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Fix 'Publisher Cannot Complete the Operation' Printing Error
Question details
The user is unable to print publications in Microsoft Publisher due to a specific error message, even though the printer hardware works correctly for test pages.
- Product
- Microsoft Publisher
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document or publication directly from Microsoft Publisher.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Publisher displays the prompt 'Publisher cannot complete the operation' and fails to print the document, despite the printer successfully printing test pages.
Verify if this printing error occurs with only one specific Publisher file or all your publications, and ensure your default printer is properly connected and turned on.
Disable XPS Enhanced Print Path in Publisher
Turning off the XPS Enhanced Print Path is the most effective solution for resolving this specific printing error in Publisher.
The XPS Enhanced Print Path is designed to optimize printing, but it can sometimes conflict with certain printer drivers, causing the 'cannot complete the operation' error.
Launch Microsoft Publisher. Click on the 'File' menu in the top left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand pane.
In the Publisher Options window, click on the 'Advanced' tab on the left side.
Scroll through the advanced settings until you find the printing options. Uncheck the box that says 'Use XPS Enhanced Print Path when available'.
Click 'OK' to apply the changes, then attempt to print your publication again.
Repair Microsoft Publisher via Control Panel
If changing the print path setting does not work, repairing the Microsoft Office installation can fix corrupted application files causing the failure.
Test Printing in Safe Mode
Starting Publisher in Safe Mode disables add-ins and extensions, helping you identify if a third-party plugin is interfering with the print job.
Design and Print Seamlessly with WPS Office
Tired of encountering complex printing errors and layout issues in Microsoft Office? Try WPS Office, a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that makes creating, editing, and printing your documents completely hassle-free.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free software.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing layout documents seamlessly.
- 3. Print Flawlessly: Navigate to the Menu, select Print, and enjoy smooth, error-free printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Publisher say it cannot complete the operation when printing?
This error most commonly occurs due to a conflict with the XPS Enhanced Print Path setting in Publisher. It can also be triggered by outdated printer drivers, incompatible add-ins, or corrupted Microsoft Office installation files.
Can I save my Publisher file as a PDF to bypass this printing error?
Yes. If Publisher refuses to print directly, you can go to File > Export and select 'Create PDF/XPS Document'. Save the file as a PDF, open it in any standard PDF reader, and print it from there without encountering the error.
What is the XPS Enhanced Print Path?
The XPS Enhanced Print Path is a Microsoft feature designed to improve print speed and visual quality for XPS-compatible printers. However, if your specific printer driver does not fully support it, keeping this feature enabled will cause print jobs to fail.
Will reinstalling Publisher permanently fix the printing error?
Reinstalling Publisher is considered a last resort. In most scenarios, simply disabling the 'Use XPS Enhanced Print Path when available' option or performing a standard Quick Repair from the Control Panel will permanently resolve the issue.
