By Mohamed Zaki
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 ·
The best PDF Readers for Windows
We installed each app on a clean Windows PC and checked install size, interface, file compatibility and support status. The order follows GramFile editor and user ratings.
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Sumatra PDF
PDF reader that opens files instantly and stays lightweight.
Sumatra PDF suits readers, but other free tools cover editing and form work better. Here is how it compares. App Best For Price Platform Standout Feature Sumatra PDF Fast, simple reading Free Windows Near-instant startup, plus ebook formats Adobe Acrobat Reader Forms, comments and signing … Read full review
Download Sumatra PDF- Free and open source
- Opens files almost instantly
- Reads PDF, EPUB, MOBI and more
- Portable build, no install needed
- Clean interface, great keyboard shortcuts
- Basic annotation tools only
- Limited form and editing support
- No text recognition for scans
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Adobe PDF Reader
Free PDF viewer for reading, printing, annotating, and signing documents.
Free PDF readers differ mostly in speed, editing and how well they handle forms. The table shows where Adobe PDF Reader sits next to three popular choices. App Best For Price Platform Standout Feature Adobe PDF Reader Forms, signing and complex PDFs Free (Pro is paid) Windows, macOS, Android… Read full review
Download Adobe PDF Reader- Free and trusted PDF viewer
- Accurate rendering of complex PDFs
- Forms, comments and e-signatures included
- Offline installer available
- Heavier than lightweight alternatives
- No text editing without paid plan
- Online installer may offer extras
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Foxit PDF Reader
Free PDF reader with fast viewing, annotation tools and form filling.
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… Read full review
Download Foxit PDF Reader- Fast, lightweight PDF viewing
- Free annotation and form filling
- Familiar Office-style interface
- Offline installer, no account needed
- Text editing needs paid editor
- No OCR in free version
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PDF-XChange Viewer
Lightweight free PDF reader with annotation, measuring tools, and image export.
Comparing it with current readers shows what you give up in exchange for its small footprint. Look at update status, price and the one feature each app does best. App Best For Price Platform Standout Feature PDF-XChange Viewer Older PCs, light markup Free Windows Annotation and measuring in … Read full review
Download PDF-XChange Viewer- Light on RAM and disk space
- Annotation and markup tools included
- Free, no activation needed
- Measuring tools for drawings
- No longer developed or updated
- Editing requires PDF-XChange Editor
All listed PDF Readers
Every app we list has a verified download.
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Adobe PDF Reader 26.003.22075
Free PDF viewer for reading, printing, annotating, and signing documents.
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Foxit PDF Reader 2026.2.1.39815
Free PDF reader with fast viewing, annotation tools and form filling.
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PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.322.10
Lightweight free PDF reader with annotation, measuring tools, and image export.
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Sumatra PDF 3.6.1
PDF reader that opens files instantly and stays lightweight.
How we test PDF Readers
Every app goes through the same four steps, and we re-check it whenever a new version ships or Microsoft changes its support dates.
Source the installer
Taken from the official developer or a GramFile-verified mirror, never third-party uploads.
Scan for threats
Checked with multiple engines, including VirusTotal, for malware, adware and bundleware.
Test the install
Installed on Windows 11 and 10.
Publishing
Listed with accurate version info, system requirements, file size, and technical info.