PDF Printing Issues

How to Print a PDF and Locate Converted Word Files on Windows 8.1

Camila Milosovich Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to print a PDF received via email on a Windows 8.1 system and locate a PDF file that was recently converted into a Word document.

How to Print a PDF and Locate Converted Word Files on Windows 8.1

Product: PDF Reader / Word Processor
Device & OS: Windows 8.1
Scenario: Attempting to print an email attachment and retrieve a converted file from local storage or an online service.
Observed behavior: Unable to print the original PDF attachment directly or locate the saved Word document after conversion.

Before you start

Ensure your printer is properly connected and turned on, and confirm that you have downloaded the PDF attachment from your email to a known folder on your computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Print the Original PDF File Directly

You do not need Microsoft Word to print a PDF. You can use standard built-in viewers or free web browsers on Windows 8.1.

Printing directly from an email client preview can sometimes cause errors. Downloading the file locally and using a dedicated PDF viewer ensures the document prints with its original formatting.

Save the PDF Attachment

Open your email, click the download icon next to the PDF attachment, and save it to your computer (e.g., in the Desktop or Downloads folder).

Open the PDF File

Right-click the saved PDF file, hover over 'Open with', and choose a supported application such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Adobe Reader, or Microsoft PDF Viewer.

Initiate Printing

Once the PDF is open, press Ctrl + P on your keyboard or click the Print icon usually located in the top-right corner of the application.

Select Printer and Print

In the print dialog box, choose your active printer from the destination drop-down menu, adjust your settings (like paper size and copies), and click 'Print'.

Solution 2

Locate and Open a Converted Word Document

If you used an online service or software to convert the PDF to Word, follow these steps to retrieve and open your file.

All-in-One Office Suite

Easily Print PDFs and Edit Word Documents with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a comprehensive, lightweight solution to handle both PDF files and Word documents on Windows 8.1. You can seamlessly print PDFs, convert files, and edit documents without needing multiple expensive applications.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your Windows 8.1 PC.
2. Open Your PDF or Word File: Launch WPS Office, click on the 'Open' tab, and select either your downloaded PDF or your converted Word document.
3. Print the Document Easily: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner, select 'Print' (or press Ctrl + P), verify your printer settings, and hit 'Print'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx and .docBuilt-in PDF reader, converter, and editor for a seamless workflowLightweight design that runs smoothly on older systems like Windows 8.1Free alternative to expensive document editing software

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Microsoft Word to print a PDF file?

No, you do not need Microsoft Word. PDF files can be opened and printed using standard web browsers, Adobe Reader, or built-in PDF viewers on your computer.

Where are converted files usually saved on Windows 8.1?

By default, files downloaded from web browsers or online conversion tools are saved in the 'Downloads' folder. You can access this by opening File Explorer and clicking on 'Downloads' in the left-hand navigation pane.

Why won't my PDF print directly from my email?

Printing directly from an email preview can sometimes cause formatting errors or connection issues. It is highly recommended to download the PDF to your local drive first, open it in a dedicated viewer, and then print.

Can I edit a PDF before printing without converting it to Word?

Yes, you can use dedicated PDF editors like WPS Office to add text, highlight, or insert signatures into your PDF directly before sending it to the printer, bypassing the need to convert it to a Word document first.

PDF Troubleshooting