New Surface Pro 13 Inch - Won't Print!

Jerry D 0 Reputation points
2026-10-10T18:50:02.7533333+00:00

Just powered up and connected my new Surface Pro (12th) 13 inch and performed all software updates.

Every time I try to print an Email or other document I keep getting a message (from Windows?) requesting me to "Save the Print Output File"

??

Surface | Surface Pro | Install and update
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-10T18:50:18.14+00:00

    That message usually appears when Windows is sending the job to a virtual printer such as Microsoft Print to PDF or Print to file instead of a physical printer.

    Try this in order:

    1. In the app where printing fails, open File > Print.
    2. Check the selected printer.
      • If it shows Microsoft Print to PDF, OneNote, or anything other than the real printer, change it to the actual printer.
      • Confirm the printer status shows Ready.
    3. Print a Windows test page to verify the printer itself works:
      • Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
      • Select the printer
      • Open Printer properties or Manage > Printer properties
      • On the General tab, select Print Test Page
    4. If the printer is missing or not working, remove and reinstall it:
      • Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
      • Select the printer > Remove
      • Then select Add device to reinstall it
    5. Restart the print spooler service:
      • Press Windows key + R
      • Type services.msc and press Enter
      • Right-click Print Spooler > Restart
    6. Update or reinstall the printer driver:
      • Open Device Manager
      • Expand Printers
      • Right-click the printer > Update driver
      • If no update is found, select Uninstall device, then restart Windows so it reinstalls automatically
    7. If this is an ARM-based Surface Pro with a Snapdragon processor, some manufacturer printer installers may not work correctly on ARM. In that case, install the printer from Windows Settings instead of using the printer manufacturer’s installer.
    8. For email attachments in new Outlook, open the attachment first and print from the associated app if needed. Quick Print is not available in new Outlook for Windows.

    If the selected printer is already the real printer, the most likely next checks are the printer driver and spooler service.

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

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  2. S.Sengupta 32,991 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-11T00:09:21.3633333+00:00

    When the print dialog appears, look at the printer name. If it says Microsoft Print to PDF, Microsoft XPS Document Writer, or OneNote, just choose your actual printer from the dropdown.

    Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.

    Turn off “Let Windows manage my default printer”.

    Click your real printer and choose Set as default.

    Open Notepad, press Ctrl+P, select your printer, and print. If it prints, the problem was just the default or port setting.

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