How to Fix Adobe Reader Will Not Print or Open Printer Properties
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF files or access the printer properties dialog when using Adobe Reader.
- Product
- Adobe Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows 7 (64-bit and 32-bit)
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document or adjust printer preferences before printing.
- Observed behavior
- The Print and Print Properties dialog controls become unresponsive, preventing the document from entering the print queue.
Determine whether your Windows system is 32-bit or 64-bit by checking your System Properties, as the required Windows Registry path will differ based on your system architecture.
Create the FeatureState Key in the Windows Registry
Manually adding a specific DWORD value to the Adobe Acrobat registry path forces the application to properly render the print dialog controls.
This printing failure often occurs because Adobe Reader cannot properly access the required configurations for the print dialog within certain Windows environments.
By defining a specific DWORD value in the registry, you override this limitation and restore full functionality to the Print and Print Properties buttons.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type 'regedit' and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
For 64-bit Windows, navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\2015\FeatureState. For 32-bit Windows, navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\2015\FeatureState.
If the 'FeatureState' folder does not exist, right-click the '2015' folder, select New > Key, and name it exactly 'FeatureState'.
Right-click inside the FeatureState key, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new entry '4211929' and set its Value data to '1'. Restart your computer and try printing again.
Print PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Skip complex registry edits and resolve PDF printing issues instantly by switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, reliable, and free alternative to standard PDF readers, ensuring your documents print perfectly every time.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows computer.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch the WPS PDF tool and open the document you wish to print.
- 3. Print securely: Press Ctrl+P to quickly open the stable print dialog, select your printer, and click Print.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit before editing the registry?
Right-click on 'Computer' or 'This PC' on your desktop or in File Explorer, and select 'Properties'. Under the 'System' section, the 'System type' line will display whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.
What if the 2015 folder is missing in the Adobe registry path?
The folder name '2015' corresponds to the version of Adobe Acrobat or Reader currently installed. If you are using a different version, look for a folder named 'DC' or your specific version number (such as '11.0' for XI) under the Adobe Acrobat registry path, and create the FeatureState key within that folder.
Can I use an automated tool instead of manually editing the registry?
Yes, if you are uncomfortable editing the Windows Registry manually, you can use Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter to fix corrupt keys, or you can completely reinstall Adobe Reader. Alternatively, opening the file in a different application like WPS Office acts as an immediate workaround without needing system changes.
