[Updated] Google aware double-clicking files in Drive no longer opens in preview mode

10:30 am (IST): It looks like Google heard your cries and will be rolling out a new setting that lets you choose your default PDF opening experience. You can pick to open in a new window or in an overlay preview in the existing window). This setting should be available soon.

Thank you for your feedback on this new Google Drive PDF open feature. We hear you and will introduce a new setting in the coming weeks that lets you choose your default PDF open experience (e.g, in a new window or in an overlay preview in the existing window). To preview files now, you need to right-click the file and select “Open files in preview,” or use the shortcut key “P” on the selected file.

Original article from June 3 continues:

Google Drive users are experiencing an unexpected change in how files open within the platform. A growing number of users have reported that double-clicking a file no longer opens it in the familiar preview mode within the same tab. Instead, the file launches in a separate tab, disrupting the established workflow for many. This issue affects multiple file types, including PDFs.

This unexpected behavior has sparked frustration among users who rely on the convenient preview feature to quickly access and review documents. I can confirm change affects multiple browsers, including Chrome, Edge, and Safari, across various Google accounts. However, the issue seems to be inconsistent, with some users reporting no changes in their workflow. I don’t have the preview mode when double-clicking on my personal Google Drive account, but I still have it on my Google work account.

“It just started happening,” exclaimed one bewildered user who noticed the change during their workday. “I didn’t change any settings to this effect.” Another user echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the inconvenience caused by the new tab behavior: “How do I fix this so PDFs automatically open as a preview rather than a new tab?”

While the cause of the change remains unclear, Google has acknowledged the issue and is currently investigating, at least according to a forum product expert. It is possible that this is an intentional change being rolled out gradually, or it could be an unintended glitch affecting certain accounts. We should find out sooner than later.

Google is already aware of the issue, and it is currently under investigation. As soon as I get more information, I’ll share it here.

For now, users seeking to maintain their previous workflow can utilize a workaround. Instead of double-clicking, simply click “P” on the keyboard once you select the file you want to preview. Alternatively, right-clicking on the file and selecting “Preview” under “Open with” will open it in preview mode within the same tab.

However, this workaround adds an extra step to the process, and many users are eager for Google to address the issue and restore the default double-click preview functionality. The change has sparked discussions across online forums, with users expressing their discontent and hoping for a swift resolution.

While the change may seem minor to some, it breaks the user experience and consistency within Google Drive. Small disruptions to established workflows can significantly impact productivity and user satisfaction.

As the investigation continues, users are advised to stay tuned for updates from Google. Whether this change is a temporary glitch or a permanent alteration remains to be seen. In the meantime, the right-click workaround provides a temporary solution for those who prefer to stick to their tried-and-true preview mode.