Fix View Adobe PDF Results Option Not Working in Acrobat Pro 2017
Question details
The user is unable to automatically view the resulting PDF file after printing or creating it using Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017, even though the feature appears to be enabled.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Creating or printing to a PDF file using the Adobe PDF virtual printer.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF file is successfully generated, but the expected results window containing the newly created PDF does not automatically open on the screen.
Ensure that the Adobe PDF Printer is correctly installed under your Windows devices and temporarily disable any aggressive pop-up blockers or antivirus software that might be intercepting post-processing notifications.
Verify and Re-enable Adobe PDF Printer Preferences
Check the Windows Control Panel to ensure the setting to view PDF results is properly enforced at the system printer level.
Sometimes the application-level settings in Acrobat do not sync correctly with the Windows system-level printer properties. Verifying the printer properties directly from the Control Panel often resolves this disconnect.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', and open it. Navigate to 'Hardware and Sound' and click on 'Devices and Printers'.
Locate the 'Adobe PDF' printer in the list. Right-click on it and select 'Printing preferences' from the context menu.
Go to the 'Adobe PDF Settings' tab. Ensure that the 'View Adobe PDF results' checkbox is checked. Click 'Apply', then click 'OK' to save your changes.
Repair the Adobe Acrobat Installation
Use the built-in repair tool to fix missing or corrupted registry keys and application files that prevent the results window from displaying.
Create and Automatically Open PDFs with WPS Office
Avoid complex virtual printer configurations by using WPS Office. It provides an integrated PDF editor that smoothly exports, saves, and instantly opens PDF files without relying on external drivers.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open Your File: Launch WPS Office and open the document, spreadsheet, or presentation you want to convert.
- 3. Export to PDF: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Export to PDF'.
- 4. View the Results: Ensure the 'Open after export' option is checked in the dialog box, then click the 'Export' button to instantly view your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the View Adobe PDF Results option greyed out?
This typically occurs if you do not have sufficient Windows administrative privileges to modify virtual printer settings, or if the Acrobat installation is incomplete.
How do I make my PDF open automatically after saving in Windows?
You must ensure that your virtual PDF printer settings have the 'View results' or 'Open after export' preference checked. In Adobe Acrobat, this is found in the Adobe PDF Settings tab under Printing Preferences.
Will repairing Acrobat Pro 2017 delete my custom PDF settings?
A standard installation repair usually preserves your custom presets and job options. It primarily restores default application files and registry keys to fix missing features.
