Fix Word Images Not Appearing or Printing After Microsoft 365 Update
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where images in Microsoft Word documents disappear from view or fail to print after a recent Microsoft 365 software update.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or printing a legacy .doc document after a Microsoft 365 update, particularly focusing on images located in headers or footers.
- Observed behavior
- Images do not display unless the picture object is actively selected, and they are completely missing when the document is printed.
Before troubleshooting, ensure your printer drivers are up to date and make a backup copy of your original .doc file to prevent accidental data loss during format conversion.
Convert the Legacy .doc File to .docx Format
Updating the older file format to the modern .docx standard often resolves compatibility glitches introduced by new Microsoft 365 updates.
The issue heavily affects legacy .doc files due to changes in how newer versions of Microsoft Word render older graphic objects. Converting to the newer XML-based format usually restores proper image visibility and print functions.
Launch Microsoft Word and open the problematic .doc file.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Save As' from the left sidebar.
Click the file format dropdown menu, select 'Word Document (*.docx)', and click 'Save'. Restart Word and open the new file to verify.
Check Update Channels and Install Latest Patches
Manually installing a newer update or switching update channels can fix known rendering bugs introduced in a specific Microsoft 365 version.
Inspect Header and Footer Content Placement
Verify the exact location of the images, as headers and footers are processed differently than the main document body during printing.
Open and Print Legacy Word Documents Without Image Issues in WPS Office
Avoid Microsoft 365 update glitches and formatting errors by using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative that renders both legacy .doc and modern .docx files flawlessly, ensuring your images and headers always display and print correctly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the software, then launch WPS Writer.
- 3. Open Your Document: Drag and drop your problematic .doc file into WPS Writer to view and print your images without errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Word images only show when I click on them?
This is a known display rendering glitch that occasionally happens after Microsoft 365 updates, especially in older .doc files. The graphics engine fails to draw the image automatically until selecting the object forces a visual refresh.
Will changing my Office update channel fix the missing images?
Yes, switching from a delayed channel like the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel to a Current Channel, or simply checking for newer patches, often resolves specific software bugs introduced in a previous update version.
Do I need to re-insert the images if they don't print?
No, the image data is still preserved in your document. Converting the file from the older .doc format to the newer .docx format usually restores normal viewing and printing capabilities without needing to manually replace any pictures.
