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How to Print PDF Files on Windows 8 and Windows RT Devices
Question details
The user needs to know how to print PDF documents from Windows 8 computers and Windows RT tablets, as some default touch applications lack printing capabilities.
- Product
- Windows 8 / Windows RT
- Device & OS
- Windows 8, Windows RT
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document directly from a Windows 8 desktop or a Windows RT tablet like the Surface RT.
- Observed behavior
- Certain Modern UI or touch-based PDF readers, such as early versions of Adobe Reader Touch or Microsoft Reader, do not support direct printing on these operating systems.
Verify whether you are using a standard Windows 8 desktop (which supports traditional software) or a Windows RT tablet (which only runs Windows Store apps), as this determines your printing options.
Use Desktop PDF Readers for Traditional Windows 8 PCs
If you are using a standard Windows 8 desktop or laptop with an Intel processor, the easiest solution is to use a traditional desktop PDF reader rather than a touch app.
Standard Windows 8 computers allow you to install legacy desktop applications (.exe files). Programs like Adobe Reader XI or WPS Office bypass the limitations of Modern UI touch apps and provide full printing functionality.
Download and install a standard desktop PDF application, such as Adobe Reader XI or WPS Office, from their official websites.
Right-click the PDF file you wish to print, select 'Open with', and choose your newly installed desktop PDF reader.
Click 'File' in the top menu bar, select 'Print' (or press Ctrl+P), choose your connected printer, and click the 'Print' button.
Use Dedicated Printer Manufacturer Apps for Windows RT
Since Windows RT (like on the Surface RT) cannot install standard desktop software, use a dedicated app provided by your printer's manufacturer from the Windows Store.
Transfer the PDF to Another Computer
If no compatible apps or drivers are available for your Windows RT device, transferring the document to a fully featured computer is a reliable fallback.
Print PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
For standard Windows computers, WPS Office provides a comprehensive, lightweight PDF reader and editor that makes printing documents fast and reliable. Avoid app limitations and easily manage all your PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in one suite.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Windows PC and drag your PDF file into the workspace to instantly open it.
- 2. Access the Print Menu: Click the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or simply press Ctrl+P on your keyboard.
- 3. Configure and Print: Select your printer from the drop-down list, adjust your page range or scaling preferences, and click 'Print' to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I print from Adobe Reader Touch on Windows 8?
Early versions of the Adobe Reader Touch app designed specifically for the Windows 8 Modern (Metro) UI did not include a print feature. Adobe recommended using their standard desktop version (Adobe Reader XI) for printing tasks.
Does Microsoft Reader on Windows RT support printing?
Depending on your specific Windows RT build and updates, printing capabilities in the default Microsoft Reader app were often limited or removed entirely. Using a dedicated app from your printer manufacturer is the best workaround.
Can I install standard desktop PDF software on a Surface RT tablet?
No. The Surface RT and other Windows RT devices use ARM processors and only support applications downloaded directly from the Windows Store. They cannot run traditional Windows executable (.exe) files.
