PDF Printing Issues

How to Fix "An Error Occurred While Printing" in Adobe Acrobat on Windows

Huma Ashraf ChHuma Ashraf Ch Nov 2, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to print PDF documents using Adobe Acrobat on Windows due to a persistent software or driver-related printing error.

How to Fix "An Error Occurred While Printing" in Adobe Acrobat
Product
Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Attempting to send a PDF document to a local or network printer from the Adobe Acrobat application.
Observed behavior
An error message stating "An Error Occurred While Printing" appears, preventing the PDF document from being printed successfully.
Before you start

Before proceeding with software troubleshooting, ensure your printer is properly connected to your Windows computer, powered on, and not displaying any physical hardware or ink errors.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Download and Update Printer Drivers

Resolves the issue by replacing generic or corrupted Windows drivers with the full-featured software provided directly by your printer's manufacturer.

1
Visit the Manufacturer's Website

Open your web browser and navigate to the official support website for your specific printer brand (such as HP, Canon, or Epson).

2
Locate Your Printer Model

Use the site's search function to find your exact printer model and navigate to its 'Software and Drivers' download section.

3
Download Full-Feature Software

Download the latest available printer driver, firmware update, and full-feature software package designed specifically for your version of Windows.

4
Install and Restart

Run the downloaded installer files to overwrite the existing drivers, follow the on-screen prompts, and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Manually Download and Update Printer Drivers
Avoid Windows Automatic Updates: Do not rely solely on automatic updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Store, as they frequently install basic drivers that lack the complete feature set required by Adobe Acrobat.
Print PDFs Easily with WPS Office

Print Your PDF Documents Without Errors Using WPS Office

If Adobe Acrobat continues to fail, you can bypass the error entirely by using WPS Office's built-in PDF tool to open and print your documents. It provides a lightweight, hassle-free alternative for managing and printing PDF files seamlessly.

  1. 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your Windows PC.
  2. 2. Open the PDF: Right-click the PDF file you want to print, select 'Open with', and choose 'WPS Office' from the list.
  3. 3. Access Print Settings: Click the 'Print' icon in the top toolbar or press the Ctrl+P shortcut on your keyboard.
  4. 4. Print the Document: Select your target printer from the drop-down menu, adjust your layout settings, and click 'Print'.
Easily open, view, and print PDF documents without driver conflicts.Fully compatible with all standard Adobe PDF formats and layouts.Lightweight installation that opens large files in seconds.Includes comprehensive tools to edit, annotate, and convert PDFs.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Acrobat say an error occurred while printing?

This error is typically caused by outdated or corrupted printer drivers, recent incompatible Windows updates, missing printer firmware, or unresolved software bugs in your current version of Adobe Acrobat.

Can I fix PDF printing issues by reinstalling my printer?

Yes, removing your printer from the Windows 'Printers & scanners' settings and reinstalling it using the full-feature driver directly from the manufacturer's website often resolves underlying configuration issues.

What should I do if updating drivers doesn't fix the Acrobat print error?

If the error persists, you can try printing the document as an image. In the Acrobat print dialog box, click 'Advanced' and check 'Print As Image'. Alternatively, you can open and print the PDF using a different application like WPS Office.