Printing Problems

How to Fix OneNote Pages Buffering or Failing to Print to PDF

Steve K Oct 15, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is experiencing continuous page buffering in OneNote, which results in failed print jobs and the creation of unusable 0 KB PDF files.

How to Fix OneNote Pages Buffering or Failing to Print to PDF

Product: OneNote for Windows 10
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Attempting to export or print notebook pages using the Microsoft Print to PDF feature.
Observed behavior: Pages infinitely buffer without loading completely, and any attempt to print to PDF generates an empty, broken 0 KB file.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection so your notebooks can fully sync to OneDrive before attempting to print or migrate them to another application.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to the Modern OneNote Desktop Application

The most effective way to resolve buffering and printing issues in the older OneNote for Windows 10 app is to switch to the newer, unified OneNote application included with Microsoft 365.

Microsoft is actively phasing out the 'OneNote for Windows 10' UWP application in favor of the unified desktop version simply named 'OneNote'. Many syncing bugs, including infinite page buffering and broken 0 KB PDF exports, are permanently resolved by switching to the newer application.

Verify your installed versions

Open the Windows Start menu and type 'OneNote'. Look for the icon simply labeled 'OneNote' (without the 'for Windows 10' suffix). If you have it, open it.

Download the latest version

If you do not have the modern application installed, open the Microsoft Store, search for 'OneNote', and install the standard desktop version, or download it via your Microsoft 365 account online.

Sync your notebooks

Launch the new OneNote app and sign in with the same Microsoft account. Allow a few minutes for your notebooks to fully download and sync from the cloud.

Print to PDF

Navigate to the page that was previously buffering. Click 'File' in the top ribbon, select 'Print', choose 'Microsoft Print to PDF' from the printer list, and click 'Print' to verify the fix.

Switch to the Modern OneNote Desktop Application

Seamless Transition: Your notes are safely stored in OneDrive, meaning you won't lose any data when switching from OneNote for Windows 10 to the modern OneNote desktop app.

Solution 2

Update Windows and the OneNote App

Pending system or application updates can cause background syncing bugs that lead to endless buffering and failed print spooling.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Reliable Document Creation and PDF Exporting

If you are frequently encountering bugs, syncing delays, or broken PDF exports in Microsoft Office applications, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with built-in, stable PDF exporting tools that don't rely on Windows printer spoolers.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button to get the latest installation package.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer, follow the on-screen prompts, and launch the application once the setup is complete.
3. Create and Export: Open your documents or create new notes, then easily export them to PDF using the dedicated 'Export to PDF' button without buffering issues.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in, stable PDF creator and editor without relying on Windows Print to PDF.Lightweight application design that runs smoothly without endless buffering.Free and easy-to-use alternative featuring a highly familiar tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Print to PDF create 0 KB files in OneNote?

A 0 KB PDF usually occurs because the notebook page content hasn't fully loaded from the cloud due to syncing glitches, or because the OneNote for Windows 10 app is experiencing a background crash during the print spooling process.

What is the difference between OneNote and OneNote for Windows 10?

OneNote for Windows 10 is an older, UWP-based application that Microsoft is actively phasing out. The standard 'OneNote' application is the current, fully-featured desktop version included with Microsoft 365, which manages syncing, caching, and local printing much more reliably.

Can I recover my notes if OneNote for Windows 10 won't stop buffering?

Yes. Because your notebooks are automatically saved to your Microsoft account via OneDrive, you can access your fully synced notes by logging into OneNote on the web (onenote.com) or by installing the newer OneNote desktop application.