How to Fix Microsoft Word Documents Not Printing on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to print Microsoft Word documents on a Mac device and needs troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- A user is trying to print a document from Microsoft Word on macOS but the print job fails to execute.
- Observed behavior
- The document fails to print, and no physical output is produced, which may be caused by a stalled print queue, corrupted Word cache, or outdated printer drivers.
Verify that your Mac is properly connected to the printer and attempt to print a document from another application like Safari or Preview to determine if the issue is specific to Microsoft Word or a system-wide printer problem.
Reset the Mac Printing System
Resetting the macOS printing system clears out stalled print jobs and forces your Mac to re-establish a fresh connection with your printer.
This is the most effective method when the print queue is frozen or when the macOS print spooler stops communicating correctly with Microsoft Word.
Click the Apple menu icon in the top left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences' (or 'System Settings').
Locate and click on 'Printers & Scanners' to view all connected printing devices.
Control-click (or right-click) anywhere in the empty space of the printer list on the left and select 'Reset printing system...'. Click 'Reset' to confirm.
Once the list is cleared, click the '+' button to add your printer back. Open your Word document and try printing again.
Clear the Microsoft Word Cache
Corrupted cache files can prevent Microsoft Word from generating the print preview or sending data to the system print spooler.
Test Printing in Safe Mode
Booting your Mac in Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party application, extension, or font is interfering with Microsoft Word's printing capabilities.
Print Documents Flawlessly with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with printing errors or cache issues on macOS, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that makes creating, editing, and printing documents seamless and stress-free.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite for your Mac.
- 2. Open Your Document: Open your .docx or .doc file directly in WPS Writer without losing any formatting.
- 3. Print Seamlessly: Press 'Command + P' or click the Print icon to quickly send your document to the printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the printing issue is specific to Microsoft Word?
You can isolate the issue by opening another application on your Mac, such as Safari or TextEdit, and trying to print a page. If those applications print successfully but Word documents do not, the issue is specific to Microsoft Word.
Why does my Word document print blank pages on Mac?
This can happen due to outdated printer drivers, empty ink cartridges, or formatting glitches within the Word document itself. As a quick workaround, try saving the document as a PDF and printing the PDF using Preview.
What should I do if resetting the Mac printing system doesn't work?
If resetting the printing system fails, try updating your printer drivers directly from the manufacturer's official website, clearing the Microsoft Word cache, or reinstalling Microsoft Word completely.
Does updating macOS fix Word printing problems?
Yes, occasionally macOS updates include essential patches for system printing subsystems and compatibility improvements for Microsoft Office applications. Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for available system updates.
