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Fix OneNote PDF Printout Error on ARM Surface Pro
Question details
The user is unable to import PDF printouts into OneNote on an ARM-based Surface Pro due to a missing printer driver error.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Surface Pro 11 (ARM Snapdragon Plus) / Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to insert a PDF as a printout into a OneNote notebook.
- Observed behavior
- An error message appears stating that the printer driver requires the Microsoft XPS Essentials Pack, preventing the PDF from being successfully imported.
Ensure your Surface Pro is connected to the internet, as you will need to download an official alternative app version directly from the Microsoft Store.
Use OneNote for Windows 10 to Insert PDFs
Install and use OneNote for Windows 10, which includes a built-in printer driver that bypasses the XPS Essentials Pack requirement on ARM processors.
The standard Microsoft 365 OneNote desktop application relies on older Windows printer drivers (like the XPS Document Writer) to 'print' PDFs into your notes. ARM-based devices often lack support for these legacy drivers.
OneNote for Windows 10 is built differently and contains its own independent rendering engine, allowing it to insert PDF printouts without needing the missing XPS Essentials Pack.
Click the Start button on your Surface Pro 11 and open the Microsoft Store app, or navigate directly to the OneNote for Windows 10 store link (https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/onenote/9WZDNCRFHVJL).
Click the 'Get' or 'Install' button on the store page to download and install OneNote for Windows 10 onto your device.
Launch the newly installed OneNote for Windows 10 app and sign in using the same Microsoft account associated with your existing notebooks to ensure everything syncs correctly.
Open the desired notebook page, click on the 'Insert' tab located in the top menu ribbon, select 'Printout', and choose the PDF file you wish to import.
Read and Manage PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently work with PDFs and documents on your ARM device and want to avoid complex driver dependency issues, consider WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that handles PDFs natively.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Open the PDF Toolkit: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the main dashboard to access dedicated PDF tools.
- 3. Import and Annotate: Click 'Open' to select your PDF file. You can now highlight, add notes, and manage your document natively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote require the XPS Essentials Pack to insert PDFs?
The standard OneNote desktop app relies on the Microsoft XPS Document Writer, a virtual printer, to render and 'print' the PDF pages into image formats inside your notebook. This process requires the XPS Essentials Pack to function properly.
Can I manually install the XPS Essentials Pack on my ARM Surface Pro?
ARM-based architectures (like the Snapdragon Plus processor) have limited compatibility with legacy x64/x86 driver packages. Attempting to force-install older XPS drivers often fails or leads to system instability, which is why using an app with native rendering is recommended.
Are OneNote and OneNote for Windows 10 the exact same app?
No. OneNote (often called OneNote Desktop) is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and includes legacy features. OneNote for Windows 10 is a modern UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app with a slightly different interface and modernized background services, including its own built-in PDF printer.
Will I lose my notes if I switch to OneNote for Windows 10 just to insert a PDF?
No. As long as you are connected to the internet and signed in with the same Microsoft account, your notes are stored securely on OneDrive. You can safely switch between the two apps and your content will sync flawlessly.
