Fix Word for Mac Cannot Print or Export PDF After Update
Question details
The user is unable to open the print dialog or export documents to PDF in Microsoft Word for Mac following a recent application update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document or save it as a PDF file after updating Word.
- Observed behavior
- The print dialog fails to open and PDF export fails in Word, even though printing functions normally in other applications like Excel and Pages.
Before making system changes, ensure your printer is turned on, properly connected to your Mac, and that you have saved any unsaved changes in your open documents.
Reset the macOS Printing System
This is the most effective method when Word specifically fails to communicate with the print spooler after an update.
Resetting the printing system clears all current queues, jobs, and removes all installed printer setups. This resolves underlying configuration conflicts causing Word to freeze during printing.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older macOS versions).
Scroll down the sidebar and click on 'Printers & Scanners'.
Control-click (or right-click) anywhere in the empty space of the printer list on the right and select 'Reset printing system...' from the context menu.
Enter your Mac administrator password to confirm. Once cleared, click the 'Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax' button to re-add your printer, then restart Word and test the print function.
Test Printing in Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode helps determine if a background application or system extension is interfering with Word's print function.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to have printing or PDF export issues after updates, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with excellent document compatibility, built-in PDF tools, and a reliable printing experience.
- 1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word document.
- 2. Print or Export: Click on the 'Menu' button and easily select 'Print' or 'Export to PDF' without encountering system errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word fail to print when Excel and Pages work fine?
Microsoft Word uses its own background processes and protocols for formatting. After an update, Word's specific communication pathway to the macOS printing system can become corrupted, while other apps remain completely unaffected.
Will resetting the Word container fix the printing issue?
In this specific scenario, resetting the Microsoft Word container typically does not resolve the issue. Resetting the macOS printing system is the proven fix for post-update print dialog failures.
Does resetting the macOS printing system delete my documents?
No, resetting the printing system only removes printer queues, installed printer configurations, and scanner preferences. Your personal documents and files will not be affected or deleted.
How do I save a Word document as a PDF on Mac if the print dialog won't open?
If both 'Save as PDF' and the print dialog are unresponsive in Word, try opening the document in another application like Pages or WPS Office to export it, or use an online converter until the macOS printing system is reset.
