Printer problem

Question

How do I get rid of print to file when I want to print something?

Answer 1

To correct it, open Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, uncheck Let Windows manage my default printer, then select your actual printer, click Manage > Set as default, and try printing again. Also, when you open the print window, make sure your physical printer is selected instead of Microsoft Print to PDF or Microsoft XPS Document Writer.

If Windows still asks you to save a file instead of printing, could you please confirm whether this happens in every application or only in a specific program, such as Word or a web browser? Also, what is the brand and model of your printer, and is it connected through USB or Wi-Fi? If possible, please share a screenshot of the window that appears when you try to print, including the selected printer.

Answer 2

In the application’s print window, clear Print to file and select your physical printer instead of Microsoft Print to PDF, Microsoft XPS Document Writer, or another virtual printer.^1^

Turn off “Print to file”

1. Open the document and select File > Print.
2. Under Printer, select your actual printer.
3. Clear the Print to file checkbox if it appears.
4. Confirm that the selected printer shows Ready, then select Print.

If it still asks for a filename

The printer itself may be assigned to the Print to File port:

1. Close any applications from which you were printing.
2. Select Start, type Control Panel, and open it.
3. Set View by to Large icons or Small icons.
4. Open Devices and Printers.
5. Right-click your physical printer and select Printer properties.
6. Open the Ports tab.
7. If FILE: (Print to File) is selected, change it to the printer’s actual port. The matching Q&A guidance identifies LPT1 for a USB-connected printer or WSD for a wireless printer.^2^
8. Select Apply > OK.

Only change the port if it is currently set to FILE:. If several other ports are listed and the correct one is unclear, reinstalling the manufacturer’s driver is safer than guessing.

Test the printer

Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and then choose Manage > Printer properties > Print Test Page.^1^

If the test page also fails, uninstall the printer, restart Windows, and reinstall the correct Windows 10 driver supplied by the printer manufacturer.^3^

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References

1. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printing-problems-in-word-excel-or-other-apps#step-1-try-printing-from-another-app-or-file)
2. Print command results only in an invitation to save. - Microsoft Q&A
3. Can't print - Microsoft Q&A