adobe pdf will not print to printer

Question

I have Adobe PDF and I receive a fair number of documents in PDF format. Usually, whether I have saved them or not, when I print, I am offered my printer as first option.

Today I opened a document that I need to print and it gives me PRINT TO PDF and Print to One Note (desktop).

No matter what I do I cannot get it to offer me the print options I was using before. (printer or PDF) and, I discover, saved documents that I have previously opened and printed normally are also locked to PRINT TO PDF or PRINT TO ONE NOTE.

Please can someone tell me what has happened?

I have no idea if I have selected the correct tags...

Answer 1

The default printer has changed to “Microsoft Print to PDF” or “Send to OneNote,” so applications only show those virtual printers instead of the physical printer.

Restore printing to the real printer in Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Under Printers & scanners, find the actual physical printer (for example, HP, Canon, Brother, etc.).
4. Select the printer, then select Set as default.
5. If Let Windows manage my default printer is turned on, turn it Off so Windows does not automatically switch it again.

After this, close and reopen Adobe Reader (and other apps). The physical printer should appear again in the printer list alongside “Microsoft Print to PDF” and “Send to OneNote,” and documents should print normally.

If the printer does not appear in Printers & scanners, reinstall the printer driver from the printer manufacturer and then repeat the steps above.

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References:

• Issues with PDF converting and printing files - Microsoft Q&A
• Printing error on windows 11 laptop - Microsoft Q&A
• How to print without a window popping up that requests I save an already saved document - Microsoft Q&A

Answer 2

The Microsoft PRINT TO PDF and Print to One Note (desktop) are virtual printers that come pre-installed in Windows by default.

If you printer is not appearing in the printer drop-down list then you choose to print a document, the best option is to completely uninstall your printer, then restart the PC and go to the support page for your printer on the manufacturers website to download and reinstall the version of printer drivers, firmware and associated software they provide for your printer model.