Download Details

Version: 2026.2.1.39815 (latest)
File size: 350.94 MB
License: Free
Security scan: VirusTotal: 57 of 57 engines say OK (0 flagged)
SHA-256 checksum: 71f1a0cb46c0854e7b45d675f2ebbd5052261a0d95f6513dc6aa087c6350ee27
Developer: Foxit Software Inc.
Supported OS: Windows 11, Windows 10
Installers: 64-bit (x64), Offline
Downloads: 8210
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 · 81 reviews
File name(s): FoxitPDFReader202621_L10N_Setup_x64.exe

Reviewed by Mohamed Zaki
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 4, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

Foxit PDF Reader latest version for Windows PC

Foxit PDF Reader is a free PDF viewer for Windows 11 and 10 that opens files quickly and keeps the interface familiar to anyone who has used Office.

It handles the everyday jobs: reading, printing, highlighting, commenting, filling forms and signing.

It suits students, office workers and anyone who wants an Adobe Reader alternative without the upsell pressure.

If you only need to read and mark up PDFs, it is worth installing. If you need to rewrite text inside a PDF, you will need the paid editor.

What is Foxit PDF Reader?

Foxit PDF Reader is a free PDF viewer from Foxit Software Inc. It opens, prints and annotates PDF files and is a popular alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader.

It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, so your habits carry over between devices.

What it does well

Speed is the main draw. Documents open quickly and the program stays light on system resources, which helps on older laptops.

Annotation covers the usual set: highlights, comments, stamps and freehand drawing. Form filling and signing are included in the free version too.

Tip: If you review contracts or reports with colleagues, use highlights plus comments instead of stamps, so each note stays attached to the exact line it refers to.

Password-protected PDFs open normally, and the interface uses a ribbon layout that Office users pick up in minutes.

Where it can annoy

The free reader does not rewrite the text inside a PDF. Full content editing sits in the paid Foxit PDF Editor.

The free version also lacks OCR, so scanned documents stay as images and you cannot search them.

Tip: If you only need to change one word in a PDF, it is often quicker to fix the source document and export a new PDF than to pay for an editor.

Free vs Pro

Feature	Foxit PDF Reader (free)	Foxit PDF Editor (paid)
View and print PDFs	Yes	Yes
Annotate and comment	Yes	Yes
Fill forms and sign	Yes	Yes
Edit text inside a PDF	No	Yes
OCR for scanned files	No	Yes

Is Foxit PDF Reader safe to install?

Yes. The installer on this page was checked with VirusTotal and came back clean.

During setup, read each screen and untick any optional extras you do not want.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you need to edit PDF text, run OCR on scans or build forms from scratch. A paid editor fits that work better.

Also skip it if your PC is very old and you want the smallest possible viewer. SumatraPDF is lighter.

How to Download & Install

Click the download button at the top of this page to get the offline EXE installer for 64-bit Windows.

Prefer to skip the online setup? The offline installer carries everything it needs, so it also works on a PC with a weak connection.

Step 1: Click the download button at the top of this page and save the installer.

Step 2: Pick the offline installer option, as shown below.

Step 3: Double-click the installer and allow it to run if Windows asks for permission.

Step 4: Choose the “Typical” setup so all the essential components are included. Untick any optional extras offered during setup if you do not want them.

Step 5: Finish the wizard, then open a PDF to confirm Foxit launches and displays it.

Installer types

This page provides the main offline installer for 64-bit Windows. There is no separate portable package listed here.

System requirements

Windows 11 or Windows 10
64-bit (x64) processor
Offline installation, no internet needed during setup

License and activation

Foxit PDF Reader is free. No key or activation is needed for reading, printing, annotating and filling forms.

How to update

Click the download button at the top of this page to get the latest installer. Run it over your existing copy and your settings normally stay in place.

Fixes for common install problems

Installer will not start: right-click it and choose Run as administrator, then check that you downloaded the 64-bit build for a 64-bit PC.
Windows SmartScreen warning: choose More info, then Run anyway, once you have confirmed the file came from this page.
PDFs still open in another app: open Windows Settings, go to Default apps and set Foxit PDF Reader for the .pdf file type.

Pros & Cons

What we liked

Fast, lightweight PDF viewing
Free annotation and form filling
Familiar Office-style interface
Offline installer, no account needed

What we didn't like

Text editing needs paid editor
No OCR in free version

Best Foxit PDF Reader Alternatives

Sumatra PDF
Lightweight PDF and ebook reader that opens documents in a blink.
Adobe PDF Reader
Free PDF viewer for reading, printing, annotating, and signing documents.
PDF-XChange Viewer
Lightweight free PDF reader with annotation, measuring tools, and image export.

Conclusion

4.3out of 5 · 81 user ratings

Foxit PDF Reader is not the only free option, so it helps to see where it sits against other readers.

Compare what you actually do with PDFs: reading only, marking up, or editing.

App	Best For	Price	Platform	Standout Feature
Foxit PDF Reader	Reading, annotating and filling forms	Free	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Fast opening with a full free annotation set
SumatraPDF	Old PCs and minimal reading	Free	Windows	Very small and quick, with a portable option
PDF-XChange Viewer	Free extra tools	Free (paid tier available)	Windows	Wide set of free markup tools
Adobe Acrobat Reader	Maximum compatibility	Free (paid Acrobat available)	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	The reference reader for the PDF format

Final verdict

Foxit PDF Reader is a solid free pick for Windows users who read, print, annotate and sign PDFs every day.

If you need to edit text or scan documents with OCR, plan on a paid editor instead.

FAQ

Is Foxit PDF Reader free?

Yes, Foxit PDF Reader is free for viewing, printing, annotating and filling forms. Advanced editing belongs to the paid Foxit PDF Editor.

Is Foxit PDF Reader safe?

Yes, the installer on this page was checked with VirusTotal and came back clean. Untick any optional extras shown during setup.

Is there an offline installer for Foxit PDF Reader?

Yes, this page provides the offline installer for 64-bit Windows 11 and 10. It needs no internet connection during setup.

Is Foxit PDF Reader better than Adobe Acrobat Reader?

It depends on your priorities. Foxit is known for speed and light resource use, while Adobe is the reference for compatibility.

Can I edit PDF text with Foxit PDF Reader?

No, the free reader does not edit text inside a PDF. You can annotate, comment, fill forms and sign.

How do I make Foxit PDF Reader my default PDF viewer?

Open Windows Settings, go to Default apps, search for the .pdf file type and choose Foxit PDF Reader.

What is a good lightweight alternative to Foxit PDF Reader?

SumatraPDF is a very small free reader for Windows. PDF-XChange Viewer is a good pick if you want more free markup tools.

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Foxit PDF Reader