How to Merge PDF Files on Windows — Free, No Software
Fastest method: Open DocMint Merge PDF in Microsoft Edge (built into Windows), upload your PDFs, arrange the order, and download the merged file — free, no installation, no signup.
Method 1: DocMint in Microsoft Edge (No Installation — Recommended)
Microsoft Edge is built into every Windows 10 and 11 PC. No installation needed.
- Open Microsoft Edge on your Windows PC
- Go to DocMint Merge PDF
- Drag and drop your PDFs onto the page (or click to browse)
- Drag files to reorder them as needed
- Click Merge PDF
- Download the merged PDF
Best for: Quick merges, sensitive documents (browser-only processing), no installation required.
Method 2: Microsoft Print to PDF (Built Into Windows)
Windows has a "Microsoft Print to PDF" printer that can combine documents — though it's more of a workaround than a true merger.
- Open the first PDF in Microsoft Edge or any PDF viewer
- Press Ctrl+P to print
- Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer
- Print — this creates a new PDF of the current document
- Repeat for each PDF, then use DocMint to merge the resulting files
Note: This method is cumbersome for multiple files. Use DocMint directly for a better experience.
Method 3: PDF24 (Free Windows App)
PDF24 is a free, downloadable Windows application with a PDF merger tool.
- Download PDF24 from pdf24.org
- Install and open PDF24 Creator
- Drag your PDFs into the PDF24 window
- Arrange the order and click Merge
- Save the merged PDF
Best for: Users who prefer a desktop app and process PDFs frequently offline.
Method 4: PowerShell (Advanced — Windows 10/11)
For developers or power users, PDFs can be merged via PowerShell with the right library. This is overkill for most users — stick with DocMint or PDF24.
Comparison: PDF Merge Methods on Windows
| Method | Cost | Installation | File Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DocMint | Free | None | Unlimited |
| Print to PDF | Free | Built-in | Tedious |
| PDF24 | Free | Required | Unlimited |
FAQ
Can Windows merge PDF files without software?
Windows does not have a built-in PDF merger. However, you can merge PDFs for free using DocMint in any browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) — no software installation required.
Does Microsoft Word merge PDFs on Windows?
Not directly. Word can open PDFs and you can copy content between them, but it's not a true PDF merger. Use DocMint for proper PDF merging that preserves formatting.
Is there a free PDF merger for Windows 10 and 11?
Yes. DocMint works in Microsoft Edge (built into Windows) and Chrome — free, no installation, no signup. PDF24 is also a free downloadable option for Windows.
How many PDFs can I merge at once on Windows?
DocMint has no limit on the number of PDFs you can merge in a single operation. You can combine dozens of files at once.
Will merging PDFs on Windows change the quality?
No. Merging only combines pages — it does not re-compress or modify the content of any page.