Fix Word for Mac Cannot Print or Save as PDF After Big Sur Update
Question details
Users are unable to open the print dialog or save documents as PDF in Word for Mac after updating their operating system to macOS Big Sur.
- Product
- Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document or export it as a PDF after a recent macOS upgrade.
- Observed behavior
- The print dialog fails to appear and the 'Save as PDF' function stops working in Word, even though other Office applications may still print successfully.
Verify whether this issue is isolated to Word by attempting to print or save as PDF from other applications like Excel, PowerPoint, or Apple Preview.
Update macOS and Install Compatible Printer Drivers
Outdated printer drivers are the most common cause of printing failures after upgrading to macOS Big Sur. Installing the latest updates often restores the print dialog and PDF functionality.
Major macOS upgrades can break compatibility with older printer drivers. Updating the operating system to version 11.1 or later and installing a Big Sur-compatible driver directly from the printer manufacturer ensures the print spooler communicates properly with Word for Mac.
Click the Apple menu, select 'System Preferences', click 'Software Update', and install any available updates to bring your OS to version 11.1 or newer.
Visit your printer manufacturer's official support website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson), search for your specific printer model, and download the latest driver explicitly built for macOS Big Sur.
Open Microsoft Word, navigate to 'Help' or 'Word' in the top menu bar, select 'Check for Updates', and ensure you are running the latest version of Office.
Test Printing in a New macOS User Account
Creating a new user account helps determine if the printing issue is tied to corrupted user profile settings or a wider system failure.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Printing and PDF Export on Mac
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with macOS Big Sur compatibility, try WPS Office. It provides robust tools for word processing, reliable printing, and a built-in PDF converter without system conflicts.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website and install the application.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the .docx file that you were unable to print.
- 3. Print or Export: Click on 'Menu' and select 'Print', or use the dedicated 'Export to PDF' button on the toolbar to instantly generate your PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word fail to print only after a macOS Big Sur update?
Major macOS updates often require new printer drivers. If your existing driver is incompatible with Big Sur's architecture, the print dialog in Word will freeze or fail to load entirely.
Can I still save as a PDF if the print dialog won't open in Word?
Usually, the native 'Save as PDF' function relies on the Mac's background print services. If the print spooler or driver is malfunctioning due to compatibility issues, the PDF export in Word will also be disabled.
How do I check my current Word for Mac version?
Open Microsoft Word, click on the 'Word' menu in the top-left corner of your Mac's menu bar, and select 'About Microsoft Word'. A dialog box will display your current version and build number.
Does this Big Sur printing issue affect Excel and PowerPoint as well?
This specific glitch is often isolated to Word for Mac. Testing Excel or PowerPoint can help you confirm if the issue is a system-wide macOS printer failure or a Word-specific software bug.
