How to Fix ‘QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component’ Error?

The “QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component” Error typically occurs when users attempt to print, email, or save documents like invoices and reports as PDFs within the software. This error is often caused by missing or corrupted components such as the QuickBooks PDF Converter, Adobe Acrobat Reader, or Microsoft XPS Document Writer. Compatibility problems with Windows updates, incorrect folder permissions, or damaged QuickBooks files can also contribute to the error, preventing essential PDF operations from functioning properly.

Missing PDF Component In QuickBooks

You may also start noticing signs like QuickBooks freezing, failing to generate or email PDFs, or displaying repeated error messages. Early symptoms vary slightly between Windows 10 and 11 users, but slow performance, printer issues, and PDF file access errors are common. Here are top 11 solutions that will effectively fix “QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component” Error in no time.

Solution 1: Update Adobe Acrobat Reader

QuickBooks needs a current Adobe Reader to create PDFs correctly. Outdated versions cause failure. Check out how to fix this issue:

1. Click the Start button and search for Adobe.
2. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
3. Go to the Help menu > Check for Updates.
4. If an update is available, install it.

Note: You can visit Adobe’s official website to download and install the latest version manually.

Solution 2: Repair Adobe Acrobat Reader

A corrupted Adobe installation disrupts PDF generation. Repairing it can restore functionality quickly. Follow these steps to complete the repair:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. In the list of installed programs, double-click Adobe Reader.
3. Click on Repair and follow the instructions.
4. Restart your computer when done.

Solution 3: Update QuickBooks Desktop

Outdated QuickBooks Desktop may clash with system components. Updating ensures smooth PDF handling. Here are the steps to fix ‘QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component’ Error:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Choose Update Now > Click Get Updates.
4. Once done, restart QuickBooks.

Solution 4: Use QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool

This tool identifies and fixes PDF errors automatically. Follow the steps given below to fix the Missing PDF Component Error in QuickBooks by using this fast and reliable method:

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
3. Open the Tool Hub and go to the Program Problems tab.
4. Click QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool.
5. The tool runs for about a minute. When finished, reopen QuickBooks and try printing again.

Solution 5: Create a New Form Template

Corrupt templates can block PDF actions. New Template refresh formatting and resolve issues. Here’s how you can create a new form template and fix the QuickBooks ‘Missing PDF Component’ Error:

1. Open QuickBooks > Go to the Lists tab.
2. Choose Templates > Click New to create a new one.
3. Use this new template for your invoice or form and try to print or save it as PDF.

Solution 6: Reset Temp Folder Permissions

QuickBooks needs full control over the temp folder to create PDFs. Fix the permission error easily by following the steps given below:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press Windows + R, type %TEMP%, and hit Enter.
3. Right-click the folder > Go to Properties > Security tab.
4. Make sure All users have Full Control.
5. Click Apply and restart QuickBooks.

Solution 7: Enable Microsoft XPS Document Writer

QuickBooks uses VPS for PDF creation. In case it is disabled, you will face ‘QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component’ Error. Here are the steps to fix this:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Click Turn Windows features on or off (on the left).
3. Look for Microsoft XPS Document Writer and make sure it’s checked.
4. Click OK and restart your computer, and try printing again.

Solution 8: Restart the Print Spooler Service

Restarting the Print clears stalled jobs that block PDFs as well as refreshes the print services. Check out these steps to restart it:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and find Print Spooler.
3. Right-click > Stop, wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Start.
4. Open QuickBooks and test printing.

Solution 9: Update Default PDF Viewer (Windows 11)

Make sure your PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Reader) is fully updated. Here are the steps to update the PDF viewer:

1. Click on the PDF viewer application. 
2. From the navigation bar, select the ‘Help’ menu.
3. Click on ‘Check for Updates’. 
4. A complete process for updating the application will be displayed if there’s any update available. 
5. Once the update and installation are completed, restart your computer.

Solution 10: Rename the QBPrint.qbp File (Windows 11)

This QBPrint.qbp file holds print settings and may be corrupted. Renaming it will fox 

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX (replace 20XX with your version).
3. Find QBPrint.qbp, right-click it > Rename > Add .old to make it: QBPrint.qbp.old.
4. Open QuickBooks and print a form to create a new file.

Solution 11: Reinstall and Configure Microsoft XPS Document Writer

In case enabling it doesn’t help, try reinstalling the XPS writer and setting the correct permissions.

1. Press Windows + R, type Control Printers, and press Enter.
2. Click Add Printer > The printer I want isn’t listed.
3. Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
4. Select Use an existing port, then click Next.
5. Choose Microsoft on the left and Microsoft XPS Document Writer on the right.
6. Click Next to complete the installation.

Steps to Set Permissions:

1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click Microsoft XPS Document Writer, choose Printer Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab.
4. Add the Everyone group and check the Print permission.
5. Now go to C:\Windows\System32\spool, right-click the Printers folder.
6. Go to Properties > Security > Edit > Add.
7. Add Local Service, give it Full Control, and click OK.

Note: Some antivirus programs (like Norton or McAfee) might block .xps file creation. If you use one, ensure it doesn’t block .xps files.

Prerequisites for Fixing ‘QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component’ Error

Before you start fixing the Missing PDF Component Error in QuickBooks Desktop, ensure the requirements given below are fulfilled:

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version.
2. Make sure QBDT is updated. You can do this by clicking on File> Backup Company File in QuickBooks> Create Local Backup.

Signs of Encountering ‘QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component’ Error

Depending on your Windows version, you might notice different symptoms. Here’s how Windows 11 and Windows 10 users will encounter the Missing PDF Component Error in QuickBooks Desktop.

On Windows 11:

• Trouble printing from QuickBooks and even other apps.
• QuickBooks is crashing or freezing.
• Paystubs or payroll reports won’t print or email.
• Unusual screen behavior, such as white or grey screens.
• PDF files won’t open.
• Print driver issues or app slowness.

On Windows 10:

• Error: “The device is not ready.”
• QuickBooks PDF Converter is offline.
• Cannot save reports as PDFs.
• QuickBooks freezes during reconciliation.
• Error codes like 15064 06798, 14982 50172, or 1722/1801.
• “Print Driver Host for 32-bit Applications” crashes.

Seek Professional Help for Fixing QuickBooks ‘Missing PDF Component’ Error

Users must seek professional help to fix ‘QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing PDF Component’ Error if you’re unable to fix it on your own. Contact our well-trained team to resolve any QuickBooks error quickly and effectively.