Printing Problems

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Word Not Printing When Printer Works

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to print documents from Microsoft 365 Word, even though the printer successfully prints test pages. The print command closes or deletes itself immediately, though printing works normally in Safe Mode.

Product: Microsoft 365 Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to print a Word document using Microsoft 365.
Observed behavior: Word fails to execute the print command and drops it immediately. The issue bypasses hardware since the printer works for test pages and Word prints successfully when launched in Safe Mode.

Before you start

Verify that your printer is set as the default device in your system settings and check if other non-Office applications can print successfully.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Problematic Add-ins via Safe Mode

Since printing works in Safe Mode, a third-party add-in is likely conflicting with the print spooler in Word.

Safe Mode starts Word without any custom add-ins or extensions. By systematically disabling add-ins, you can identify which one is preventing your documents from printing.

Open Word in Safe Mode

Press and hold the CTRL key on your keyboard, then click the Microsoft Word shortcut to open it in Safe Mode.

Access Add-in Settings

Navigate to File > Options > Add-ins in the Word menu.

Manage COM Add-ins

At the bottom of the window, select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down menu and click 'Go'.

Disable and Test

Uncheck all listed add-ins to disable them, click OK, and restart Word normally to test if printing works.

Tip: If printing works after disabling all add-ins, enable them one by one to isolate the specific add-in causing the failure.

Solution 2

Resolve Conflicting Office Installations

Multiple versions of Office installed simultaneously (e.g., Office 2021 and Microsoft 365) can cause software conflicts that break the printing function.

Solution 3

Check Enterprise Security Policies

If you are using an enterprise device, employer restrictions or backup software might be blocking unauthorized print commands.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Printing Experience

If Microsoft 365 continues to experience printing conflicts, missing commands, or restrictive add-in issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment to edit and print your documents without the overhead of enterprise restrictions.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click on the 'Download WPS Office Free' button.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup instructions.
3. Open and Print Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, open your existing Word document, and print it seamlessly without errors.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteHighly compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc)Stable printing functionality without heavy add-in conflictsFamiliar user interface for a seamless transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer print test pages but not Word documents?

If test pages print correctly, your printer hardware and Windows drivers are functioning normally. The issue lies within Microsoft Word itself, often caused by conflicting third-party add-ins, corrupted Office files, or restrictive enterprise security policies.

How do I launch Microsoft Word in Safe Mode?

You can launch Word in Safe Mode by holding down the CTRL key while clicking the Word application icon. Alternatively, press Windows + R, type 'winword /safe' in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.

Can having Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 installed together cause problems?

Yes. Installing multiple versions of Office on the same machine can cause registry conflicts. This often leads to erratic behavior, such as print commands being instantly deleted or core application features failing to respond.

Document & File Issues