachment icon and select the PDF

You can then ask Copilot to summarise, explain, or extract key information. On the web version, upload the file through Microsoft Copilot Web. The web version is generally more stable.

How to Fix Microsoft Copilot Unable to Read PDF Files

Before you start doing anything else, check to see that the PDF file actually works and that it opens normally in PDF viewers. If it doesn't, Copilot won't be able to open it either. Open the PDF in Microsoft Edge and test the following:

  • Try selecting and copying text
  • Check for password prompts or restrictions
  • Look for errors or blank pages

If text cannot be selected, the file is likely image-based. In that case, you need OCR conversion before Copilot can process it. If the file is restricted, save an unlocked version and try again.

Update Copilot and Microsoft Edge

If anything is out of date it probably won't work either. So make sure you have updated the following things.

  • Open Microsoft Edge
  • Go to Settings, then About Microsoft Edge
  • Allow updates to install automatically

Once you have done that:

  • Open Microsoft Store
  • Go to Library
  • Install pending updates for Microsoft Copilot
  • Restart your computer after updates are complete.

Reset the Copilot App

Reset the Copilot app back to default settings.

  • Open Settings
  • Go to Apps, then Installed apps
  • Select Microsoft Copilot
  • Open Advanced options
  • Click Reset
  • Restart Copilot and test the PDF file again.

Use the Copilot Web Version

If the desktop version doesn't work, you can try using the web version of Copilot.

  • Open: Microsoft Copilot Web
  • Sign in to your account
  • Upload the PDF using the attachment icon
  • Ask Copilot to summarise or extract content
  • If the file works on the web but not in the app, the issue is local to your system.

Repair or Update WebView2 Runtime

Copilot needs the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime for PDF processing, so make sure it is working.

  • Open Settings
  • Go to Apps, Installed apps
  • Find Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime
  • Select Modify, then Repair

To update via terminal:

  • Run: winget upgrade Microsoft.EdgeWebView2
  • Restart your computer after completion.