Printing Problems

Fix Cannot Print from Word After Installing Microsoft 365

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to print documents from Microsoft Word after installing Microsoft 365, despite standard troubleshooting attempts like restarting and reinstalling.

Product: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to print a Word document after successfully installing or upgrading to Microsoft 365.
Observed behavior: Word appears to process the print job and sends a print summary, but no actual document pages are produced by the printer. Basic fixes like repairing Office, restarting devices, and checking settings do not resolve the problem.

Before you start

Before proceeding with software troubleshooting, ensure your printer is powered on, securely connected to your network or computer via USB, and has sufficient paper and ink.

Solution 1Recommended

Isolate the Issue and Clear the Print Queue

Verify if the printing problem is isolated to Microsoft Word and clear any stuck print jobs that might be blocking the queue.

Sometimes a corrupted print job can prevent subsequent documents from printing. By testing another application, you can determine if the issue lies with Microsoft 365 or your printer connection.

Test other applications

Open a different program, such as Notepad or your web browser, type some text, and attempt to print. If it prints successfully, the issue is isolated to Word or Microsoft 365.

Verify default printer

In Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Ensure your actual printer is selected and click 'Manage', then 'Set as default'.

Clear the print queue

Under your printer's management page, click 'Open print queue'. Right-click any stuck documents in the list and select 'Cancel' to clear the queue.

Testing PDF Printing: If you cannot print directly from Word, try using 'Save As' to export the document as a PDF or XPS file, then print that file using a PDF reader as a temporary workaround.

Solution 2

Update Printer Drivers and Microsoft 365

Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can conflict with a new Microsoft 365 installation.

Solution 3

Run Troubleshooters and Test a New User Profile

Use Microsoft's built-in diagnostic tools or create a fresh Windows user profile to bypass corrupted system settings.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Reliable and Seamless Printing

If Microsoft 365 continues to experience software conflicts and prevents you from printing, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative that seamlessly handles document creation and printing without the heavy background services that often cause Office errors.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and run the quick installation.
2. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file. All formatting remains perfectly intact.
3. Print Without Errors: Click 'Menu' in the top-left corner, select 'Print', choose your printer, and hit print immediately.

Completely free and lightweight Office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsReliable printing architecture unaffected by Microsoft 365 bugsFamiliar user interface for a smooth transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word print a summary page but not the actual document?

This can happen if Word is configured to print document properties or markup instead of the document content. Check your print settings under File > Print > Settings, and ensure 'Print Document' is selected rather than 'Document Properties'.

Can I print from Excel if Word is not printing?

Yes, often printing issues are application-specific. If Excel prints fine but Word does not, the issue might be a corrupted 'Normal.dotm' Word template or specific Word add-ins interfering with the print spooler.

What is the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)?

SaRA is an official diagnostic tool provided by Microsoft that works by running tests to figure out what's wrong and offers the best solution for the identified problem, including Office printing errors.

Will installing a different Office suite like WPS Office fix my printer?

If your printer hardware is functioning and can print from a browser or Notepad, the issue is strictly with Microsoft 365. Using an alternative suite like WPS Office utilizes a different printing process, allowing you to print your documents normally.

Document & File Issues