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How to Fix Microsoft Word Not Printing on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to print documents from Microsoft Word on macOS, as the application becomes unresponsive or does nothing when the Print command is triggered.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document from Microsoft Word to a connected printer on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- When selecting Print, Microsoft Word does not respond, fails to open the print dialog box, or fails to send the print job to the printer without displaying an error message.
Before proceeding with software troubleshooting, ensure your printer is powered on, securely connected to your Mac via USB or Wi-Fi, and has sufficient paper and ink.
Restart Devices and Update Software
Often, basic communication issues between macOS, Word, and your printer can be resolved by a simple restart and ensuring all software components are up to date.
Software conflicts or outdated drivers are common culprits when Word fails to trigger the print dialog. Running the latest versions of macOS, Microsoft Office, and your printer's firmware ensures optimal compatibility.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'Restart'. Wait for the Mac to fully boot up before opening Word again.
Click the Apple menu, go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences'), select 'General', and click 'Software Update'. Install any available updates.
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. Follow the prompts to install the latest Office patches.
Visit your printer manufacturer's official website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson), navigate to the Support or Downloads section, and download the latest drivers and firmware for your specific macOS version.
Reset the Mac Printing System
Clears out corrupted print jobs or broken printer setups that prevent Word from initiating the print dialog.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Printing on Mac
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with printing on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, completely free alternative that offers excellent compatibility with Word documents and integrates smoothly with the macOS printing system.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and Print: Launch WPS Office, open your existing Word document, and press Cmd+P to print effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer work for other Mac apps but not Microsoft Word?
This often points to a corrupted Word preference file, a document-specific formatting error, or a glitch within the Office installation itself, rather than a system-wide printer hardware problem.
How can I quickly bypass this Word printing issue if I am in a hurry?
You can bypass the issue by saving your Word document as a PDF (File > Save As > PDF). Open the resulting PDF in Apple's built-in Preview app and print it directly from there.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Word fix the unresponsiveness when printing?
Reinstalling Word can fix the problem if the application's core files are corrupted. However, you should always try updating Office and resetting the Mac printing system first, as these are faster and solve the majority of printing failures.
