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How to print all the files in a folder without opening each one?

Anonymous
2010-05-27T11:35:36+00:00

Hi there,

Can anyone tell me how to print all files contained within a folder? I often need to print many files contained within a folder and this would save me a great deal of time!

Thanks!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2010-05-31T19:37:47+00:00

I've done some testing, and it appears that Windows 7 only allows printing multiple files when they're all the same file type.  So, for example, you can select and print 15 Word documents, but not one Word document and one PDF document.

To work around this limitation, you can print each file type separately.  For example, to print the PDF files in a folder:

  1. Type *.PDF in the Search box at the upper right.
  2. For 1-15 files, press CTRL+A to select all of them.
  3. For 16 or more files, select 15 of them (click the first, SHIFT +click the last).
  4. Right-click any file and click Print .
  5. Repeat steps 3-4 as required.

Boulder Computer Maven

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-05-29T03:05:08+00:00

    Your answer works well if you are printing Office files such as Word or Excel documents. But the print option immediately disappears when trying to print other files such as pdf files. I'm limited to opening Adobe reader for each file & then printing from there. My question is why does it disappear? And how can I get it back? With Windows Vista Home I was able to print whole folders of pdf files - no problem.  I used this feature often.  Now I upgraded to Windows 7 Professional and it has disappeared.  Do you have any additional suggestions?  Or do you know of a way to force this feature back into the menu?  Your help is appreciated.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-06-02T13:17:38+00:00

    Thanks again Steve, but I am doing as you say. Could you tell me if you get the same result with a Windows Explorer folder that has *.PDF files in itonly?  Many of my folders have only *.PDF files in them, and they do have less than 15 files in them as suggested.

    When I follow your suggestions using Microsoft Office type files (WORD, EXCEL, etc) everything works as you say.  In fact when working with OFFICE files - within Windows Explorer - I have 2 print icons: one near the top of my screen & one on the right-click drop down menu.

    But when I try to do the same with a folder of *.PDF files both print icons are gone - simply not there. As well, when I pressCTRL+A(select all) then right-click - there is no print option on the drop-down menu. Whether I right-click on one *.PDF file or all, no print option is available. I've been relegated to opening each file & then printing from within the program.

    Note I was able to print whole folders with VISTA's Windows Explorer, but no longer with WINDOWS 7 Explorer.  I use the most recent ADOBE READER 9.3 to view & print these files.

    QUESTION: When selecting files within my Windows Explorer folder, which program makes the decision as to whether or not I have a print option at the top of the screen & on the drop-down menu?  Would it be WINDOWS 7, ADOBE READER, or the printer software?

    I'm unable to add a print-screen picture to this explanation.  I wish I was able, so that you'd see what I'm seeing.  A picture would be worth a thousand words ;)

    Brad

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-05-31T14:48:13+00:00

    Steve, thank you. Your answer may be true, but it still doesn't fix the problem. For example - I can have a folder with two WORD documents. I can print the whole folder. But as soon as I add one pdf document I no longer can print the whole folder.  The print icon disappears if I include just one pdf document.  This a a common complaint across the web about Windows 7.  I would like to print a whole folder of less than 15 pdf documents.  I was doing this with VISTA HOME PREMIUM, but am unable to do so with WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL.  Do you have any additional ideas?

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-05-29T04:20:55+00:00

    Windows 7 has a limit of 15 files for simultaneous opening or printing.

    Boulder Computer Maven

    Microsoft Most Valuable Professional

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