Contents
How to use the Print to PDF feature on Windows 10?

Windows has a built-in function that allows you to “print” a document to a PDF file. Few users are aware of this, and even fewer know how to access and use it. In this guide, we intend to show you how to use the Microsoft Print to PDF option on Windows 10.

As you may know already, Foxit—a light PDF reader developer—removed the PDF Printer option from its program

Foxit Reader users were no longer able to use PDF printing, which was actually one of the most used features in the application. For this reason, a function—especially one that already exists in Windows—that allows users to get PDF for printing operations will come in handy.

If you do not have a printer or lack immediate access to one, then you can use the Print to PDF function to save a document in PDF. This is an excellent feature, especially since most printers recognize the PDF formatting better. It’s also useful if you have other reasons for wanting to save your stuff in PDF.

Note:

The Microsoft Print to PDF feature is missing in older versions of the Windows operating system. It is a relatively new function. Users previously had to use third-party apps—such as Foxit Reader—that allowed them to save items as PDF files. Microsoft realized the need for such a function, hence adding support for Print to PDF.

Where Can one Get Microsoft Print to PDF?

Microsoft Print to PDF is already built into your computer as long as your device is running Windows 10. If you cannot find or access it, then the function is likely to be disabled on your PC. So, you have to turn on Microsoft Print to PDF first before you can use it. We described the procedure (first thing below) to turn on Microsoft Print to PDF.

How to Enable the Microsoft Print to PDF Option

You can skip this procedure if you are sure that the Print to PDF option is enabled and ready for use on your computer. If you do not know whether the featured is activated, go through these steps:

  1. Press the Windows button on your device’s keyboard. You can also click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. The Windows Start screen should be visible now.
  3. Type “Windows features” (no quotes).
  4. From the results, you have to click on Turn on or off Windows Features (Control Panel).
  5. Your computer should bring up the Windows Features dialog or window now.
  6. Now, you must scroll through the items on the list carefully.
  7. Locate Microsoft Print to PDF. Click on the checkbox for this parameter to get it selected.
  8. If the box for Microsoft Print to PDF is already checked, then you must leave things as they are.
  9. Click on the OK button.

Your computer will now save the changes. Windows should take note of the new configuration for Windows Features. You will now be able to use the Print to PDF function.

How to Add and Access the Microsoft Print to PDF Feature in Device and Printers

  1. First, you have to open the Control Panel app.
  2. You can go to the Windows Start screen, then type “Control Panel” (no quotes).
  3. Click on the application on the results list.
  4. Assuming you are now on the Control Panel window, you have to look to the top-right corner to see the View by parameter.
  5. Make sure that the View by parameter is set to Category.
  6. Now, under Hardware and Sound, you have to click on the View devices and printers link.
  7. You will be directed to the Devices and Printer screen.
  8. Click on the Add a printer button on the toolbar (close to the top of the screen).
  9. Your computer is likely to bring up the Add a device dialog or window now.
  10. Click on ‘The printer I want isn’t listed’ link (close to the bottom of the window).
  11. Assuming you are now on the Add Printer screen, you have to click on the radio button for Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
  12. Click on the Next button.
  13. At this stage, assuming you are on the Choose a printer port, you have to click on the radio button for Use an existing port.
  14. Click on the drop-down menu and then select File: (Print to File).
  15. Click on Next button.
  16. Now, on the Install the printer driver screen, you have to click on Microsoft in the left, and then click on Microsoft Print to PDF in the right pane.
  17. Click on the Next button.
  18. Here, you have to click on the radio button for Use the driver that is currently installed.
  19. Click on the Next button.
  20. Assuming you are now on the You’ve successfully added Microsoft Print to PDF screen, you have to click on the box for Set as the default printer (to get it selected) – if this parameter is deselected.
  21. Click on the Finish button.

How to Use the Microsoft Print to PDF Feature

To use the Microsoft Print to PDF function in any application, follow these steps:

  1. Use the Ctrl + letter P keyboard shortcut to open the Print menu in the app.
  2. Now, you must select Microsoft Print to PDF as your printer.
  3. The program will ask you to specify the location to which you want to save the file.
  4. Specify your preferred directory for the file. Click on the OK or Save button.

Your computer will now work to create the PDF and save it in your chosen location.

How to Print a PDF File in Windows 10

To print a PDF file in Windows, you simply have to use the Ctrl+P keyboard shortcut to access the Print menu. Then, you must choose the printer you want to use, specify the necessary parameters and options, and then click on the Print button. Your computer will now send the document you want to print to the printer. The latter will do its job.

Can Foxit Reader Print a PDF?

Yes. If the Foxit Reader on your system still shows the PDF printing function—which went missing on some users’ computer after an update to the Foxit Reader app—then you can use it to print PDFs. You should not rely on Foxit Reader’s PDF printing function, though. It might eventually disappear or become inaccessible at some point in the future.

How to Fix the Foxit PDF Reader Doesn’t Print

Issue

Unfortunately, fixes to such a problem are beyond the scope of our work in this guide. If something in the Foxit Reader refuses or fails to work, then you can simply get another PDF reader and then use the function you need in the new application.

Listed below are PDF readers that can replicate Foxit PDF reader capabilities.

What are Foxit PDF reader alternatives in 2020?

If you only used Foxit Reader because it allowed you to save your documents in PDF, then you may no longer have use for the application. After all, you now know about the Microsoft Print to PDF function.

If something in Foxit Reader stops working for you, then you can get another PDF reader and use a similar function in the new application. You can get Adobe Acrobat PDF reader, which is still easily the most popular and powerful option. Meanwhile, if you don’t like Acrobat or if you simply do not want to use an Adobe product, then you can get any one of these free PDF readers:

  • Slim PDF
  • Nitro Reader
  • Expert PDF Reader
  • Javelin PDF Reader
  • PDF-XChange Editor
  • MuPDF
  • SumatraPDF

Of course, you still have the option to use your web browser – Chrome or Firefox, for example – to view PDFs.

We also recommend you using Auslogics BoostSpeeds’ Browser Protection function, it’s quite an easy way to keep your browser protected.