How to Fix Printing Issues in Specific Apps (Word, Chrome, Adobe)
You can print from some programs but not others like Word, Chrome, or Adobe Reader, and here's how to fix it.
What's Happening
Your printer works perfectly from Notepad or some programs, but when you try to print from Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, or Adobe Reader, nothing happens, you get error messages, or the print dialog won't even open. This frustrating issue is usually caused by app-specific print settings, outdated application versions, or conflicts between the app and your printer driver. The problem isn't your printer—it's how certain applications communicate with it.
Quick Checks (Do These First)
- Test with a different file – Try printing a different document in the problematic app
- Restart the app – Close it completely (check Task Manager to ensure it's not running in background)
- Try a different printer – If you have Microsoft Print to PDF, see if that works from the problematic app
- Check for app updates – Outdated versions often have print bugs
Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix 1: Reset App-Specific Print Settings (Microsoft Word)
Word sometimes caches problematic printer configurations.
- Open Word
- Click File > Options
- Click Advanced in the left sidebar
- Scroll down to the Print section
- Uncheck Print in background
- Click OK and try printing
- If that doesn't work, go back and also check Use draft quality
Also try: Click File > Print, click Printer Properties, and click Restore Defaults.
Fix 2: Clear Chrome Print Settings and Cache
Chrome's built-in print system can get corrupted.
- Open Chrome
- Type
chrome://settings/clearBrowserDatain the address bar and press Enter - Select All time from the time range dropdown
- Check Cached images and files
- Click Clear data
- Restart Chrome and try printing
For stubborn issues, also try:
- Click the three dots menu > Settings
- Type "print" in the search box
- Click Printers
- Remove and re-add your printer
Fix 3: Repair Adobe Acrobat/Reader Installation
Adobe products can develop corrupted print modules.
- Close Adobe Reader or Acrobat completely
- Open Control Panel > Programs and Features
- Find Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (or your version)
- Right-click and select Change
- Click Repair
- Wait for the repair to complete
- Restart your computer
- Open a PDF and try printing
Alternative: In Adobe Reader, go to Edit > Preferences > General, and uncheck Enable Protected Mode at startup (requires restart).
Fix 4: Update or Reinstall the Application
Many printing bugs are fixed in newer versions.
- For Microsoft Office: Open any Office app > File > Account > Update Options > Update Now
- For Chrome: Click three dots > Help > About Google Chrome (auto-updates)
- For Adobe Reader: Help > Check for Updates
If updates don't help, uninstall the application completely and download a fresh installer from the official website.
Fix 5: Run App as Administrator
Sometimes permission issues prevent printing.
- Right-click the application shortcut or .exe file
- Select Properties
- Click the Compatibility tab
- Check Run this program as an administrator
- Click Apply, then OK
- Launch the app and try printing
Fix 6: Reinstall Printer Driver with Generic Windows Driver
Sometimes manufacturer drivers conflict with specific apps. Windows' built-in drivers often work better.
- Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
- Click your printer and select Remove device
- Click Add a printer or scanner
- If your printer appears, click it
- When prompted for a driver, choose Windows Default or Generic instead of the manufacturer's
- Complete setup and test printing from the problematic app
If Nothing Worked
If printing still fails from a specific app, check the application's forums or support site—there may be a known bug with your printer model or OS version. Try creating a new Windows user account and test printing from there; sometimes user profile corruption affects app functionality. As a workaround, you can often print from the problematic app by saving as PDF first, then printing the PDF from a different program.
When to Call a Pro
If printing fails across multiple applications after trying these fixes, the issue may be with your printer driver or Windows print spooler service requiring advanced troubleshooting. If error messages mention system files or registry problems, attempting DIY fixes could cause broader system issues. Professional help can diagnose whether this is a software conflict, corrupted Windows component, or printer firmware problem.
Need Professional Help?
If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.
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