How to Fix "Can't Print PDF" Issue: Troubleshooting Guide

Do you want to print a PDF document to send to the boss for confirmation? While you are looking to print them out, you might be unable to do it. Ever thought about why it happens? This article is focused on providing a guide on the reasons why you can't print PDFs and how to get it fixed.

Part 1: Why is My PDF File Not Printing?

Printing a PDF document is one of the simplest processes you can look into. This, however, can get quite problematic if not managed. For that, you first have to realize the causes of why you cannot print PDF files from your device. The following reasons outline all the causes of this issue that are occurring on your computer:

1. Drivers are Not Updated

The first concern that may raise the problem of printing PDF files is the printer drivers installed on the computer. If they are not updated regularly, connection issues and glitches might occur, which won't give proper commands to the printer. Thus, it is essential to update the printer drivers so that the device does not malfunction in any specific case.

2. PDF Documents are Locked with a Password

PDF passwords can be encrypted with different file and permission passwords. Some files might be restricted with a password which prevents the reader from performing actions on them. It includes editing and printing out the files with a printer. If you can't print a PDF file, it is quite possible that the PDF document is locked with a permission password.

3. The Queue of the Printer is Filled Out

You might be using a printer that is connected to multiple devices. Thus, while you look to print out documents, it is entirely possible that the queue of the printer is filled out. In other situations, there is a chance that the printer's queue is unnecessarily filled due to some glitch. You might have to manually clear that out or wait until your turn comes.

4. The Printer Is Not Connected to your Device

If you can't print PDFs from your computer, there is a chance that your printer is not connected to the computer. Since this is the case, you won't be able to print anything from the printer. You will first have to connect your device to the printer.

Part 2: How to Fix the Issue of Cannot Print PDF?

While knowing the reasons for the issue of printing PDFs, it is now the perfect time to see what you can do to fix these issues on your computer. Since you cannot print PDFs, you can try out these fixes to manage all problems.

1. Set Printer as Default

The first thing that can be tried to resolve the issues of printing PDFs is to set the printer as the default device. The command will probably be sent to another device if the printer is not set as the default device. This is why the problem of printing PDFs occurs. To set your printer as the default device, here are some steps that you can follow:

Step 1: You have to press the "Windows + R" shortcut key to open the Run program. As it opens, type "control.exe" to launch the Control Panel on your computer. Next, access the "Hardware and Sound" option.

Step 2: Find the option of "Device and Printers" in the list, which will lead you to the devices attached to your computer as the printer.

Step 3: See if the printer you are using is not set as the default device, which can be verified with a green mark. If there is no green mark, right-click on the specific device and select "Set as default printer" to set it as the default device.

2. Update Your Printer Drivers

If the printer drivers are not updated, there is a fair chance that the printer might not work for you. Since you cannot print PDF documents, you will have to update the drivers. To cover that, you have to work on the following steps:

Step 1: Open the "Search" bar on the taskbar by clicking on the respective icon. Next, type "Device Manager" in the space to open the window on your computer.

Step 2: Scroll down to find the "Print queues" option in the list and expand the section. Find your respective printer that is not functioning properly and right-click on it. Select "Update driver" from the options to update your printer drivers.

Step 3: As the new window opens for updating the drivers, you can select any available options. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your printer successfully.

3. Remove Password Restrictions from PDF

The PDF document you are using might have some restrictions enabled on it. The author that created the document might have put in a password restriction to stop the readers from printing the document. Thus, in such a case, you will have to remove the password restrictions from the PDF document, which can be done with the help of UPDF. UPDF provides a complete system of removing passwords, which is covered by the following steps:

Step 1: Launch UPDF on your computer and proceed to click on "Open File" to import the password-restricted PDF.

Step 2: Following this, proceed to the "Protect Using Password" option on the right panel. With the menu that opens, select "Remove Security" to start the process

Step 3: The following pop-up will ask you to confirm the process, for which you have to click on "Remove". Next, UPDF will ask you to add the permission password of the document to start removing it. As the password is removed, UPDF will ask you to save it as a new document. Select "Save" and set a location before you save the document.

4. Clear the Printer's Queue

Another possibility for PDF files not printing can be due to the printer's queue that is filled out. While using the printer, it is quite possible that it might have been getting multiple commands for which it has a long queue to process. At times, the printer might also crash. But, to resolve this problem, it is best to clear the printer's queue, which can be done by accessing the "Devices and Printers" options in the "Control" panel. Look into the printer that you are using and check its queue.

5. Connect the Printer Properly

You have to ensure that the printer connected to the computer is properly connected. If it is a wired connection, the wires should not be loose or damaged. For Bluetooth printers, ensure that the function is operating perfectly and that there are no issues with the connection.

Part 3: An All-in-One PDF Solution

Printing PDFs seem simple, but it also needs a good PDF editor to help users set the printing parameters. Along with printing PDFs, there are several other functions that you might have to perform on your documents. To make this happen, UPDF provides a system that allows you to edit and manage PDFs properly. The various features available on this cost-effective, progressive PDF editor are the best you can find in the market.

Key Features Offered by UPDF

• Protecting PDFs: UPDF allows you to set up passwords for the PDF documents you are opening on it. Set different password types, such as open passwords and permission passwords, as per your ease.
• Use OCR: You can use the OCR feature in UPDF to convert your scanned documents to searchable and editable PDFs. With support to over 38 languages, you can easily convert your scanned images and documents to editable PDFs and manage them with UPDF.
• Organizing and Managing PDFs: UPDF is an exceptional example of helping users organize and manage their PDFs. Use the different features such as rearranging, rotating, splitting, and inserting PDFs to organize your documents in a better way.
• Annotate Documents: This PDF editor provides users with a complete set of annotation tools. You can easily highlight, comment, underline, and add stamps and stickers to the PDF.

Advantages of Using UPDF

• Simple, Effective, and Secure: You can find UPDF to be the most straightforward PDF editor in the market. With a system of protecting user documents from illegal access, it features a secure PDF system that does not require the user to have knowledge of PDF tools.
• Performs Perfectly: There are no particular lags in this PDF editor regarding performance. You can use UPDF freely with no hindrances, as it is exceptionally stable in editing and managing PDFs of all sizes.
• Compatibility: This tool is available on Windows and Mac and also provides services to iOS and Android users, making it an efficient option in the market.
• Converts Five Files for Free: UPDF supports converting five files for free with the OCR feature. While it is a great initiative, it helps you get aware of the tool in a better way.

Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions

Why Can't I Print PDF Files from My Printer?

You cannot print PDF files from the printer for many reasons. Starting from the first option, you won't be able to print the PDF if the device is not connected to the printer. Along with that, the drivers of the printer might not be updated. The problem can also be related to permission passwords on the PDF document.

How Do I Enable the "Print as PDF" Option?

If you wish to enable the option of Print as PDF, you have to open the PDF document on Google Chrome. As it opens, click on the "Printer" icon and select the option of "Save as PDF" on Windows and "Print as PDF" on Mac for the printer.

Why Can I Print from Word but not PDF?

If you cannot print PDFs, the very probable explanation is the password restriction on the document. There might be some permission password for abstaining from printing the PDF, which needs to be removed with tools like UPDF.

How Do You Print a PDF File from an Email?

You need to simply open the PDF file from the email on your Chrome browser. As it opens on a tab, click on the "Printer" button and proceed to print the PDF.

Conclusion

This article has presented users with a guide on how you cannot print PDF files for multiple reasons. While resolving the problem through different techniques, the article has also guided you to use UPDF, the best PDF editor for printing and managing PDF files perfectly.