'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix: Office Update Prevents Images from Printing in File Explorer
Question details
Users are unable to print image files using the right-click Print command in Windows File Explorer following a specific Microsoft Office update.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to print images directly from File Explorer via the context menu Print command.
- Observed behavior
- Images appear correctly on the screen and in the print preview but fail to actually print. This occurs after updating to Office version 2411 (build 16.0.18227.20082).
Verify that your printer is online, properly connected to your Windows computer, and capable of printing a basic text document from an application like Notepad.
Print Images Directly from an Application
Bypass the File Explorer context menu by opening the image in a dedicated photo viewer or Office application to print.
Since the bug specifically affects the File Explorer's print command reliance on Office components, printing from within an application successfully bypasses the glitch.
Right-click the image file in File Explorer, select 'Open with', and choose an application like Windows Photos, MS Word, or MS Paint.
Once the image is open, navigate to the 'File' tab in the top left corner and click on 'Print', or simply press 'Ctrl + P' on your keyboard.
Select your active printer from the drop-down list, adjust any layout settings if needed, and click the 'Print' button.
Roll Back to a Previous Office Build
Reverting your Microsoft Office installation to an older version can restore File Explorer printing functionality until Microsoft releases a patch.
Install the Latest Windows and Office Updates
Microsoft frequently deploys patches for known bugs. Installing the latest updates ensures you have the official fix once it is released.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Printing
Experiencing bugs after a Microsoft Office update? WPS Office provides a stable, lightweight, and free alternative with excellent printing capabilities. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, offering a familiar interface that allows you to open, edit, and print your documents without hassle.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download the free installer from the official WPS website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Double-click any Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file to open it seamlessly in WPS Office.
- 3. Print Without Errors: Go to Menu > Print or press Ctrl + P to reliably print your documents and images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my images appear in the print preview but fail to print?
A specific bug introduced in Office version 2411 (build 16.0.18227.20082) interrupts the background spooling process when printing directly from File Explorer, causing the job to fail even though the visual preview generates correctly.
How can I report this File Explorer printing issue to Microsoft?
You can report the bug by opening any Office application like Word, navigating to Help > Feedback, and describing the issue. Be sure to include your Office build number, Windows version, and printer model.
Are PDF files affected by this Office update bug?
This particular bug primarily affects files that rely on Microsoft Office components for direct printing from File Explorer. If you print a PDF using a dedicated PDF reader, it will typically print without any issues.
