PDFs no longer open in the legacy IE browser control

[isladogs]

Recently there have been several reports that PDF files (whether local or online) no longer open in the old IE browser control.
This is on machines that have the latest Windows Jan 2026 updates.

Some people report just seeing an empty grey box where the browser control is located.

In my tests, using Windows 10 22H2 19045.6809 and Access 2603 19728.20004 Beta Channel, I can view both local and online PDFs in the IE browser control without issues

However, using Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.7705 and Access 365 2603 19727.20000 Beta Channel, I get this message for both local & online PDFs in the IE browser control :

In both cases, clicking Open, opens the PDF externally in my default browser (MS Edge)

The issue has been reported to the Access team but there appears to be no changes done in Access that would have caused it .
If possible, could others test in Win 10 / Win11 to help determine whether it is a Win 11 specific issue rather than a change in Access

 

[moke123]

Win11 pro 24H2 26100.7623
Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2511 Build 16.0.19426.20260) 64-bit

Checking an old app I get an empty box.

 

[isladogs]

No dialog to open or save?

 

[arnelgp]

just tested it using the Legacy webbrowser and created new database on Windows 11 and Office 2024 x64, and still it works!

 

[isladogs]

Thanks @arnelgp.
How up to date is your Windows 11 machine? Full version build would really help.
The issue apparently began after the January updates and also may not affect 2024 LTSC

 

[moke123]

No dialog to open or save?

No, nothing.

 

[isladogs]

Not sure if its relevant but out of interest, what is your default browser and what is your default app for opening PDFs?

 

[Isaac]

Makes me wonder how an old app I wrote that totally depended on this functionality is doing - but I am long since no longer with the corporation.
The things that suddenly change like this are depressing and make feel not reliable.

Anyway, to contribute I'd like to try testing it too, but want to clarify - is this the Webbrowser control that's available from the default installed list of controls on the toolbox? that amounts to a name of "WebBrowser0" when dragged onto form? the one that's missing the .navigate method?

 

[Isaac]

This loads fine for me:

Me.WebBrowser0.ControlSource = "=""C:\Users\Firstname Lastname\Desktop\Misc\ChatGPT Financial Literacy book\PAPERBACK Financial Basics Manuscript.pdf"""
Me.WebBrowser0.Requery

 

[isladogs]

Thanks @Isaac but could you report back on your Windows & Office version and builds - as I did in post #1
The issue only seems to be on Win 11 machines that have the latest updates.

 

[Isaac]

Oops, sorry I forgot to do that. I'm on Windows 10 19045.6466

 

[GPGeorge]

I can't quite get my head around this.

Yesterday or the day before, I updated Windows 11 and M365. After that I saw the failure to load the pdf in the web browser control.

Today, it loads again.

I am now updating M365 yet again and will follow that with a check on Windows 11. However, it is confusing as can be.

 

[Isaac]

doesn't Win11 do some aggressive updating - i.e. behind the scenes totally? maybe they sneaky-patched it without admitting fault.

 

[GPGeorge]

Confirmed.

I have Windows 11, version 25H2. 2026-01 Preview Update (KB5074105) (26200.7705) installed.
Microsoft® Access® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2601 Build 16.0.19628.20166 Click-to-run) , updated just now.

The same PDF now opens in both the IE webbrowser and the new Edge webbrowser. I swear it did not yesterday. I'm totally confused.

 

[moke123]

I'll check my home computer too. I have no control over my work versions.

 

[arnelgp]

my windows 11 version