How to Fix "The Document Could Not Be Printed" Error in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user is unable to print PDF files and receives specific error dialogs during the print process.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat X Pro / Adobe Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to print PDF documents to an HP printer from a Windows 10 computer.
- Observed behavior
- The software fails to print and displays the error messages "The document could not be printed" and "There were no pages selected to print".
Ensure your HP printer is turned on, securely connected to your Windows 10 PC, and has sufficient paper and ink. It is also highly recommended to restart both your computer and the printer to clear out any temporary print spooler glitches.
Print the PDF Document as an Image
This method bypasses complex font and formatting processing issues that frequently trigger printing errors in Adobe Acrobat.
By forcing the software to rasterize the PDF into a simple image before sending it to the printer, you can circumvent structural errors in the document that cause the print job to fail.
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. Click on "File" in the top-left menu and select "Print".
In the Print dialog box, locate and click the "Advanced" button at the top right of the window.
Check the box labeled "Print As Image". You can leave the other settings at their default values, then click "OK".
Click the "Print" button at the bottom of the main dialog to send the document to your HP printer.
Update or Reinstall the HP Printer Driver
Resolves underlying communication failures between Windows 10 and the printer hardware caused by outdated or corrupted drivers.
Repair the PDF File or Adobe Installation
Fixes persistent errors that stem from a specifically corrupted PDF document or a broken installation of Adobe Acrobat.
Print PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to display printing errors, you can use WPS Office as a fast, reliable, and free alternative to open and print your PDF documents. WPS Office features a built-in lightweight PDF reader that efficiently bypasses common print spooler crashes.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your Windows 10 computer.
- 2. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office, click on "Open" on the home screen, and browse for your PDF file.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Once the document is open, press "Ctrl + P" on your keyboard or go to "Menu" > "Print".
- 4. Print the Document: Select your HP printer from the printer list, adjust your desired page settings, and click "Print" to output the document successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat say "There were no pages selected to print"?
This secondary error typically occurs right after the "Document could not be printed" warning. It signifies a breakdown in the data communication between Adobe software and your printer driver, or indicates that the PDF contains corrupted page structures that the software cannot interpret.
Can an outdated version like Acrobat X Pro cause printing errors on Windows 10?
Yes. Legacy versions like Adobe Acrobat X Pro are no longer supported by Adobe and may experience severe compatibility issues with modern Windows 10 updates and newer HP printer drivers. Upgrading your software or using an alternative PDF reader often resolves these conflicts.
Is it better to print from Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat?
If you are only trying to print a file and experiencing errors in Acrobat X Pro, trying to print the same file from the free Adobe Reader can sometimes bypass the issue, as Reader has a simpler feature set and might process the print spool differently.
