How to Fix Cannot Print PDF Files but Word and Excel Documents Print
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF documents, despite the printer successfully printing Microsoft Word and Excel files.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document using a connected printer via Adobe Acrobat or another PDF reader.
- Observed behavior
- The printer fails to process or print the PDF document, sometimes displaying an error message, while successfully printing standard Word and Excel documents.
Test printing a different PDF file to check if the issue is specific to a single corrupted document. Ensure your printer is properly connected, turned on, and has sufficient ink and paper before modifying system settings.
Update Your PDF Reader and Printer Drivers
Outdated software or incompatible printer drivers are the most common causes of PDF printing failures.
PDF rendering requires specific protocols between your PDF reader and the printer. If either the application or the printer firmware is outdated, the print spooler may fail specifically for PDF formats while still processing standard text documents from Word.
Open your PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat), navigate to 'Help' in the top menu, and select 'Check for Updates' to install the latest version.
Open your computer's 'Device Manager' or 'Printers & Scanners' settings, locate your current printer, right-click, and select 'Update driver'.
Visit your printer manufacturer's official website, search for your printer model, and download the latest firmware update available.
Restart your computer and printer, then try printing the PDF document again.
Print the PDF as an Image
Complex formatting, embedded fonts, or corrupted elements in the PDF can prevent printing. Printing as an image bypasses rendering issues.
Resolve PDF Printing Errors with WPS Office
WPS Office features a lightweight and highly compatible PDF reader that easily handles complex PDF files, bypassing common rendering errors and driver conflicts that prevent standard printing.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office on your computer for free.
- 2. Open the PDF: Right-click your problematic PDF document, select 'Open with', and choose WPS PDF.
- 3. Access Print settings: Press 'Ctrl + P' or click the 'Print' icon in the top toolbar to open the print dialog.
- 4. Print the document: Select your printer, adjust any necessary settings, and click 'Print' to seamlessly output your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my PDF print but Word documents will?
PDFs use complex rendering engines and embedded fonts that require specific communication with printer drivers. Word documents use standard system spoolers. If the printer driver is outdated or struggles with PDF rendering protocols, it will fail on PDFs while succeeding on simpler Word or Excel files.
How do I know if the PDF file itself is corrupted?
The easiest way to check is to try opening and printing a completely different PDF file. If the second PDF prints successfully, the original file is likely corrupted, contains unsupported elements, or has security permissions restricting printing.
Does my operating system affect PDF printing capabilities?
Yes. Recent operating system updates can sometimes break compatibility with older PDF reader versions or older printer firmware, interrupting the specific print spooler processes required for sending PDF files to the printer.
