How to Fix QuickBooks Detected that a Component Required to Create PDF?

Last Updated on February 12, 2025

Users today are reporting QuickBooks missing PDF Component errors while working with and printing PDFs in QuickBooks. Printing errors in QuickBooks are pretty common, and QuickBooks users come across one of these errors every once in a while. One such glitch that frustrates users arises while printing PDF files from QuickBooks. Whenever a user tries to print a PDF, QuickBooks throws an error message: “QuickBooks detected that a component required to create PDF files is missing.”

The error message might confuse users, as it does not explain which component is missing and what will help resolve the error. This article will clarify the reasons that trigger QuickBooks PDF Component missing error and, of course, the troubleshooting. So, follow the complete article to learn all about QuickBooks PDF printing errors.

If your QuickBooks has detected a missing component, it can affect many operations in the app, which can be resolved by following the solutions below. However, if you are unwilling to self-resolve the issue or need faster assistance, you can contact our expert assistants at 1.855.738.2784 to get immediate guidance in fixing the missing PDF component problem.

What is the QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error?

Sometimes, QuickBooks users face troubles when converting their files into PDFs or while they print them. An error message might appear that states, “QuickBooks detected that a component PDF is missing,” which can cause panic among users as they don’t specify which component is missing. Also, it makes it challenging to identify the root cause of the error. However, there isn’t much to worry about with our detailed blog that specifies the reasons and corresponding troubleshooting solutions for you to resolve the QuickBooks missing component PDF error.

Possible Causes of the “QuickBooks Detected that a Component Required to Create PDF File is Missing” Error.

The following could be the possible reasons for getting the message, “QuickBooks detected that a component required to create PDF is missing.”

1. Damaged, missing, or outdated Adobe Reader can be the reason for encountering the “Adobe printer port missing” message. 
2. Outdated QuickBooks Desktop application.
3. Microsoft XPS Document Writer (MXDW) is turned off on Windows.
4. Your QuickBooks Desktop is missing the most recent updates released by Intuit.
5. Incompatibility between QuickBooks and the Windows OS or an outdated system can be another reason why the PDF component is missing.
6. Obstructions from the Windows firewall or your antivirus app can be why QuickBooks can’t complete the current action due to a missing component.
7. Issues while running the Printer Spooler Service are another trigger for this error.
8. If your QuickBooks Desktop program isn’t correctly installed or it is damaged/corrupted, it can affect the PDF print operations.
9. An inactive or disabled email feature can explain why QuickBooks can’t email your invoices due to the missing component.
10. Lastly, a damaged or corrupted QBPrint.qbp file can affect the printer setup, leading to this issue.

Now that you are well aware of why you can’t create or print PDFs in QuickBooks, move to the next section and check out what other issues you can face because of these reasons.

List of Other Possible PDF-Related Issues You Can Face in QB

Several other error messages might accompany QuickBooks not being able to complete the current action due to a missing component PDF message. These include:

1. Unable to save as .PDF file.
2. There is a problem connecting to your chosen printer, Microsoft XPS Document Writer, on the XPS port.
3. QuickBooks error 1722 or 1801 might arise when installing PDF Converter.
4. It could not print to the printer.
5. Problems printing invoices, transactions, or reports.
6. Printing directly to the QuickBooks PDF Converter is not possible.
7. QuickBooks unrecoverable error.
8. Print Driver Host for 32-bit Applications is not Working.

Solutions for QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error

Here’s what you need to do to get rid of QuickBooks missing PDF component Windows 11 error:

Solution 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Release

Most of the time, updating QuickBooks will eliminate most PDF printing errors. For detailed instructions, follow our article on how to update QuickBooks Desktop.

Updating QuickBooks from outside the application

1. Visit the QuickBooks Download and Update webpage and select the QuickBooks version you are using from the Select Product drop-down list.
2. Select the QuickBooks version from the Select Version drop-down list and hit Search.
3. Click Get the Latest Updates and select Save to download the file on your desktop.
4. Double-click the downloaded file to proceed with the installation

Updating QuickBooks from within the application

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and select Close Company or Logoff under the File tab.
2. Click Exit from the File tab.
3. Right-click the QuickBooks icon from your desktop screen and hit Run as Administrator.
4. Select Update QuickBooks from under the Help tab.
5. Under the Options menu, click Mark All and hit Save.
6. Under the Update Now menu, click Reset Updates, and then click Get Updates.
   
7. Restart QuickBooks and click Yes on the install updates confirmation box.

Once QuickBooks is updated, rerun the app, but if the “QuickBooks PDF component is missing” issue persists, follow the steps in the next solution to counter it.

Solution 2: Update/Repair Adobe Acrobat Reader

Problems with your Adobe Acrobat Reader, like it is outdated or damaged, can lead to QuickBooks detecting a component PDF message. You need to update the obsolete app or fix the damage as follows:

Steps to install Adobe Acrobat Reader

1. Click the start button on your desktop and type Adobe in the Search Programs and Files search box.
2. Select Adobe Reader from the top of the list.
3. Select Check for Updates from under the Help tab.
   
4. You can visit the Adobe Product Download Page to manually download the setup file for installation.
5. Follow the instructions in the Adobe installation guide.

Steps to Repair Adobe Reader

1. Exit all the open windows and web browsers on your computer.
2. Enter appwiz.cpl through the Run window, which can be accessed by using the Windows + R key combination.
3. Double-click Adobe Reader from the list and select Uninstall / Change.
4. Click Next and then Repair.
   
5. Hit Next again, and then choose Install.
6. Click Finish after the installation and restart Windows.

If you cannot print a PDF from QuickBooks because of a missing component error, follow the next troubleshooting step.

Solution 3: Turn On Microsoft XPS Document Writer

Many users might not realize that their Microsoft XPS Document writer is off. It might lead to the PDF component missing QuickBooks. Resolve it as follows:

1. Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl in the Run window.
2. Press Enter and click Turn Windows features on or off from the left side panel.
   
3. Check if the checkbox beside the Microsoft XPS Document Writer is marked; if not, select the box and try to print PDF from QuickBooks again.
4. Follow the link for more information about Microsoft XPS Document Writer.

After the XPS Document Writer is enabled, recheck the status of the component missing issue in QuickBooks. If the issue keeps bothering you, follow the next resolution step and use the QB Tool Hub to fix it. 

Solution 4: Utilize QuickBooks Print and PDF Repair Tool

When QuickBooks cannot complete the current action due to a missing component error strike, you can utilize the QuickBooks Tool Hub to fix this problem.

Step 1: Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from HERE.
   
2. Save the file to an easily accessible location.
3. You can also browse and change the file of the downloaded location for easy access.
4. Return to the directory containing the saved file after completing the download process.
5. Locate the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file and double-tap it.
6. It will begin the installation with prompts appearing on the screen.
7. Follow all of them step-wise and adhere to the terms and conditions.
8. After the installation finishes, you can double-click the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon on the desktop to open and fix the QuickBooks can’t complete the current action error.

Step 2: Print and Print Repair Tool

1. Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Access the Program Problems section.
3. Choose the QuickBooks Print and PDF Repair Tool. It will take around a minute or so to run.

Now, attempt to save your PDF, print, and email. Check the next solution if QuickBooks cannot complete the current action.

Solution 5: Reset the Temp Folder Permissions

Undertake this solution through the following steps:

If the temp folder permissions are incorrectly set or insufficient, you must reset the permission before running QB to tackle the issue – 

Step 1: Reset your temp folder permissions

Try rebooting your device and checking when you get the missing PDF component QuickBooks desktop error. If it doesn’t work, you’ll have to reset the permissions for your TEMP folder as follows:

1. Launch the Run command by pressing the Windows and R keys together.
2. Type the words %TEMP% in the run search field and hit Enter.
3. Right-click and hit the Properties option in the empty area of the temp folder.
4. Move to the Security tab.
5. You must set all user names and groups on the Security tab with Full Control.
6. After setting the permissions to Full Control, save it as PDF within the QuickBooks application. Hopefully, you’ll be able to resolve the missing components on the QuickBooks desktop.

Step 2: Validate that you can print to XPS (for issues with PDF and Email)

You need to confirm that you can print it for your XPS Document Writer. QuickBooks utilizes parts of the XPS Document Writer to save as PDF.

1. Access your Notepad when you see QuickBooks desktop missing the PDF component.
2. Type Test, go to File, and choose Print.
3. Choose the XPS Document Writer and hit the Print option.
4. Give a name to the file and save it to the desktop.
5. Return to your desktop and see the XPS document you printed from the notepad.

Some Important Considerations-

1. Test the print issues by printing to your printer. Verify if the print is successful outside QuickBooks.
2. If you are finding it challenging to print to the XPS printer outside QuickBooks, you’ll need to contact professionals for help. XPS printer is not a QB product.

However, if the QuickBooks PDF component is still missing, use the next resolution step to eliminate the issue. 

Solution 6: Test, Adjust, and Reinstall Permissions for XPS Document Writer (Users Using Windows and not Terminal Services)

Consider the following points before proceeding with the solutions:

1. Intuit doesn’t support Microsoft apps. So, they are not responsible for these tools if they cause QuickBooks to be unable to complete the action due to a missing component error.
2. When you cannot perform these tasks yourself, consider consulting IT professionals.

Step 1: Test the XPS Document Writer and Print Outside QuickBooks

The steps involved in this solution are as follows:

1. Go to the File menu and choose Print.
2. Choose the Microsoft XPS Document Writer from the printer list in the print window. Hit the Print option.
3. Now, save the file with the .xps extension to the computer’s desktop.
4. Navigate to the desktop and find the .xps file:
   • When you find the .xps file, try opening it. If an error emerges when you open the file or it doesn’t appear suitable, you must reinstall the XPS Document Writer.
   • If there’s no file and no error appears while saving, there may be an issue with the security settings. You may be unable to print, and it might have deleted the .xps file after creation.
   • When you see a problem when you try printing or don’t see the XPS Document writer, you’ll have to install the printer again.

Step 2: Reinstall Microsoft XPS Document Writer

For Windows 8:

1. Go to the Start screen > Settings > Control panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Next, choose the Microsoft XPS Document Writer icon. Further, hit the Remove device option.
3. Select Yes to confirm.
4. Choose the Add a printer option from the toolbar.
5. Next, add a local printer or network print with manual settings.
6. Select PORTPROMPT (Local port) and hit Next to use an existing port.
7. Choose Microsoft from the manufacturer list. Then, Microsoft XPS Document Writer v4, followed by Next.
8. Choose the Replace the current driver option. Then, Next.
9. Take the v4 out of the Microsoft XPS Document Writer name in the printer name field.
10. Hit Finish and uncheck the box, making XPS the default printer if you want.

For Windows 7/ Vista:

1. Search for Devices and Printers from the Windows Start menu,
2. Choose Microsoft XPS Document Writer, followed by Remove Device.
3. Hit Yes to validate the decision.
4. Select Add a Printer from the toolbar. Choose to Add a local printer.
5. Choose to Use an existing port option.
6. Select XPS Port (Local Port), and hit Next.
7. Hit Microsoft from the manufacturer list. Then, choose Microsoft XPS Document Writer v4, followed by Next.
8. Choose Replace the current driver, then Next.

After the step is complete, you must rerun QuickBooks and check the status of the PDF component issue again. However, if the component is still missing, you must follow the steps in the next solution to tackle it. 

Solution 7: Update the Windows OS

If QuickBooks is missing the PDF component in Windows 11, chances are there are compatibility problems between the accounting app and your Windows OS. To fix this issue, you must download and install the recent Windows OS updates using the detailed steps below –

1. Begin by going to the Settings tab of the Windows Start menu, then click Update & Security, and select Windows Update.
2. Next, click Check for Updates; if you find some updates available, click Download and Install, then wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

Once done, rerun QuickBooks, but if the missing component issue persists, follow the steps in the next troubleshooting solution. 

Solution 8: Review the Print Spooler Service Properties

Issues with the Printer Spooler can be why the component required for PDF print from QuickBooks is missing. To resolve this issue, you must review and update the service’s properties by implementing the steps below – 

1. Firstly, right-click the Start menu, select the Run window, then type Services.msc and hit OK to execute the command. 
2. Search for the Print Spooler service, right-click on it, then select Properties and go to Startup type.
3. Further, select Automatic, click Apply, then select OK and right-click on the Print Spooler service.
4. Finally, select Start to automatically restart the spooler service and rerun QB Desktop. 

Once done, try to save, print, or email your PDF again and ensure the issue is resolved. However, if the QuickBooks Desktop PDF component is missing, move to the next resolution step to eliminate the issue. 

Solution 9: Edit the Security Software Settings

A lot of QB errors and issues can arise if the firewall, antivirus, and security settings are misconfigured. The QuickBooks missing component problem is one such scenario that can be fixed by preventing the Windows firewall from blocking QuickBooks. 

Alternatively, you can also try temporarily disabling your system’s antivirus app from the Windows Security section of the Start menu.

However, if QuickBooks can’t complete the current action due to a missing component, follow the steps in the next troubleshooting solution to eliminate the issue. 

Solution 10: Use QB Tool Hub Features to Fix QuickBooks

Another way to resolve the missing PDF component issue in QBDT is to repair the app. Sometimes, general damage in the program or a faulty installation process can be responsible for the “QuickBooks detected that a component required to create the PDF file is missing” issue. So, let’s resolve it by initiating a program repair using the detailed steps below – 

1. We have already installed the QB Tool Hub in the above solution, so the first step is to open the program and go to the Program Problems tab.
2. Now, click Quick Fix My Program, run the tool to detect and fix the program issues, and once the tool stops, check the status of the missing component issue.
   
3. If the issue continues to remain unresolved, go to the Installation Issues tab in the QB Tool Hub and choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
   
4. The tool will take around 10 minutes to run a scan process, and once done, rerun QuickBooks and review if the PDF issue is dismissed.

If the PDF component is still missing, follow the instructions in the next troubleshooting solution to address it. 

Solution 11: Use the Clean Install QuickBooks Tool

If the repair process doesn’t work to resolve the issue, you must try reinstalling QB to get rid of the general installation problems in the current version. To do this, use the QuickBook Clean Install tool, remove the current version, and install a fresh one before reactivating the app.

However, if QuickBooks can’t complete the current action due to a missing component PDF, use the next resolution method to counter the issue. 

Solution 12: Ensure the Email Feature is Active

If none of the above troubleshooting solutions help resolve the missing PDF component issue, you must review the email feature to ensure it is enabled. To activate the email feature when QuickBooks can’t email invoices due to a missing component, implement the following steps –

1. Access QBDT, then move to the Edit menu, choose Preferences, and hit the Send Forms menu.
2. Click the My Preferences tab, then under the Send email using section, choose one of the following: WebMail for Gmail, Yahoo, or similar email services.
3. If you use Microsoft Outlook, click Outlook, then run the QuickBooks email service and select QuickBooks Email. 
4. If not set up, follow the steps to set up the email service, and when finished, click OK.

After the process ends, check the status of the issue, but if the QuickBooks PDF component remains missing, use the steps in the next solution.

Solution 13: Rename the QBPrint.qbp File

The QBPrint.qbp file contains info about customizing your forms and the printer setup; thus, damage to this file can be a reason why QuickBooks cannot complete the current action. To counter this missing component problem, you must rename the *.qbp file using the extensive steps below – 

1. Launch the Windows File Explorer, move to the C Drive, then navigate to this folder path – ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX folder and find the *.qbp file. 
2. The folder year depends on your QBDT version, and if you can’t locate the folder or the file, ensure the hidden files and folders are enabled in your Windows OS.
3. Once found, right-click the QBPrint.qbp file, select the Rename option, then add *.old at the end of the file name and hit Enter to save the modifications.
4. Launch QuickBooks Desktop, select Printer Setup from the File menu, and choose any transaction from the Form Name list.
5. Finally, hit the OK button, and QuickBooks will be prompted to create a new QBprint.qbp file.

After the damaged file is recreated, rerun QuickBooks to ensure the missing PDF component problem is successfully addressed.

Solution 14: Run QuickBooks Online in Incognito Mode and Remove Cache

If you are facing the missing component issue in QB Online, you must try running the app in incognito mode and then remove the browser cache as instructed in the step-by-step process below – 

Firstly, run your web browser in a private window by using the shortcut keys below and run QBO again – 

1. If you use Google Chrome as your go-to browser choice, press Ctrl + Shift + N to run it in incognito (private) mode.
2. Users can start Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge as their default browsers in private mode by using the Ctrl + Shift + P shortcut combination.
3. The Command + Shift + N keys will help you run QBO in the Safari browser by going incognito. 

Once done, rerun QBO, and if the missing PDF component issue doesn’t arise in the private mode, it means your browser’s cache and cookies are triggering this error. So, the next step is to remove the browser cache for your default browser using the detailed steps below – 

Microsoft Edge

1. Open your Microsoft Edge browser’s homepage, select the three dots from the top-right corner, and click the Settings tab.
2. Further, click Cookies and Site Permissions from the left pane, move to the Manage and Delete Cookies and Site Data tab, and select See all Cookies and Site Data.
3. Lastly, when the new dialog box emerges, click Remove All to delete the Edge browser cache and cookies and restart the browser. 

Google Chrome

1. Begin by selecting the three dots in the top-right corner of the Google Chrome homepage, then opt for the Tools menu and select History.
2. Now, select Clear Browsing Data, move to the Clear Browsing Data box, and choose the checkbox for Cookies and Site Data and Cached Images and Files.
3. Finally, pick the time range (like All Time), click the Clear Browsing Data button to proceed with the cache removal, and restart Chrome.

After the browser cache is successfully removed, you will be able to run QuickBooks without the missing PDF component issues.

Conclusion

We hope these solutions help you resolve the underlying issues leading to the “QuickBooks detected that a component required to create PDF” message. However, if these solutions don’t work and the issue keeps appearing, call our expert team at 1.855.738.2784 to get immediate and prompt assistance in resolving the missing PDF component issue.

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Edward Martin

Edward Martin is a Technical Content Writer for our leading Accounting firm. He has over 10 years of experience in QuickBooks and Xero. He has also worked with Sage, FreshBooks, and many other software platforms. Edward’s passion for clarity, accuracy, and innovation is evident in his writing. He is well versed in how to simplify complex technical concepts and turn them into easy-to-understand content for our readers.