Printing Problems

Fix an Excel Workbook That Will Not Print in Microsoft 365

Maira Mehtab Sep 24, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to print a specific XLSX workbook in Microsoft 365, despite other file types printing without issue. The problematic workbook contains protected worksheets.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to print an Excel file that has protected worksheets.
Observed behavior: The Excel workbook fails to print, while other documents and file formats are printing normally.

Before you start

Ensure your printer is properly connected, powered on, and has enough paper and ink before troubleshooting software-specific printing glitches.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear the Windows Print Queue

Stuck print jobs can prevent new documents from printing. Clearing the queue often resolves communication blocks between Excel and your printer.

Sometimes a previous print job gets stuck in the background, which stops Microsoft 365 from sending new files to the printer. Clearing the print spooler queue will give your system a fresh start.

Open Windows settings

Navigate to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners on your computer.

Access the print queue

Select your active printer from the list and click on 'Open queue'.

Clear stuck jobs

Right-click any pending or stuck print jobs in the window and select 'Cancel'.

Retry printing

Return to Microsoft Excel and attempt to print your workbook again.

Solution 2

Test an Unprotected Copy of the Workbook

Sheet protection can sometimes interfere with printing functions. Testing an unprotected version helps isolate the issue.

Solution 3

Export the Workbook as a PDF

If Excel still refuses to print the file, exporting it to a PDF bypasses Excel's internal printing mechanism entirely.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Printing

If Microsoft 365 continues to experience printing glitches with protected files, try WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that opens and prints your XLSX files seamlessly.

1. Download WPS Office: Install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
2. Open your Excel file: Right-click your problematic XLSX file and choose to open it with WPS Spreadsheet.
3. Print without hassle: Click the Print icon or press Ctrl+P to print your protected workbook seamlessly.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including XLSX and protected workbooks.Lightweight design ensures fast opening and printing without software lag.Familiar user interface allows you to switch without a learning curve.Completely free to use for your daily office tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel file show in the print queue but won't print?

This typically occurs when the Windows print spooler gets stuck or loses communication with the printer. Clearing the print queue from the 'Printers & scanners' settings often resolves the block.

Can sheet protection prevent an Excel file from printing?

While protected sheets are generally printable, corrupted metadata or specific permission bugs in Microsoft 365 can occasionally interfere with the print function. Unprotecting the sheet temporarily can help isolate and fix the issue.

Is it possible to print an Excel file without Microsoft 365?

Yes. You can export the Excel file as a PDF and print it using any standard PDF reader, or you can open the XLSX file in a highly compatible free alternative like WPS Office to print it directly.

Document & File Issues