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Microsoft Print to PDF not working! Tried everything I have found on the internet

Anonymous
2024-10-14T08:30:53+00:00

Hi guys,

my MS Print to PDF is not working properly and it creates broken files which I cant open with any pdf reader.

This led to Onenote not being able to handling printouts from office files, which works only online.

I tried the following:

  • reinstall office

-repair office

-checked printer drivers

-reinstalled windows features many times via control panel

-sfc scannow

-restarted print spooler or everything related to it

...

I have been dealing with this issue for weeks now and I haven't found any solution. I don't want to format my Win 11

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-23T12:07:58+00:00

    I tried some steps in Windows 11, and it starts printing PDFs again-

    1. Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Microsoft Print to PDF.
    2. Open 'Printer properties'. A 'Microsoft Print to PDF Properties' window will appear.
    3. Click on 'Change Properties' button to get elevated access.
    4. Now navigate to 'Advanced' tab at the top.
    5. Tick the 'Keep printed documents' checkbox.
    6. Click 'Apply' button and finally click on 'OK' button at the bottom.

    Voila, all Done!

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-13T20:39:58+00:00

    Can't print to PDF. I am sorry I upgraded to Windows Pro 24H2.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2024-10-14T08:57:22+00:00

    I lately installed Kyocera drivers but uninstalled that too which hasnt fix the problem. Is that related to "Microsoft Print to PDF?"

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. Ramesh Srinivasan 79,055 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-10-14T09:05:54+00:00

    Hi Michael, This is Ramesh.

    This could be an Office-specific issue, especially with permissions for the Msocache folder.

    1. Please create a new local admin account to see if the problem occurs in that account.

    To create a new local admin account, open admin Command Prompt and run these commands: 

    net user USERNAME PASSWORD /add

net localgroup administrators USERNAME /add

    (Note: Replace the placeholder text "USERNAME" and "PASSWORD" with the new user name and password, respectively.)

    Login to the newly created account and see if Microsoft Print to PDF works.

    1. Also, check if you can print to PDF from another application, such as Notepad or WordPad.

    Note:

    Alternatively, there is a freeware PDF printer named CutePDF Writer, which has existed for over two decades. It's freeware.

    CutePDF :: Product :: CutePDF Writer:

    https://www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/writer...

    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-10-14T08:39:24+00:00

    Did you install the full feature software/drivers from your printer maker and follow the setup prompts, then in any doc > File Print and you set the various output options?

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