How to Fix Send to OneNote 2016 Printer Not Printing
Question details
The user is unable to print documents to OneNote 2016 because the application fails to prompt for a notebook location.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a document or web page to a OneNote notebook using the 'Send to OneNote 2016' virtual printer.
- Observed behavior
- The virtual printer status shows as ready and indicates the document is printing, but OneNote does not open or provide a prompt to select a destination notebook.
Before beginning the repair process, check if the issue is isolated by attempting to print to OneNote from different applications such as Microsoft Edge, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You will also need administrative privileges to access and modify Device Manager settings.
Remove the Printer and Perform an Online Office Repair
Uninstalling the malfunctioning virtual printer and using Microsoft Office's built-in repair tool is the most effective way to restore the Send to OneNote functionality.
This method forces Windows to forget the corrupted manual installation of the printer driver. Running an Online Repair will then cleanly reinstall the missing components directly from Microsoft's servers.
Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select 'Device Manager' from the Quick Link menu.
Expand the 'Printers' category, right-click on 'Send to OneNote 2016', and select 'Uninstall device'. Confirm any prompts that appear.
Open the Windows Control Panel, navigate to 'Programs', and click on 'Programs and Features'.
Locate Microsoft Office in the list of installed applications, right-click it, and choose 'Change'. Select 'Online Repair' and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the repair is complete, restart your computer. Open a document in Word or Edge and print to the Send to OneNote 2016 printer to confirm it now prompts for a notebook location.
Experience a Bug-Free, Lightweight Office Suite with WPS Office
If Microsoft Office repair processes are too time-consuming or frequently result in virtual printer errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for all your document and PDF processing needs without the bloated background services.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer. The lightweight package installs quickly and efficiently on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Directly open your existing Microsoft Office files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx). WPS Office handles them with full compatibility out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Send to OneNote printer show as ready but do nothing?
This typically happens when the virtual printer driver becomes corrupted or its connection to the main OneNote application is broken, often due to a manual driver update or a recent Windows update. Reinstalling the driver usually restores the communication.
Does the Microsoft Office Online Repair require an internet connection?
Yes, the Online Repair tool requires a stable internet connection because it downloads fresh installation files from Microsoft's servers to replace corrupted ones. If you are offline, you can only try the Quick Repair option, which may not fix driver issues.
Can I manually re-add the Send to OneNote printer if it goes missing entirely?
Yes, you can manually add it by going to 'Printers & scanners' in Windows Settings, selecting 'Add a printer', choosing 'The printer that I want isn't listed', and manually selecting the 'Send to Microsoft OneNote 16 Driver' from the available local ports.
