The Lilywhites have had to endure many changes over the summer - most notably the departure of manager Billy Davies - and, on this evidence, look as though they could take some time to find their feet under new boss Paul Simpson.
Preston's summer signing Sean St Ledger attempted to inject some excitement in to the game after a slow start and saw a seventh-minute shot saved by Owls keeper Bradley Jones.
David Nugent, North End's leading scorer last term, was booked for the kicking the ball away after ten minutes, but moments later saw a 20-yard drive deflected away for a corner.
Transfer-listed midfielder Glenn Whelan was inches away from giving Wednesday the lead with a diving header before home striker Danny Dichio's long-range effort rebounded off a defender for a corner.
Nugent went close with an effort from 10 yards as Preston exerted pressure on the Wednesday goal and the strain showed when Whelan was booked for bringing down Danny Pugh.
The Owls looked to have taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when Chris Brunt lobbed home goalkeeper Carlo Nash, but the goal was chalked off for an earlier handball.
Within 35 seconds of the restart Nugent had a great chance to break the deadlock when he rose unmarked to meet Matt Hill's cross, but he sent his header straight at Jones.
Dichio also aimed straight at the visiting goalkeeper when sent clear in the 51st minute, before Nash was called in to action to deny Burton O'Brien.
Wednesday's hopes of victory looked even slimmer after Lee Bullen was sent off for a foul on Hill after 57 minutes. The Wednesday man was definitely late, but seemed to be focused on the ball and the decision appeared harsh.
Preston pushed forward in an attempt to make the most of their numerical advantage and Simon Whaley sent a shot inches wide.
The hosts finally looked to have broken the deadlock four minutes from time when Liam Chilvers' low shot went through a crowd of players and rolled over the line.
However, the referee had spotted an earlier push and ensured Preston's afternoon ended in disappointment.