Fix Blank Pages When Printing DOCX Files in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft Word prints blank pages for DOCX files, even though older DOC files print normally.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Printing documents from Microsoft 365 to a networked printer.
- Observed behavior
- DOCX files result in completely blank printed pages, while the printer handles DOC files without any issues.
Verify that your networked printer has sufficient ink and paper, and print a test page from your browser or another program to confirm the printer hardware is working correctly.
Disable Paper Scaling and Third-Party Add-ins in Word
Adjusting Word's advanced print settings and turning off conflicting add-ins is the most effective way to resolve format-specific printing bugs.
Microsoft Word sometimes struggles to properly spool DOCX files if scaling options are enabled or if third-party COM add-ins interfere with the print job.
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File', and select 'Options'. Navigate to the 'Advanced' tab on the left. Scroll down to the 'Print' section, uncheck the box labeled 'Scale content for A4 or 8.5 x 11 inch paper sizes', and click 'OK'.
Go back to 'File' > 'Options' and select 'Add-ins'. At the bottom of the window, ensure 'COM Add-ins' is selected in the 'Manage' dropdown menu, and click 'Go'.
Uncheck all listed third-party add-ins (such as PDF creators or grammar checkers) and click 'OK'.
Close Microsoft Word completely, reopen your DOCX file, and attempt to print it again to see if the blank pages issue is resolved.
Update Microsoft 365 and Printer Drivers
Updating your software ensures that known bugs affecting DOCX spooling and network printer communication are patched.
Print DOCX Files Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word continues to output blank pages, you can easily open and print your DOCX files using WPS Office. It bypasses Word's specific spooling bugs and ensures your documents look exactly as intended on paper.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office from the official website and install it on your Windows 10 computer.
- 2. Open the DOCX file: Launch WPS Writer, go to 'Menu' > 'Open', and select the DOCX file you want to print.
- 3. Print the document: Click 'Menu' > 'Print' or press Ctrl+P. Select your networked printer from the list and click 'Print' to get your document without blank pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my older DOC files print fine but DOCX files print blank?
DOCX files use a newer, XML-based structure. If there is a corruption in the print spooler, an incompatible driver, or a glitch in Word's scaling settings, it can fail to render the newer DOCX format properly, resulting in blank pages while older binary DOC files print without issue.
Will reinstalling my printer fix the blank pages in Word?
Yes, completely removing the network printer from your Windows 'Printers & scanners' settings and reinstalling it with the latest manufacturer drivers often resolves communication errors that cause blank outputs.
How can I check which version of Microsoft Word I am using?
Open Microsoft Word, click 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' (or 'Help' in older versions). Your version number, build details, and Microsoft 365 subscription information will be displayed on the right side under 'Product Information'.
