How to Sign a PDF on Windows 10/11 (Free, No Software)

Signing PDFs on Windows Without Extra Software

Windows does not include a built-in PDF signing tool. Unlike macOS (which has Preview with signature support), Windows users historically had to download third-party software to sign a PDF. That is no longer the case.

In 2026, you have three solid free options for signing PDFs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 — and the best one requires no software installation at all.

Method 1: SigPDF in Your Browser (Recommended)

The fastest way to sign a PDF on Windows is to use a browser-based tool. No download, no installation, no account creation.

Step-by-Step

1. Open your browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or any modern browser
2. Go to sigpdf.com
3. Upload your PDF — drag the file from File Explorer onto the page, or click to browse
4. Click "Add Signature" — choose to draw your signature with your mouse, type it in a handwriting font, or upload an image of your signature
5. Click on the PDF to place your signature on the signature line
6. Add text and dates if the form requires your printed name, title, company, or date
7. Click "Confirm & Download" — save the signed PDF to your Downloads folder

Why This Is the Best Option for Windows

• Zero installation — nothing to download, nothing to update, nothing using disk space
• No account — no email address, no password, no marketing emails
• Works on any Windows version — Windows 10, Windows 11, even older versions with a modern browser
• Client-side processing — your PDF stays on your computer. It is processed in your browser and never uploaded to any server
• Same tool everywhere — if you also use a Mac, Chromebook, or phone, SigPDF works identically on all of them

Method 2: Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free Version)

Adobe Acrobat Reader is the most widely installed PDF viewer on Windows. The free version includes basic signing capabilities.

Step-by-Step

1. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader from adobe.com if you do not already have it installed (approximately 250MB)
2. Open your PDF in Acrobat Reader
3. Click "All tools" in the left panel, then select "Fill & Sign"
4. Click "Add Signature" in the toolbar — choose to type, draw, or upload an image
5. Click on the document to place your signature
6. Save the signed PDF via File > Save As

Adobe Reader is a solid option if you already have it installed. The downsides: it requires a 250MB+ download, an Adobe account for full functionality, and the free version is limited with frequent prompts to upgrade to paid plans ($12.99-$22.99/month).

Method 3: Microsoft Edge Built-In

Microsoft Edge, the default browser on Windows 10 and 11, has a built-in PDF viewer with basic annotation support. While limited, it can work for simple signing tasks.

Step-by-Step

1. Open your PDF in Microsoft Edge — right-click the file, select "Open with," and choose Microsoft Edge
2. Click the "Draw" tool in the toolbar at the top of the PDF viewer
3. Draw your signature using your mouse directly on the document
4. Adjust the pen color and thickness if needed using the dropdown options
5. Save the annotated PDF by clicking the save icon or pressing Ctrl+S

Edge is convenient since it is already installed, but it is very limited. There is no dedicated signature tool — you are drawing freehand directly on the document with no resize or reposition. No typed signatures, no text or date tools, and no way to save a signature for reuse.

Comparison: All Three Methods

| Feature | SigPDF (Browser) | Adobe Acrobat Reader | Microsoft Edge | |---|---|---|---| | Installation needed | No | Yes (250MB+) | No (pre-installed) | | Account required | No | Yes | No | | Draw signature | Yes | Yes | Yes (freehand only) | | Type signature | Yes | Yes | No | | Upload signature image | Yes | Yes | No | | Add text | Yes | Yes | No | | Add date | Yes | Yes | No | | Resize/reposition signature | Yes | Yes | No | | Save signature for reuse | No (privacy feature) | Yes | No | | Processing location | Local (browser) | Local + cloud | Local | | Cost | Free | Free (limited) / Paid | Free |

Tips for Signing PDFs on Windows

Drawing Signatures With a Mouse

Signing with a mouse is the most common method on Windows desktops and laptops. It takes a bit of practice to get a natural-looking result. Tips:

• Go slowly — fast mouse movements create jagged lines
• Use your whole arm, not just your wrist — this produces smoother strokes
• Sign larger than needed and resize down — small mouse signatures tend to look shaky
• Consider a typed signature if your drawn version does not look great. SigPDF offers handwriting-style fonts that produce a clean, professional result every time

Using a Touchscreen Windows Device

If you have a touchscreen laptop, 2-in-1 device, or a Surface tablet, you can draw your signature with your finger or a stylus. This produces much more natural results than a mouse. SigPDF fully supports touch input on Windows devices.

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11

For PDF signing, there is no meaningful difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11. All three methods work identically on both. For more on choosing the right signing tool, see our comparison of the best free PDF signers.

Sign Your PDF on Windows Now

No software to install, no account to create. Open SigPDF in your browser and sign your PDF in under a minute.

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