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How to Print Outlook Email Attachments Directly to a Printer
Question details
The user wants to print Word document attachments directly from Outlook to a physical printer without the system forcing them to save the file as a PDF first.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a Word document attachment directly from an Outlook email.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook opens the document in a web-based Office viewer, which only offers the option to output the file as a PDF rather than printing it to a physical printer.
Ensure that your physical printer is turned on, connected to your computer, and functioning properly before modifying your Outlook and Windows settings.
Enable Attachment Printing in Outlook Desktop
Use the Outlook desktop application instead of the web version to unlock direct attachment printing capabilities.
The web-based versions of Outlook and Word often convert documents to PDF format before printing due to browser limitations. Switching to the Outlook desktop app and enabling the attachment printing option will route your files directly to your default physical printer.
Launch the Outlook desktop application, select the email containing your attachment, and go to File > Print. Click on 'Print Options'.
In the Print Options dialog box, check the box labeled 'Print attached files. Attachments will print to the default printer only'.
Click 'Print' or 'Preview'. Alternatively, you can now right-click the attachment directly in the reading pane and select 'Quick Print' to instantly send it to your default printer.
Change the Windows Default Printer
Ensure Windows is routing print jobs to a physical printer rather than a virtual PDF printer.
Experience Hassle-Free Printing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Office online viewers are complicating simple tasks by forcing PDF conversions, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight desktop experience that handles documents natively, allowing you to edit and print without web-viewer limitations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Open the Attachment: Save the email attachment to your computer and double-click to open it instantly in WPS Writer.
- 3. Print Directly: Press Ctrl+P or click the Print icon to send the document straight to your physical printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook force me to save my attachment as a PDF?
This typically occurs when you are using the web-based version of Outlook or Word. Browsers cannot communicate directly with your local printer in the same way desktop applications do, so the web app converts the document to a PDF for you to download and print manually.
What is the 'Quick Print' feature in Outlook?
Quick Print is a feature in the Outlook desktop app that allows you to print an attachment directly from your email without opening the file. It sends the document straight to your computer's default printer using the default application associated with that file type.
How do I stop Windows from automatically changing my default printer?
In Windows 10 and 11, the OS may change your default printer to the one you used most recently. To stop this, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, and turn off the option labeled 'Let Windows manage my default printer'.
