Fix Adobe Acrobat XI Freezing After Printing Multiple PDFs
Question details
The user experiences application freezing in Adobe Acrobat XI Pro after printing numerous PDF files over several hours, requiring a full system reboot to resolve the issue.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI Pro
- Device & OS
- Windows 7
- Scenario
- Batch or continuous printing of multiple PDF files, such as processing around 100 invoices in a single session.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat stops sending print jobs and freezes. Restarting the application does not restore printing functionality; the computer must be rebooted to clear the queue and resume printing.
Before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps, ensure you save any open documents and close other applications, as adjusting print spooler services may temporarily disrupt background tasks.
Restart the Windows Print Spooler Service
Restarting the Print Spooler service clears the stuck print queue and often restores printing functionality without requiring a full system reboot.
When Acrobat sends too many jobs to the printer, the Windows Print Spooler can become overwhelmed and hang. Manually restarting this service bypasses the need to restart the entire computer.
Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type 'services.msc' into the Run box and press Enter to open the Windows Services manager.
Scroll down the alphabetical list of services until you find 'Print Spooler'.
Right-click on 'Print Spooler' and select 'Restart'. If 'Restart' is greyed out, click 'Stop', wait a few seconds, and then right-click to select 'Start'.
Update Printer Drivers and Test Alternatives
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can cause legacy software like Acrobat XI to hang during large print jobs.
Print Multiple PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office
If legacy software like Adobe Acrobat XI continues to freeze during large print jobs, switch to WPS Office. It includes a highly stable, lightweight PDF reader capable of handling batch printing without overwhelming your system resources.
- 1. Download and Install: Download and install WPS Office on your computer from the official website.
- 2. Open the PDF Tool: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the home screen to access the PDF toolset.
- 3. Open Your Files: Open the PDF files or invoices you need to print by dragging and dropping them into the interface.
- 4. Access Print Settings: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or simply press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
- 5. Print Smoothly: Configure your preferred print settings and click 'Print' to process the jobs efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat XI freeze when printing many PDFs?
Acrobat XI is an obsolete version of the software. It can struggle with memory management or conflict with newer print spooler services and modern printer drivers, leading to freezes during high-volume, continuous print jobs.
Do I need to reboot my PC every time the printer freezes?
No. The freeze is usually caused by the Windows Print Spooler service hanging. You can manually restart this service via the 'services.msc' menu to clear the stuck queue and resume printing without a full system reboot.
Is Adobe Acrobat XI still supported for updates?
No, Adobe Acrobat XI reached its end of support in October 2017. It no longer receives security updates, bug fixes, or compatibility patches for newer drivers, which is why transitioning to a modern alternative like WPS Office is highly recommended.
