How do I run One Note But when I try to print a test

JANET RAPHAEL 0 Reputation points
2026-09-28T23:24:39.96+00:00

I am trying to use my printer but I just switched internet providers, now have

starLink. But when I try to print test page I get a big notice telling me I have to run One Note first???

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-28T23:24:52.27+00:00

    That message usually means Windows is only seeing a virtual printer such as Print to OneNote or Microsoft Print to PDF, instead of the actual printer. The issue is typically printer recognition in Windows, not that OneNote must be opened first.

    Try these steps on Windows:

    1. Check whether the real printer is installed
      Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
      • If the printer is missing, select + Add a printer or scanner.
      • If it appears, select it and confirm it is available.
    2. Print a Windows test page
      In Printers & scanners, select the printer, then Manage > Printer properties > General > Print Test Page.
      • If the test page prints, Windows can communicate with the printer.
      • If it does not print, the problem is with the printer connection or driver.
    3. Make sure the correct printer is selected in the app
      In the app being used, open File > Print and verify the intended printer is selected, not Print to OneNote or Print to PDF.
    4. Restart the Print Spooler service
      Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.
    5. Remove and reinstall the printer if needed
      If Windows only shows virtual printers, remove the printer from Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, restart the PC, then add it again with Add a printer or scanner.
      For a wireless printer, make sure the PC is connected to the same network as the printer so Windows can find it.

    If the printer was working before the internet change, the most likely cause is that the printer is no longer installed correctly or is not on the same network as the PC.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 89,540 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-29T00:28:17.1033333+00:00

    Hi, @JANET RAPHAEL

    When you try to print the test page, does the selected printer show your printer’s name or "OneNote"?

    The message suggests the page may be going to OneNote’s virtual printer, which sends documents to a notebook.

    If you haven't tried anything yet, please try these steps:

    • Open Start, search for "Printers & scanners", and open it.
    • Turn off "Let Windows manage my default printer".
    • Select your printer’s name. Click "Manage" if shown, then "Set as default". Try printing again.

    Since you changed internet providers, if your printer uses Wi-Fi, please also make sure it is connected to the same Starlink Wi-Fi network as your computer.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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