How to Sign a PDF on Windows 10 and 11 (Free)

Unlike Mac, Windows doesn't have a built-in app that handles PDF signing cleanly. But you still have good free options — you just need to know which ones actually work.

Method 1: Browser-based tool (works on all Windows versions)

The simplest method — no installation, no account, and works identically on Windows 10 and 11.

1. Open Edge, Chrome, or Firefox
2. Go to quickpdfsign.com
3. Upload your PDF
4. Draw your signature with your mouse, or type your name
5. Click to place the signature, then download

The PDF is processed in your browser — nothing uploads to a server. The signed file is ready to send or print immediately.

Method 2: Microsoft Edge's built-in PDF reader

Windows 11 (and updated Windows 10) ships with Microsoft Edge as the default PDF reader. Edge lets you add freehand drawings to PDFs, which you can use as a signature.

1. Open your PDF in Microsoft Edge (right-click → Open with → Microsoft Edge)
2. Click the Draw tool in the toolbar (the pencil icon)
3. Choose a thin black pen and sign over the signature line
4. Click Save (or Ctrl+S) to save the annotated PDF

Method 3: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free, requires account)

The free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader lets you sign PDFs, but requires creating an Adobe account. If you already have one or don't mind creating one:

1. Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader from Adobe's site
2. Open your PDF in Reader
3. Go to Tools → Fill & Sign
4. Click the signature icon in the toolbar
5. Draw, type, or upload your signature
6. Click to place it on the document and save

The free Reader version works well for PDFs with pre-built form fields. For freeform placement (signing a document that isn't a form), it's workable but less intuitive than a browser-based tool.

What about LibreOffice?

LibreOffice Draw can open PDFs and let you overlay images or text, but it's not designed for PDF signing — the output format and rendering can shift. Don't rely on it for signing documents you need to send to others.

Which method to choose

• One-off signing, no setup: Browser tool at quickpdfsign.com
• Signing a PDF form with fields: Adobe Reader or browser tool
• Quick annotation, don't care about compatibility: Edge built-in reader