Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
Applies To
If you can print from Windows but not from specific apps like Word or Excel, the issue may be caused by app settings, corrupted files, outdated drivers, or Windows printing services.
Follow the below troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
This helps determine whether the issue is app-specific.
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Try printing a document from a different app, such as Notepad or Paint.
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Print a different file from the same app.
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If printing works in other apps, continue with the steps below.
Apps can default to a different or unavailable printer.
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In the app (for example, Word or Excel), select File > Print.
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Make sure the intended printer is selected.
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Check that the printer status shows Ready.
Incorrect app-level settings can prevent printing.
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Confirm the page size, orientation, and layout match the document and printer.
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Make sure Print to PDF or Print to file is not selected.
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Check the pages to print option (All pages vs. a page range).
This helps confirm that Windows can communicate with the printer.
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Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
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Select your printer, then select Printer properties.
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On the General tab, select Print Test Page.
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If the test page doesn’t print, troubleshoot the printer or driver first.
Corrupted Office files can cause printing issues.
Repair Office:
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Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
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Select Microsoft 365, then select Advanced options.
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Select Quick Repair, and then test printing.
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If the issue continues, select Online Repair.
The print spooler service handles print jobs and restarting this can resolve temporary issues with printer recognition.
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Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.
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Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.
Outdated or incompatible drivers may cause printer issues. Ensure that the latest printer drivers are installed.
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Select Start > Device Manager.
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In Device Manager, expand the Printers section.
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Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.
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If no update is available, select Uninstall device. After uninstallation, restart your computer, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the printer drivers automatically.
For more information, see Download and install the latest printer drivers.
If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Printer problem.
Temporary app or system issues can block printing.
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Close the app completely.
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Restart your PC.
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Open the app again and try printing.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If you can print from Windows but not from specific apps like Word or Excel, the issue may be caused by app settings, corrupted files, outdated drivers, or Windows printing services.
Follow the below troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
This helps determine whether the issue is app-specific.
-
Try printing a document from a different app, such as Notepad or Paint.
-
Print a different file from the same app.
-
If printing works in other apps, continue with the steps below.
Apps can default to a different or unavailable printer.
-
In the app (for example, Word or Excel), select File > Print.
-
Make sure the intended printer is selected.
-
Check that the printer status shows Ready.
Incorrect app-level settings can prevent printing.
-
Confirm the page size, orientation, and layout match the document and printer.
-
Make sure Print to PDF or Print to file is not selected.
-
Check the pages to print option (All pages vs. a page range).
This helps confirm that Windows can communicate with the printer.
-
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
-
Select your printer, then select Manage >Â Printer properties.
-
On the General tab, select Print Test Page.
-
If the test page doesn’t print, troubleshoot the printer or driver first.
Corrupted Office files can cause printing issues.
Repair Office:
-
Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
-
Select Microsoft 365(or Microsoft Office), then select Modify.
-
Select Quick Repair, and then test printing.
-
If the issue continues, select Online Repair.
The print spooler service handles print jobs and restarting this can resolve temporary issues with printer recognition.
-
Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
-
Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.
-
Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.
Outdated or incompatible drivers may cause printer issues. Ensure that the latest printer drivers are installed.
-
Select Start > Device Manager.
-
In Device Manager, expand the Printers section.
-
Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.
-
If no update is available, select Uninstall device. After uninstallation, restart your computer, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the printer drivers automatically.
For more information, see Download and install the latest printer drivers.
If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated Printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Printer problem.
Temporary app or system issues can block printing.
-
Close the app completely.
-
Restart your PC.
-
Open the app again and try printing.
If you're facing a different printer issue, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
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