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chris1170's avatar
chris1170
Copper Contributor
Nov 18, 2021

Microsoft Print to PDF not working, nor any third-party PDF printer

Microsoft Print to PDF or any other third-party Print to PDF printers are not working for us. It looks like this is related to a bug in one of the latest security updates for Windows.

Have anybody found a solution or workaround?

Thanks!

  • SalmanAhmed's avatar
    SalmanAhmed
    Steel Contributor
    Nov 19, 2021

    Hi chris1170 

    Please go to the Control Panel, then Devices and Printers, and right-click on Microsoft Print to PDF and select Troubleshoot. I hope this could be helpful for you, please do not hesitate to contact me for any further assistance, I will welcome the questions you may have.

    • chris1170's avatar
      chris1170
      Copper Contributor
      Nov 24, 2021

      Hi SalmanAhmed; thank you for your response.

       

      I have already tried the troubleshooting tool but it didn't fix the problem. It just makes me select the printer as the default printer and doesn't detect any other problems. I have also tried the following:

       

      • Disabled and re-enabled the Microsoft Print to PDF feature.
      • Set Microsoft Print to PDF as the default printer.
      • Reinstalled Microsoft Print to PDF drivers.
      • Updated Windows 10.
      • Removed ALL the print queues just in case.
      • Rebooted the machine multiple times.
      • Cleared all print jobs and restarted the Print Spooler service.
      • Installed third-party pdf printers.
      • Used the troubleshooting feature in Windows.

      Thank you!

       

      • server_gov's avatar
        server_gov
        Copper Contributor
        Nov 24, 2021

        Hi chris1170 

         

        Within the Microsoft Docs Q&A Questions forum there is thread titled Microsoft Print to PDF & XPS Document Writer Missing & Won't Reinstall.

         

        This thread has extensive information;

        • Comparison of file versions for a working device and the device not working.
        • Windows Registry Locations and Settings

        Scroll through the discussion looks to Reset the PC and I would use this as a last option.  At the end of the page an entry by @AndyMichel-8552 where with his experience he was able to resolve the issue and lists the steps taken.

         

        I cannot validate the solution as I currently do not experience this issue.

  • tito_roger's avatar
    tito_roger
    Copper Contributor
    Nov 25, 2021

    chris1170 

    You should try to reinstall Microsoft printer to PDF 

    This worked for me.

    • Type Advanced printer setup in the windows search bar
    • Click on the search result, Next the search wizard will search for printers and display them on a list.
    • Select Microsoft Print To PDF and click Next
    • Follow the instructions provided by the setup wizard to complete the installation.

    Hope this steps will work for you. If you are interested in seeing a short video footage click here.

  • yahyazakariah's avatar
    yahyazakariah
    Copper Contributor
    Dec 17, 2022

    The following worked for me:

    1. Go to Settings>Bluetooth & Devices>Printers & Scanners

    2. Remove Microsoft Print to Pdf

    3. Restart the pc

    4. The printer should be reinstalled automatically. (If not, then go to Settings>Bluetooth & Devices>Printers & Scanners and click "Add printer." Click "The printer that I want isn’t listed." Click Add a local or network printer with manual settings, then click Next. Select Use an existing port, then click in the list box, then select FILE: Print to File)

    5. Repeat step 1

    6. Under Printer Properties, in the advanced tab, tick "Start Printing after last page is spooled."

     

    I hope this helps.

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