By default, Windows 10 comes packed with a nifty feature which allows you to turn documents into PDF’s without using any third party application. This is called Microsoft Print to PDF. This feature is available in form of a printer, which means, you have to print the document using the selected printer to convert it to PDF.
The printer will only be virtual and will allow you to make changes to the document before you convert it to a PDF file permanently. The copy of the document will be preserved in its original format while the new PDF file will also be created. This provides ease of access to the users and helps them convert documents seamlessly without the use of any applications.
Below is a short guide on how to convert a document to PDF using Microsoft Print to PDF (this guide is based on Microsoft Office 2013. The method will be the same for previous or latest builds.)
- Open the document you want to convert. Press File option (highlighted in blue) present at the top left side of the screen.
- A new navigation pane will be launched. Click on the Print option using the navigation pane on the left, select the printer “Microsoft Print to PDF” using the drop-down present under the Printer and click on Print.
- Now Windows will ask about the file location where you want to save the document. Name the file and after selecting the location, press Save.
- Navigate to the file location. The document will be converted to PDF format.
Removing Microsoft to PDF Printer
Sometimes one might want to remove this feature from the list of printers. It can be because you use a lot of printers and this adds to the confusion or you just don’t want to see it on the list. There are several different ways you can achieve this and all of these methods work for all users.
Method 1: Using Settings
We can easily remove the printer using Settings. This is particularly helpful if you don’t want to indulge in the command line or PowerShell. It’s quick and gets the job done.
- Press Windows + S to launch the search bar of your start menu. Type “Settings” in the dialogue box and press Enter. Select the first result which comes forth.
- Select the option of Devices present as the second entry from the top left.
- Select “Printers and scanners” option from the navigation pane at the left side of the screen.
- Under the subheading of Printers and scanners, you will locate the printer we wish to remove. Click it once and select the option “Remove device”.
- Now Windows will ask for confirmation before removing the printer. Press Yes. Microsoft Print to PDF will now be removed from your system.
Method 2: Removing through Control Panel
You can also remove the printer using the control panel. The method will more or less be the same but will be achieved more quickly.
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run application. Type “control panel” in the dialogue box and press Enter. This will launch the control panel.
- Select the sub-category of Hardware and Sound from the list of options available.
- Now click on Devices and Printers. This will be the first entry.
- Now locate the printer “Microsoft Print to PDF” from the list present under the heading of Printers. Right-click it and select Remove device.
- Now Windows will ask for confirmation before removing the printer. Press Yes.
Method 3: Using the Command Prompt
One can also remove the printer using the command prompt. This is the fastest way you can remove the feature without indulging in more menu’s or settings. You need elevated command prompt to execute this instruction.
- Press Windows + S to launch the search bar of your start menu. Type “command prompt” in the dialogue box, right click on the result and select “Run as administrator”.
- Now type the following command in the command prompt and press Enter. This will instantly remove the Microsoft Print to PDF from the list of printers.
Method 4: Using PowerShell
The same can be done using the PowerShell. The feature will be removed from your system by typing a single command line. This is an alternative to the method of command prompt.
- Press Windows + S to launch the search bar of your start menu. Type “PowerShell” in the dialogue box, right click on the result and select “Run as administrator”.
- Once in the PowerShell, copy and paste the following command and press Enter.
Remove-Printer -Name “Microsoft Print to PDF”
- Now the printer will be removed automatically upon the execution of this command.
Adding “Microsoft Print to PDF” printer
Some users might accidentally remove the printer from their list or they might want to use the feature again. You can easily re-enable the printer back again by a series of steps listed below.
- Before we add the printer, make sure that the feature is turned on in Windows Features. Press Windows + S to launch the search bar and type “features” in the dialogue box. Open the first relevant result which comes forth.
- Make sure that “Microsoft Print to PDF” is enabled in Windows Features by checking if it is checked (with a tick).
- Press Windows + S to launch the search bar of your start menu. Type “Settings” in the dialogue box and press Enter. Select the first result which comes forth.
- Select the option of Devices present as the second entry from the top left.
- Select “Printers and scanners” option from the navigation pane at the left side of the screen.
- Now select “Add a printer or scanner” located at the very top of the window.
- Now Windows will start searching for any printer connected to your computer. Wait for a few seconds until the option “The printer that I want isn’t listed” appears. Click it.
- Click the checkbox “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings”. Press Next.
- Check the option “Use an existing port”. Click on the drop-down box and select “PORTPROMPT: (Local Port)” from the list of options and click Next.
- Select Microsoft on the left navigation. Then browse the right navigation pane until you find “Microsoft Print to PDF”. Select it and click Next.
- Check the option “Use the driver that is currently installed (recommended)” and press Next.
- Don’t change the name of the printer and just press Next.
- Now Windows will install the required printer and prompt you that it is installed. Click on Finish to exit the setup and check if the printer was added.
