How to Fix Acrobat Pro DC Not Printing Until Restarted
Question details
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC intermittently stops processing print jobs and only resumes printing after the application is restarted.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to print PDF documents across a network or local printer in a multi-user environment.
- Observed behavior
- The print job fails to process or enter the print queue until the Acrobat application is completely closed and reopened by the user.
Ensure your computer is securely connected to the printer and save any open PDF documents to avoid data loss before restarting background print services.
Update Software and Restart Windows Print Spooler
Updating to the latest application build and refreshing the print spooler service is the most effective way to clear stuck print queues.
Intermittent printing failures are often caused by miscommunications between an outdated Acrobat build and the Windows Print Spooler, especially when network printers are involved.
Open Acrobat Pro DC, navigate to the 'Help' menu at the top, and click 'Check for Updates'. Install any available updates and restart your computer.
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog, type 'services.msc', and press Enter. Scroll down to find 'Print Spooler', right-click it, and select 'Restart'.
Visit your printer manufacturer's official website to download and install the latest printer drivers and firmware for your specific printer model.
Print as Image and Test Connections
If standard printing still fails, you can bypass standard PDF processing by printing the document as an image or testing alternative virtual printers.
Print PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid intermittent printing freezes and constant application restarts by using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, stable, and completely free PDF reader and editor that handles print jobs efficiently without spooler conflicts.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS: Right-click your problematic PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office from the list.
- 2. Access the Print Menu: Click the 'Print' icon on the top quick access toolbar or simply press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
- 3. Select Your Printer: Choose your desired local or network printer from the Name drop-down menu.
- 4. Configure and Print: Adjust your layout and page range settings, then click 'Print' to reliably send the document to your printer queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer spooler freeze only when using Adobe Acrobat?
This often occurs due to conflicts between outdated Acrobat background processes and the Windows Print Spooler handling complex PDF vectors, particularly over shared network printer connections.
What does 'Print as Image' actually do in PDF settings?
Selecting 'Print as Image' forces the application to convert the entire document into a simple rasterized picture before sending it to the printer. This bypasses complex font or vector processing that typically causes print jobs to hang.
How do I know if the issue is my PDF software or the printer itself?
Try printing the same document using an alternative application like WPS Office or a web browser. If it prints successfully without needing a restart, the issue is likely isolated to your primary PDF software.
Will reinstalling the software fix the restart requirement for printing?
A clean reinstallation can help if the core application files are corrupted. However, it is highly recommended to try updating the software, refreshing the print spooler, and updating printer drivers first, as this resolves the majority of these intermittent errors.
