Notepad++ Print Function Not Working: 100% Fixed Guide

When your Notepad++ print function stops working, it can be a major disruption in your workflow. Our goal is to help you troubleshoot quickly and get back to work with minimal disruption.



Common Reasons Why the Print Function Fails

There are several reasons why the Notepad++ print function might not work as expected:

  • Notepad++ Print Settings – Incorrect settings may prevent printing.Encoding and Formatting Issues – Special characters or formats may interfere.
  • Printer Setup Issues: Outdated printer drivers or incorrect printer configurations can prevent Notepad++ from accessing the printer.
  • Software Bugs: Sometimes, bugs in Notepad++ or conflicts with plugins can interfere with printing.
  • Configuration Glitches: Incorrect settings or corrupted configuration files can lead to print errors.
  • Windows Permissions: Insufficient permissions can hinder Notepad++ from executing print commands.
  • Encoding and Formatting Issues – Special characters or formats may interfere.

How to Fix Notepad++ Print Function Not Working

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving the issue:

1. Check Basic Printer Setup

  • Ensure Your Printer is Connected: Verify that your printer is properly connected to your computer and turned on.
  • Update Printer Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause communication issues. Check your printer manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
  • Test with Another Application: Try printing from another program to ensure the printer itself is not the problem.

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2. Ensure Notepad++ Is Updated

  • Check for Updates: Open Notepad++ and check the “? > Update Notepad++” menu option.

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3. Reset Notepad++ Settings

  • Backup Your Configuration: Before making changes, back up your configuration files.
  • Reset Settings: Delete or rename the config.xml file located in the Notepad++ configuration folder to reset settings to default.

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4. Verify Notepad++ Print Settings

  • Access Print Options: Go to “File > Print” and explore the print settings.
  • Adjust Settings: Ensure that the correct printer is selected and that settings like page orientation and margins are properly configured.

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5. Check for Plugin Conflicts

  • Disable Plugins: Temporarily disable all plugins to see if one is causing the conflict.
  • Re-enable One-by-One: Re-enable plugins one at a time to identify the culprit.

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6. Adjust Page Setup Settings

  • Review Page Setup: Check the page setup options for any misconfigurations.
  • Modify Settings: Adjust page size, margins, and orientation to see if the issue resolves.

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7. Use the “Print to PDF” Workaround

  • Print to PDF: As an alternative, use the “Print to PDF” option available in Windows. This can help verify whether the issue is with Notepad++ or the printer driver.

Advanced Fixes

If the basic fixes don’t work, consider these advanced troubleshooting methods:

1. Edit the Printer Configuration File

  • Locate the File: Find the printer configuration file in the Notepad++ installation directory.
  • Manual Edits: Carefully modify the file settings (ensure you backup before editing) to restore proper functionality.

2. Reinstall Notepad++

  • Uninstall: Remove Notepad++ from your system.
  • Reinstall Fresh Copy: Download and install the latest version to ensure any corrupted files are replaced.

3. Check Windows Permissions

  • Run as Administrator: Try running Notepad++ as an administrator.
  • Adjust Permissions: Check your Windows settings to ensure that Notepad++ has the necessary permissions to interact with the printer.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Issues

To minimize the chances of facing printing issues in the future, consider these tips:

  • Regular Updates: Keep both your printer drivers and Notepad++ updated.
  • Backup Configurations: Regularly backup your Notepad++ configuration settings.
  • Monitor Plugin Updates: Stay aware of plugin updates and compatibility notes.
  • System Maintenance: Regularly perform system maintenance and check for Windows updates.

Final Word

Printing issues in Notepad++ can be frustrating, but with systematic troubleshooting, you can resolve them efficiently.

By checking your printer setup, ensuring Notepad++ is updated, and following the advanced fixes if needed, you can restore your printing capabilities in no time.

Remember, regular updates and proactive maintenance can prevent many of these issues from occurring.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my Notepad++ print function not working?

The issue can stem from printer setup problems, outdated software, plugin conflicts, or misconfigured settings.

2. How do I check if my printer is causing the problem?

Test printing from another application. If the printer works elsewhere, the issue is likely within Notepad++.

3. Will updating Notepad++ fix my printing issues?

Often, yes. Updates can resolve known bugs and compatibility issues with printer drivers.

4. What should I do if disabling plugins fixes the issue?

Re-enable plugins one at a time to identify the one causing the conflict, and then consider finding an alternative or updating it.

5. Is there a workaround if I can’t print directly from Notepad++?

Yes, you can use the “Print to PDF” option and then print the resulting PDF.

6. How can I prevent printing issues in the future?

Regularly update both your software and printer drivers, and back up your settings to avoid configuration problems.


Additional Resources

For more insights on maximizing your Notepad++ experience, check out these helpful guides:


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