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.
Download Adobe Reader DC
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.
Download Gaaiho PDF Reader
Have you installed a dedicated PDF reader in Windows 10?
