How to Fix Printer Changing Portrait Orientation to Landscape in Word
Question details
The user's printer keeps reverting from Portrait to Landscape orientation when attempting to print documents or emails.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print documents or emails in Portrait orientation using multiple different printers.
- Observed behavior
- The print orientation automatically changes back to Landscape despite being set to Portrait, failing to save the user's print preferences.
Ensure that your printer is turned on, connected to your computer, and that you have the necessary administrator permissions to modify system printer preferences and update drivers.
Save Print Orientation Settings Directly in Word and Outlook
Set and save the correct orientation within the application's print dialogue to override temporary glitches.
Sometimes, the print options for a specific document are not saved unless explicitly confirmed. Modifying the orientation inside the print menu and saving the document can lock in your preferences.
In Microsoft Word, click on File in the top ribbon and select Print from the left-hand menu.
Under the Settings section, locate the orientation dropdown and change it from Landscape to Portrait. Confirm your paper size and selected printer.
Before exiting or after printing, save the document (Ctrl + S). The print options for that specific document will be saved for future sessions.
If you are using Outlook, go to File > Print, select Print Options, and choose the correct Print Style (such as Memo Style). Click Page Setup to ensure Portrait is selected.
Modify the Printer Manufacturer's Default Preferences
Change the default orientation at the system level so that all applications default to Portrait.
Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Fix persistent setting reversion by updating or reinstalling corrupted printer drivers.
Experience Reliable Printing with WPS Office
If Word and Outlook continue to struggle with saving your print settings, try WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that ensures your document formatting and print preferences stay exactly how you set them.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Document: Open your existing Word documents seamlessly without losing any formatting.
- 3. Print with Confidence: Go to Menu > Print, select Portrait orientation, and print without worrying about settings reverting to Landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer keep defaulting to landscape?
This usually happens because the printer's driver preferences are set to landscape by default at the system level, overriding the temporary settings you configure in applications like Word or Outlook.
Can I set different default print styles for different email formats in Outlook?
Yes, Outlook uses its own distinct print styles. You can modify these by going to File > Print, selecting Print Options, and defining the specific style (like Memo Style) to explicitly use Portrait orientation.
Will reinstalling my printer driver fix the orientation issue?
If your settings keep reverting despite changing both the application and system defaults, a corrupted driver might be the cause. Reinstalling or updating to the latest driver from the manufacturer's website often resolves this persistent issue.
