How to Add a Signature to a PDF on Windows
Sign PDFs on Windows without Adobe Acrobat. Works in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox — draw your signature and download in seconds, no software to install.
Windows doesn't have a built-in PDF signer
Unlike macOS (which has Preview), Windows 10 and 11 don't include a built-in way to add a signature to a PDF. Your options are:
- Adobe Acrobat — powerful, but $19.99–29.99/month
- Microsoft Edge's PDF viewer — can add basic annotations but not a proper signature field
- Browser-based tools — free, no install, full signature control
For most users, a browser-based tool gives you everything you need without any software to install or pay for.
Method 1: Sign a PDF using PrivaPDF (recommended)
Go to privapdf.net/sign-pdf in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. No account or download needed.
Drag the PDF file from File Explorer onto the page, or click to browse. Everything stays on your PC — no server upload.
Draw your signature with your mouse, or type your name in a signature font. If you have a touchscreen or stylus-enabled Windows device, you can draw with your finger or pen for a more natural look.
Drag the signature to the signature line. Resize it by dragging the corner handles.
Click download. The signed PDF saves to your Downloads folder.
Method 2: Use Microsoft Edge's built-in annotation tools
Edge can add a handwritten annotation to a PDF — but this is saved as a markup layer, not a proper embedded signature. For documents that need to be shared professionally, use a dedicated signing tool like PrivaPDF.
Right-click the PDF file and choose Open with → Microsoft Edge.
Click the pen/draw icon in the toolbar. Draw your signature on the page.
Press Ctrl+S to save the annotated PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows 10 or 11 have a built-in PDF signature tool?
No. Windows doesn't include a native PDF signing tool. Microsoft Edge can annotate PDFs with drawn ink, but not add a proper signature field. For that you need Adobe Acrobat or a browser-based tool like PrivaPDF.
Can I sign a PDF in Google Chrome on Windows?
Chrome's built-in PDF viewer doesn't support signing. However, you can use PrivaPDF in Chrome — it's a web app that handles all the signing in your browser.
Does it work on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. PrivaPDF works on any version of Windows with a modern browser (Chrome 110+, Edge 110+, Firefox 110+).
Can I sign with a stylus on a Windows touchscreen?
Yes. On touchscreen Windows devices (Surface, etc.), PrivaPDF's signature canvas supports stylus and finger input, giving you a natural pen-on-paper signing experience.