4 Ways to Fix Microsoft Print to PDF Not Working on Windows 11

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Fix 1: Ensure Print to PDF Is Enabled in Windows Features

Microsoft Print to PDF integrates into the Print dialog box on your PC. Sometimes, the feature no longer appears when you open the Print dialog box for a certain file. Whatever the reason, you can ensure the feature is enabled with the following steps.

Step 1:Click theStartbutton, typeWindows Features, and click thefirst result.

Step 2:Find and check the box forMicrosoft Print to PDF.

Note: If it’s already enabled, disable it and wait a few seconds. Then, repeat the steps to open Windows Features and enable the feature again.

Step 3:After that, click onOK.

If you need to install it, follow the on-screen instructions and proceed. Reboot your PC and open the Print dialog once again. You should see the Print to PDF option back.

Now, you cansave imagesand perform other functions using Microsoft Print as PDF.

Fix 2: Run the Print Troubleshooter

Using the built-in print troubleshooter would resolve most problems and is a good fix when Microsoft Print to PDF is not working on Windows 11.

Step 1:Click theStartbutton, typeControl Panel, and pressEnter to open the Control Panel on your Windows 11 PC.

Step 2:Click onView devices and printersunder Hardware and Sound.

Step 3:ClickPrinter & scanners.

Step 4:ClickMicrosoft Print to PDF.

Step 5:Click onRun the troubleshooterand follow the wizard to complete the process.

Step 6:ClickNextand follow the wizard to complete the troubleshooting.

Fix 3: Uninstall and Reinstall Print to PDF Drivers

Your PC comes with Microsoft Print to PDF drivers pre-installed by default. If you haven’t updated these drivers recently, they could have become obsolete, preventing the feature from functioning. Uninstall the drivers and reinstall them using the steps below.

Step 1:Click theStartbutton, typeControl Panel, and pressEnter to open the Control Panel on your Windows 11 PC.

Step 2:Click onView devices and printersunder Hardware and Sound.

Step 3:ClickPrinter & scanners>Microsoft Print to PDF.

Step 4:Lastly, click onRemove.

Now, you may reinstall it by following the steps below.

Step 5:Click theWindowsbutton, typeWindows PowerShell, and selectRun as Administratorfrom the right pane.

Step 6:Type the following command and hitEnter:

Step 7:You should see the textTruenext to Online. This confirms that the feature has been re-enabled.

Step 8:Finally,restartyour computer and check if Print to PDF works as intended.

Fix 4: Set Print to PDF as Your Default Printer

Print to PDF is essentially a software feature that emulates the presence of an actual printer. Hence, setting it as your default printer might be a good option. This way, giving the print command on any document should automatically trigger Print to PDF. Here’s how to set it as your default printer on Windows 11.

Step 1:Click theStartbutton, typeControl Panel, and pressEnter to open the Control Panel on your Windows 11 PC.

Step 2:Click onView devices and printersunder Hardware and Sound.

Step 3:ClickPrinter & scanners.

Step 4:DisableLet Windows manage my default printer.

Step 5:ClickMicrosoft Print to PDF.

Step 6:Lastly, clickSet as default.

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Last updated on 18 July, 2024

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