How to Print PDF Attachments in Outlook Without Showing Acrobat
Question details
The user wants to print PDF attachments directly from Outlook using Quick Print without Adobe Acrobat or Reader opening and interrupting their screen.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using the Quick Print feature on a PDF attachment in Microsoft Outlook.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat or Reader briefly opens, takes over the screen while processing the print job, and then closes, leaving a blank window visible for larger files.
Ensure your default printer is correctly set up in Windows and that you have the latest updates installed for both Microsoft Outlook and your default PDF viewer.
Change Your Default PDF Application to a Lightweight Reader
Switching to a faster, more lightweight PDF reader can significantly reduce the loading time and minimize the intrusive window flash caused by heavy software like Adobe Acrobat.
Outlook's Quick Print feature works by invoking the default application registered for the specific file type. Standard versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader do not have a reliable setting to make this printing workflow completely invisible.
Click the Start menu and navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
Scroll down and click on 'Choose default apps by file type', then locate '.pdf' in the list.
Click on Adobe Acrobat and switch it to a more lightweight PDF reader (like WPS PDF) to handle print jobs with minimal screen interruption.
Use a Dedicated Command-Line Print Utility
For a truly invisible background printing experience, setting up a third-party command-line tool is necessary since native Adobe software lacks silent Quick Print capabilities.
Use WPS PDF for Faster, Less Intrusive Printing
WPS Office includes a highly optimized, lightweight PDF reader that minimizes system resource usage. By setting WPS PDF as your default application, you can quickly print documents directly from Outlook without the heavy loading screens associated with traditional PDF software.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Set as Default: Open your Windows settings, go to 'Default apps', and set WPS PDF as your default application for .pdf files.
- 3. Quick Print in Outlook: Right-click a PDF attachment in Outlook and select 'Quick Print' to experience faster processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat open when I click Quick Print in Outlook?
Outlook's Quick Print feature works by sending a print command to the default application registered for that specific file type. If Acrobat is your default PDF handler, Windows must briefly launch it in order to process the print job and send it to the printer spooler.
Can I completely hide the Adobe Acrobat window during Quick Print?
No, standard versions of Adobe Acrobat (like Acrobat XI) and Adobe Reader do not have a built-in setting to completely hide the interface during a Quick Print command. The application window will inevitably appear or flash briefly on your screen.
Does the size of the PDF affect how long the Acrobat window stays open?
Yes. Larger PDFs or files with complex graphics take longer for the software to process and spool to the printer. This means the blank Acrobat window will remain visible on your screen for a longer duration before automatically closing.
