How to Fix SharePoint Documents Failing to Print from a Browser
Question details
Users encounter a 'Print Failed' error when attempting to print documents directly from SharePoint via a web browser, even though the print preview appears correct.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print documents hosted on SharePoint directly from a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- The browser displays a 'Print Failed' error, preventing the document from printing. However, the document prints successfully when downloaded and opened in a local application.
Before troubleshooting, verify if your printer is functioning correctly by printing a local test page or a non-SharePoint document from the same web browser.
Download the Document and Print from a Desktop Application
The quickest way to bypass browser-related SharePoint printing errors is to download the file and print it using a local desktop application.
Browser rendering engines sometimes struggle with spooling complex cloud documents to local printers. Downloading the file locally ensures the native application handles the print job.
Open the document in your SharePoint browser view and click on the 'Download' button located in the top menu bar to save the file to your computer.
Locate the downloaded file in your computer's Downloads folder and open it with a desktop application like WPS Office or a dedicated PDF reader.
Go to 'File' > 'Print' or press Ctrl+P to print the document directly from the desktop application.
Sync the SharePoint Library for Local Printing
If you frequently need to print files from SharePoint, syncing the library to your local computer allows you to open and print them seamlessly without using the browser.
Investigate Service-Level Issues with an Administrator
If the printing issue affects all users and all browsers across the organization, it is likely a SharePoint service issue that requires administrative intervention.
Print and Edit Downloaded SharePoint Documents with WPS Office
When browser printing fails, downloading your SharePoint documents and opening them in a reliable desktop application is the best workaround. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible suite that lets you seamlessly open, edit, and print Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free on your PC or Mac.
- 2. Open downloaded files: Open your downloaded SharePoint document or PDF directly in WPS Office.
- 3. Print seamlessly: Click 'Menu' > 'Print' to easily print your document with advanced layout and scaling options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do SharePoint documents look fine in print preview but fail to print?
This often happens due to browser rendering issues, conflicts with browser extensions, or temporary SharePoint service glitches that prevent the browser from sending the correct print spool data to your printer.
Does changing my web browser fix the SharePoint print error?
Sometimes. If the issue is isolated to a specific browser's cache or settings, switching to Chrome, Edge, or Firefox might resolve it. However, if it is an organization-wide service issue, all browsers will likely display the same error.
How can I print multiple SharePoint documents without opening them in the browser?
The most efficient method is to use the 'Sync' feature in SharePoint. This syncs the files to your local File Explorer or Finder, allowing you to select multiple documents, right-click, and choose 'Print' using your default desktop applications.
