To convert a Word document to PDF in Windows 10, open it in Word and select File > Save As (or Save a Copy). Choose a folder, set Save as type to PDF, and select Save. If you don’t have Word, open the document in another app and print it to Microsoft Print to PDF.
Applies to: Windows 10 with Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019, or Word 2016. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, and only PCs enrolled in Extended Security Updates still get security fixes, through October 12, 2027.
Save as PDF in Word
- Open the document in Word. Can’t find the app? Start with opening Microsoft Word in Windows 10.
- Select File > Save As. If the file is saved to OneDrive, you’ll see Save a Copy instead.
- Select Browse and choose a folder.
- Under Save as type, choose PDF (*.pdf).
- Select Save.
Word keeps your original .docx file and creates a separate PDF. If the original contains sensitive content, you can password protect the Word doc. If the PDF will be printed and signed by hand, insert a signature line in Word before you convert it. If that PDF holds anything private, follow our steps to add a password to a PDF in Windows 10 using the same Options box. Need the recipient to verify who approved the Word file itself? Sign the .docx with a certificate-based digital signature and send that, since a PDF saved from it shouldn’t be treated as signed.
Choose PDF options
Before you select Save:
- Optimize for: pick Standard for printing or Minimum size for email.
- Select Options to save only some pages, include or leave out comments and tracked changes, create bookmarks from headings, or encrypt the PDF with a password.
Other ways in Word
- Export: select File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document, then Create PDF/XPS. It opens the same save window.
- Word for the web: open the document at Office.com, select File > Save as > Download as PDF. This works on any PC with a browser and a Microsoft account.
Make a better PDF
- Accessible PDF: use Word’s built-in heading styles, and in Options keep Document structure tags for accessibility checked. Screen readers can then follow the document. If your document doesn’t use them yet, here’s how to apply heading styles in Word.
- For long-term storage: in Options, check PDF/A compliant. This embeds fonts so the file looks the same years from now.
- Smaller file: compress pictures first. Select a picture, open the Picture Format tab, and select Compress Pictures.
Use Microsoft Print to PDF
This works in any app that can print, including WordPad and web browsers. A PDF is also the most reliable format to send when you fax a document from Windows 10, whether through a fax modem or an online fax service.
- Open the document and press Ctrl + P.
- Choose Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
- Select Print, name the file, pick a folder, and select Save.
Printing to PDF doesn’t keep links or bookmarks, so use Word’s Save As when you have it. Neither route adds form fields that people can type in. For a form others can fill out, make a fillable PDF in Word instead.
If the PDF doesn’t look right
- Links don’t work in the PDF: you probably used Print to PDF. Use Save As or Export in Word instead.
- Fonts look different: some fonts can’t be embedded. Choose a common font such as Calibri or Arial, or check PDF/A compliant.
- The PDF is too large: choose Minimum size and compress pictures before saving.
- Pages are cut off: check Layout > Size in Word matches the paper size you expect, such as Letter or A4.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert a PDF back to Word?
In Word, select File > Open and choose the PDF. Word converts it into an editable document. The layout may shift for complex files. Going the other way with a design made in Canva? Here is how to bring a Canva design into Word through a PDF.
Why is Microsoft Print to PDF missing?
It may be turned off. The fix is covered in converting JPG to PDF on Windows 10.
Does converting to PDF cost anything?
No. Saving as PDF is built into Word, Word for the web and Windows 10, so you don’t need a paid converter.
Can I convert several Word files at once?
Word doesn’t have a batch option, so save each document as a PDF one at a time. Microsoft Print to PDF works the same way, one file at a time.
Making a PDF from photos instead? You can convert JPG to PDF on Windows 11 too.
More PDF and XPS options are covered in Save or convert to PDF or XPS in Office desktop apps from Microsoft.
Older documents may open in Compatibility Mode; here’s how to get out of Compatibility Mode in Word.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.