'%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)
How to Fix Microsoft Word Freezing When Calling Printer in Color
Question details
Microsoft Word freezes and becomes unresponsive when a user attempts to print a document in color.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Initiating a color print job from Microsoft Word, particularly when using a Fujifilm Apeos printer.
- Observed behavior
- The application gets stuck on the 'Calling printer to start job' prompt, preventing the document from printing while other applications print without issues.
Ensure you know the exact model number of your Fujifilm Apeos printer and verify that you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 computer to install new drivers.
Update the Printer Driver from the Manufacturer
Installing the latest printer driver specifically designed for your printer model and operating system often resolves freezing and compatibility issues.
Since other applications can print normally, the freezing issue is typically caused by a miscommunication between Microsoft Word and the outdated or generic printer driver.
Updating to the latest manufacturer-provided driver directly addresses this software conflict.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Fujifilm Support website (or the manufacturer site for your specific printer brand).
Enter your exact Apeos printer model number in the search bar and navigate to the drivers and downloads section.
Select Windows 11 as your operating system and download the most recent printer driver available.
Run the downloaded installer file, follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver, and restart your computer.
Export to PDF as a Temporary Workaround
If you are unable to update the driver immediately, converting the Word document to a PDF bypasses the specific print function in Word causing the freeze.
Experience Smooth Printing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word continues to freeze during color print jobs or you are tired of troubleshooting application bugs, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative offering excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, a familiar user interface, and stable printing performance.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the .docx file you need to print.
- 3. Print Successfully: Press Ctrl + P, select your color printer, and hit Print without experiencing freezes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word freeze at 'Calling printer to start job'?
This freeze typically occurs due to a communication breakdown between Microsoft Word's print spooler interface and the installed printer driver. It is especially common when an outdated driver attempts to process color profiles from Word on Windows 11.
Does this freezing issue affect all printer brands?
While it can happen with various brands, this specific issue is frequently reported by users operating Fujifilm Apeos printers on Windows 11 machines.
How do I close Microsoft Word if it gets stuck on the printer prompt?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Locate Microsoft Word in the 'Processes' tab, right-click it, and select 'End task' to force the application to close.
