How to print without a window popping up that requests I save an already saved document

Question

Every time I ask the computer to print a document, a window pops up that wants me to save the document which is already saved. It won't let me print the document!

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[Tag moved from: Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows]

Answer 1

I posted yesterday that I had solved the problem. Somehow my printer had gotten off when I selected the print to PDF option. I didn't realize that would happen. Smarter now.

Answer 2

To print without a window popping up that requests you to save an already saved document, you can set up a virtual printer that automatically saves print jobs to a specified location. Here are the steps to achieve this:

1. Go to Devices and Printers.
2. Click on Add Printers.
3. Select Add a local or network printer as an administrator.
4. Choose Add a local printer.
5. Select Create a new port: Local Port.
6. In the Port Name Box, type in the path and the file name where you want to save the print job, for example, "C:\Temp\PrintJob.txt".
7. Select Manufacturer - Generic.
8. Choose Printers - Generic / Text Only.
9. Opt to Use the driver that is currently installed (recommended).
10. Name the printer as desired.
11. Share the printer if needed.
12. Finish the setup.

After completing these steps, any print jobs sent to this printer will automatically be saved to the specified location without prompting you to save each time.

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References:

• How to Print to File without user intervention

Answer 3

I will try this to see if it solves the problem.

Answer 4

You asked your question with an MS Access tag which is for developing relational database applications. Does your question have anything to do with "Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows"?

Answer 5

Welcome Pat Marion to the Q&A forum.

From what you shared, I understand whenever you try to print something, your computer keeps prompting you to save the file rather than letting you print the document.

This behavior is highly because the default printer is set to a virtual option like "Microsoft Print to PDF" or the "Print to file" setting is enabled. Please try the below steps to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check Printer Selection

Open the print dialog (Ctrl+P in most apps) and select your actual physical printer from the dropdown, not "Microsoft Print to PDF" or similar.

Set it as default via Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > select printer > Set as default

2. Disable Print to File

In the print dialog, open Printer Properties or Advanced and uncheck Print to file if that option appears.

3. Additional Fixes

Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Update printer drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer site if issues persist.

If none of these solutions help, please give me more detail: Which application are you using to view and print files? 

I look forward to your response and I'm here if you need further support.

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