How to Fix PDF Printing Issues After Windows 10 Update
Question details
The user is unable to print PDF documents after installing a Windows 10 update, encountering an error message stating the document cannot be printed.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / Windows Print Spooler
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document via a physical printer after a system update.
- Observed behavior
- The print job fails with a message indicating the document could not be printed, even after updating the printer driver.
Verify that your printer is powered on and properly connected. Try printing a basic text file from Notepad to determine if the issue is systemic or isolated to your PDF software.
Print the PDF as an Image
Bypass standard font and rendering conflicts caused by the update by sending the PDF to the printer as a flattened image.
Sometimes, Windows updates disrupt how PDF software processes vector data and fonts. By instructing your software to print the document as an image, the application rasterizes the file before sending it to the printer, which often resolves unexpected printing failures.
Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat, navigate to the 'File' menu, and select 'Print'.
In the Print dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' button located near the top right of the window.
Check the box labeled 'Print As Image'. Click 'OK' to close the Advanced Print Setup dialog.
Verify that the correct printer is selected from the dropdown menu, then click the 'Print' button to test.
Roll Back or Clean Install the Printer Driver
If the Windows update corrupted the existing printer driver, rolling it back or performing a clean installation can restore communication.
Repair or Update Your PDF Software
If printing works perfectly in other applications but fails in Acrobat, the software itself may need to be repaired or patched for compatibility.
Print PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If your current PDF reader is failing to print after a Windows update, switch to WPS PDF. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and stable environment for viewing and printing PDF documents without driver conflicts.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your problematic PDF file using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 3. Access Print Options: Click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Print', or simply press Ctrl+P.
- 4. Print the Document: Select your target printer from the dropdown menu, adjust your page settings, and click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDFs fail to print after a Windows 10 update?
Windows updates can sometimes alter system files related to the Print Spooler service or introduce incompatibilities with specific printer drivers, breaking the communication pipeline between the PDF software and the physical printer.
Does using 'Print as Image' lower the quality of my printed document?
Printing as an image rasterizes the document at your printer's default resolution. While text may appear slightly less sharp under a magnifying glass compared to standard vector printing, it is usually indistinguishable to the naked eye and effectively bypasses rendering errors.
How do I know if the problem is my printer or the PDF software?
Try printing a simple text file from Notepad or a web page from your internet browser. If those print successfully but your PDF does not, the issue is isolated to your PDF software or the specific PDF file.
