Fix Adobe Reader Not Printing PDFs in Internet Explorer (Windows 10)
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF files when viewing them inside Internet Explorer using the Adobe Reader add-in on Windows 10.
- Product
- Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer
- Device & OS
- Windows 10 (version 2004)
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF file directly from the Internet Explorer browser window using the Print button or File > Print menu.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking the print controls yields no response, and the system print dialog box fails to appear on the screen.
Before proceeding, ensure your physical printer is properly connected, powered on, and capable of printing test pages from other desktop applications.
Update Adobe Reader to the Latest Version
Adobe has officially addressed this specific Internet Explorer printing glitch in version 21.001.20135 and later releases.
Software updates often contain bug patches for known compatibility issues between Windows updates and browser add-ins. By upgrading to at least version 21.001.20135, the print dialog should trigger normally inside Internet Explorer.
Launch the standalone Adobe Acrobat Reader desktop application on your computer.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the latest version. Restart your computer once the update is complete.
Save the PDF and Print Directly from the Desktop App
If you cannot update the software or prefer not to, bypassing the browser plug-in by saving the file locally resolves the printing issue.
Change Your Default Browser and PDF Handler
Internet Explorer is an outdated browser. Using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome to handle PDFs avoids this Adobe Reader add-in bug entirely.
Print PDFs Flawlessly with WPS Office
Avoid browser plug-in errors entirely by using WPS Office. Its built-in PDF reader offers a standalone, reliable environment for viewing, editing, and printing your PDF documents without relying on outdated Internet Explorer add-ins.
- 1. Download and Install: Download and install WPS Office on your Windows 10 computer from the official website.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Right-click the problematic PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose 'WPS Office'.
- 3. Access the Print Menu: Click the 'Print' icon located on the top toolbar or press Ctrl+P on your keyboard.
- 4. Configure and Print: Select your physical printer from the dropdown list, adjust the page range, and click 'Print' to complete the task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the print dialog not appear in Internet Explorer?
This is caused by a known bug introduced in the Windows 10 version 2004 update. It specifically affects the Adobe Reader browser add-in, preventing it from successfully invoking the system's print dialog box.
Can I still use Internet Explorer to simply view PDFs?
Yes, viewing PDF documents still works normally. However, to restore printing functionality within the browser, you must update Adobe Reader to version 21.001.20135 or later.
Will switching to Microsoft Edge fix my PDF printing problem?
Yes. Microsoft Edge features its own built-in PDF viewer which is entirely independent of the Adobe Reader add-in, completely bypassing the bug found in Internet Explorer.
How do I disable the Adobe Reader add-in in Internet Explorer?
Open Internet Explorer, click the gear icon (Tools), select 'Manage add-ons', locate 'Adobe PDF Reader' under Toolbars and Extensions, select it, and click 'Disable' in the bottom right corner.
