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Fix Adobe Reader Cannot Print PDF Files on Windows 7
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF files using Adobe Reader XI on Windows 7, despite the printer working normally for other applications.
- Product
- Adobe Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows 7
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a PDF document to a physical or virtual printer from Adobe Reader XI.
- Observed behavior
- The print queue remains empty and the document fails to print, even though there are no explicit error messages and the printer works with other software.
Ensure your printer is turned on, connected properly, and has sufficient paper and ink. Print a test page from Notepad or a web browser to confirm the printer itself is functioning correctly before modifying PDF settings.
Adjust Adobe Reader Settings and Print as Image
Resolving software-specific restrictions by modifying security settings, preferences, and advanced printing options in Adobe Reader.
Sometimes, Adobe Reader's built-in security features or corrupted preference files can block communication with the printer. Disabling Protected Mode temporarily and utilizing the 'Print as Image' feature usually forces the document through.
In Adobe Reader, navigate to Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced). Uncheck 'Enable Protected Mode at startup', restart the application, and test printing again.
Open the PDF document, click File > Print, select the 'Advanced' button at the top, check the 'Print As Image' box, click OK, and proceed to print.
Close Adobe Reader. Open Windows Explorer, locate the Adobe Reader user preference folder (usually in AppData), and rename the folder to force the software to generate fresh settings upon the next launch.
Restart the Windows Print Spooler Service
Clearing the Windows print queue management service can resolve system-level communication issues with the printer.
Use WPS Office to View and Print PDF Files Seamlessly
If Adobe Reader continues to experience printing failures on Windows 7, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible PDF reader that bypasses native Adobe printing errors effortlessly.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your Windows 7 computer.
- 2. Open the PDF: Right-click the problematic PDF file, hover over 'Open with', and select 'WPS Office'.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Click the 'Print' icon located on the top toolbar or press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
- 4. Print Document: Select your target printer from the dropdown menu, adjust your preferred print settings, and click 'Print' to successfully print the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does using 'Print as Image' fix my PDF printing issues?
Printing as an image bypasses the standard font and vector graphic processing. If the PDF has corrupted embedded fonts or highly complex elements that the printer cannot render properly, sending it as a flat image allows the printer to handle it directly without errors.
How do I know if the printing problem is my printer or Adobe Reader?
Try printing a basic text file from another application, such as WordPad or Notepad. If the document prints successfully, your printer hardware and drivers are functioning correctly, meaning the issue is specifically isolated to Adobe Reader or the PDF file itself.
Can a corrupted PDF file cause printing failures?
Yes. If a specific PDF document is corrupted or improperly formatted during creation, Adobe Reader may fail to process its contents for printing. Testing with a different, known-to-be-good PDF file can help you determine if the original document is the root cause.
Does reinstalling Adobe Reader always fix printing bugs?
Not always. Reinstalling Adobe Reader will replace missing application files, but it may not resolve issues stemming from the Windows Print Spooler service, outdated printer drivers, or persistent user preference files that remain on your system even after uninstallation.
