Fix Microsoft Word Not Printing on Windows 11 ARM Laptop
Question details
Microsoft Word is unable to print documents on a Windows 11 ARM device, whereas other applications like Excel print successfully.

- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows 11 ARM
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a Word document using an Epson WorkForce 7720 printer from a Dell laptop running on ARM architecture.
- Observed behavior
- The print job fails to execute from Word, either hanging in the queue or not sending at all, while print jobs from Excel and other apps process normally.
Ensure your printer is powered on and connected to the same network as your laptop. Check the Windows print queue to clear any previously stuck Word documents before proceeding with troubleshooting.
Start Word in Safe Mode and Verify Printer Settings
Running Word in Safe Mode bypasses add-ins that might interfere with printing. Selecting the correct physical printer rules out virtual printer conflicts.
Press and hold the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard, then double-click the Microsoft Word shortcut. Click 'Yes' when prompted to start in Safe Mode.
Open the document you want to print and navigate to File > Print.
Under the 'Printer' dropdown menu, ensure your physical printer (e.g., Epson WorkForce 7720) is selected instead of a virtual option like 'Print to PDF'.
Click the 'Print' button. If the document prints successfully, a third-party add-in is likely causing the issue in normal mode and should be disabled via File > Options > Add-ins.

Update Drivers and Verify ARM Compatibility
Windows 11 ARM architecture requires compatible drivers. Updating your OS, Office suite, and printer drivers ensures native ARM compatibility.
Repair or Reinstall Microsoft 365
If Word's internal printing module is corrupted on your ARM device, running an Online Repair can restore normal functionality.
Try WPS Office for Reliable Printing and Editing
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with printing on your Windows 11 ARM device, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that handles printing seamlessly and supports standard printer drivers effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel print but Microsoft Word does not on Windows 11 ARM?
Excel and Word process print rendering differently. Word may struggle if a specific add-in is interfering, if document margins conflict with the printer limits, or if the printer driver isn't fully optimized for Word's rendering engine on ARM architecture.
How do I check my exact Office version in Microsoft Word?
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the left-hand menu. Your Office version, build number, and installation type (e.g., Microsoft 365) will be displayed under the 'About Word' section.
Are all printer drivers compatible with Windows 11 ARM?
No, many older printer drivers are built exclusively for x86/x64 processors. While Windows 11 ARM can emulate some x86 apps, native ARM64 printer drivers from the manufacturer are highly recommended for reliable printing.
How do I clear a stuck print job in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer, click 'Open print queue', right-click the stuck document, and select 'Cancel' to clear the queue so new documents can print.




