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Fix Server Error 404 When Printing from Microsoft Word for the Web
Question details
The user encounters a Server Error 404 when trying to print a document directly from Microsoft 365 Word for the web, even though printing works correctly from Excel for the web and from other devices.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Word for the web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document directly from the web-based version of Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- The system throws a 'Server Error 404' indicating a resource cannot be found, which prevents the document from printing.
Ensure your computer has an active internet connection and that your printer is powered on, properly connected to your network, and set as the default device.
Complete the Desktop Word Installation
Word for the web relies on certain local resources and background services. An incomplete desktop installation or unactivated Microsoft 365 subscription can trigger this 404 error.
Many users assume their Microsoft Office desktop installation is complete, but pending activations or initial setup prompts can block web-based printing services.
Open the Microsoft Word desktop application on your computer from the Start menu or Applications folder.
If a setup wizard or activation prompt appears, follow the on-screen instructions to fully activate your Microsoft 365 account and finish the installation.
Close your web browser completely, reopen it, navigate back to Word for the web, and attempt to print your document again.
Clear Print Queue and Update Drivers
If the desktop app is fully installed, corrupt printer drivers or a stuck print queue might be causing communication errors with the browser's print service.
Repair the Microsoft 365 Installation
Repairing the Microsoft 365 suite can fix broken dependencies between the web application and the local desktop client.
Use WPS Office for Seamless and Error-Free Printing
Avoid frustrating web-to-desktop dependency errors like the Server Error 404 by switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, reliable, and completely free alternative that handles all your document formatting and printing needs without complex subscription activations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free office suite for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the lightweight installer and complete the setup in just a few minutes.
- 3. Print effortlessly: Open your existing .docx files directly in WPS Writer and print instantly without encountering server errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for the web show a Server Error 404 when printing?
A Server Error 404 typically occurs when Word for the web attempts to communicate with a required resource (often the local desktop Word installation or a background print rendering service) that is incomplete, unactivated, or missing on your device.
Can I print from Word for the web without installing the desktop app?
Yes, you can usually bypass this error by exporting the document as a PDF first. Choose the 'Save as PDF' or 'Download as PDF' option in the File menu, open the downloaded PDF on your computer, and print it directly.
Why does Excel for the web print fine while Word for the web fails?
Excel and Word for the web handle print rendering differently. Word often relies more heavily on background conversion processes or local desktop client dependencies to maintain complex document formatting, which is why an incomplete Word desktop installation specifically breaks its printing capability.
Will reinstalling my printer driver definitely fix the 404 error?
While a 404 error is primarily related to missing web resources or incomplete Office installations, a corrupted printer driver can occasionally interrupt the browser's printing service. It is highly recommended to complete the Word installation first, and only reinstall printer drivers if the issue persists.
