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Reinstall Microsoft Print to PDF in Windows 11

Richard

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This article outlines the process for reinstalling the Microsoft Print to PDF printer in Windows 11. It details using Command Prompt commands to disable and re-enable the printer feature, ensuring proper installation. A system restart may be necessary if the printer doesn’t appear immediately, emphasizing its importance for PDF document management.

This article explains how to reinstall the Microsoft Print to PDF printer easily in Windows 11.

Over the years, Windows has included a virtual printer that enables users to print any page as a PDF-compatible document. This feature is particularly useful for those who do not have access to physical printers. With this functionality, you can easily save any document in PDF format by selecting the PDF printer when you print.

If you accidentally delete the Microsoft Print to PDF printer, restoring it may not be as simple as reinstalling it from the printer settings page.

For new users, navigating the Windows 11 System settings pane can be intimidating. However, we will guide you on how to quickly reinstall the missing PDF printer without accessing the main settings pane.

Install the Microsoft Print to PDF printer in Windows 11

As mentioned above, simply re-adding the missing PDF printer from the printer settings pane might not work as expected. You’ll have to run the commands below to reinstall the missing printer.

First, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do that, click Start, then search for and open the “Command Prompt” app as an administrator.

When the app opens, run the commands below to uninstall or turn off the PDF printer feature. We’ll want to run this command to turn off the printer so it can be reinstalled fully.

But first, stop the print spooler.

net stop spooler
dism /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"Printing-PrintToPDFServices-Features" /NoRestart

After running the commands above, run the next command below to reinstall or enable the Microsoft Print to PDF printer.

dism /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"Printing-PrintToPDFServices-Features" /NoRestart
net start spooler

The command above will reinstall and enable the PDF printer. After enabling the printer, start the print spooler, which should get the printer back.

If it doesn’t work right away, restart your computer, then try again.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Reinstalling the Microsoft Print to PDF printer in Windows 11 is straightforward with the right steps.
  • Using the Command Prompt for installation ensures that any issues are resolved properly.
  • If the printer does not appear immediately after installation, a quick system restart may resolve the problem.
  • This feature is essential for users who rely on PDF documents for their work or studies.
  • Always remember to manage the print spooler service when reinstalling virtual printers.
Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

Comments

  1. sreenivasa gupta Avatar
    sreenivasa gupta

    this is working perfectly in windows 11
    pls note run as administrator for command window

    Reply
  2. Meriha Avatar
    Meriha

    Please help ! i am not understanding this right! I did work from command prompt as administrator.
    typed in the first line exactly and it worked. the message said spooler stopped.
    Then i typed in the second line but keep getting error message! Please help me!
    [email protected]

    Reply

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