How to Fix Word for Mac When the Print Window Won't Open
Question details
The user is unable to open the print window in Microsoft Word for Mac, despite the printing function working normally in other applications like Excel and PowerPoint.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document using File > Print or the Command+P keyboard shortcut in Microsoft Word for Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word stops responding to the print command and the print dialog box fails to appear, while other Office applications print without any issues.
Before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps, save your current Word documents to prevent any data loss and ensure your printer is properly connected and turned on.
Reset the macOS Printing System
Resetting the printing system clears corrupted print jobs and resets printer configurations, which often resolves application-specific printing errors on Mac.
This process will remove all existing printers and scanners from your Mac's list. You will need to add your primary printer back after the reset is complete.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select 'System Preferences' (or 'System Settings'), and click on 'Printers & Scanners'.
Control-click (or right-click) anywhere in the empty space of the printer list on the left side of the window.
Choose 'Reset printing system...' from the context menu and confirm the action when prompted by macOS.
Click the '+' (Add) button below the printer list, select your printer from the available devices, and click 'Add'. Open Word and try printing again.
Clear Microsoft Word Cache Files
If resetting the printer does not work, corrupted Word container files might be blocking the print dialog. Moving these files forces Word to recreate a clean cache.
Experience Hassle-Free Printing with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to give you printing headaches, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, free alternative that offers high compatibility with Microsoft Office formats and a familiar interface, ensuring your documents print smoothly without complicated troubleshooting.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer for Mac from the official website and install it.
- 2. Open Your Document: Right-click your .docx file, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office.
- 3. Print Without Issues: Press Command+P to open the highly reliable WPS print window and quickly print your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel print fine but Word won't open the print window?
This discrepancy usually happens because Word-specific preferences or cache files in your macOS Library have become corrupted. Since Excel uses its own separate cache files, its printing capabilities remain unaffected by Word's errors.
Will resetting the macOS printing system delete my printer drivers?
No, it will not delete the core drivers from your Mac. However, it will clear out all current queues and remove the printers from your configured list, requiring you to re-add your printer via the '+' button in System Preferences.
Is it safe to move the Microsoft Word container folder to the desktop?
Yes, it is completely safe. Moving the container folder to the desktop acts as a temporary backup. When you launch Word again, it automatically rebuilds a fresh, corruption-free folder. Once you confirm the print window works, you can trash the folder on your desktop.
