One useful tool for saving documents as PDFs straight from your PC is Microsoft Print to PDF. However, it might not always function as planned. This post will walk you through frequent problems with Microsoft Print to PDF and offer fixes to get it back up and running.
Common Issues with Microsoft Print to PDF
There are three main problems you might encounter with Microsoft Print to PDF:
- Print to PDF not working at all: The printer might not be listed as an option when you try to print a document.
- Unable to save PDF in the specified location: You might not be able to save the PDF to your desired location.
- PDF not opening properly: The created PDF might be corrupted and unable to open in a PDF reader.
Possible Solutions to Fix Microsoft Print to PDF Issues
Here are some steps you can take to fix these issues:
Examine the Users Folder
Permission problems can occasionally prohibit PDFs from being saved to the default destination. Try going to your Users folder, which is typically located at C:\Users. To access the “Security” tab, right-click on the “Documents” folder and choose “Properties”. Ensure that “Full Control” permissions are assigned to your user account.
Modify the Output Directory
You have the option to select an alternative place for saving your PDFs in case the Users folder check fails. Choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” as the printer when you go to print. In the “Output file” box, select “Change” after selecting “Properties”. Lastly, select a new folder to save your PDFs by browsing through them.
Turn Off and Turn Back on the Print to PDF Feature
Sometimes the issue can be the result of a brief glitch. Try turning off Microsoft Print to PDF and then turning it back on. Navigate to Printers & Scanners under Settings > Devices. Select “Disable device” after seeing “Microsoft Print to PDF” in the list and doing a right-click. Once more, right-click and choose “Enable device” after a short while.
Make PDF the Default Printer for Printing
Sometimes, the Print to PDF option won’t appear since another printer is the default. Navigate to Printers & Scanners under Settings > Devices. Choose “Set as default” after clicking on “Microsoft Print to PDF”.
Reinstall the Printer Drivers
Several printing problems might be brought on by outdated or corrupt printer drivers. Navigate to Printers & Scanners under Settings > Devices. Choose “Manage” after clicking on “Microsoft Print to PDF”. Select the “Driver” tab after clicking on “Printer Properties”. Select “Update Driver” and adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen. Try totally removing and reinstalling the driver if updating doesn’t work.
Additional Tips to Consider
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
Avoid Using Commas in File Names
Some programs might have trouble handling commas in file names. When naming your PDFs, avoid using commas to prevent any potential issues.
Keep Printer Drivers Updated
Several printing issues, such as Microsoft Print to PDF problems, might be caused by outdated printer drivers. Regularly update your printer drivers through Windows Update or by downloading them directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the most common issues with Microsoft Print to PDF. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, you can search for more specific troubleshooting steps online based on your error message.