11 Fixes For Microsoft Word Not Responding When Printing

Most users prefer Microsoft Word as their choice of document processor program. This is because MS Word is easy to use and is available across different platforms. Word documents are typically shared via email or cloud storage, but sometimes you need to print them offline for certain usages. The issue of Microsoft Word not responding when printing has been widely reported. If you have this issue, the best fixes are mentioned below.

Also Read: 13 Hidden Microsoft Word Tips Revealed

How To Fix Microsoft Word Not Responding When Printing?

Fix 1: Switch On the Printer and Verify the Cable Connection

First, make sure the printer is turned on and securely connected to your Windows PC. Without an active printer connection, Word could freeze or become unresponsive when you attempt to print. Try to use a different application to print a test page to ensure that the Printer is turned on and connected to your PC.

Also Read: Quick Fixes For Microsoft Word Keeps Crashing In Windows 10

Fix 2: Verify the Primary Printer

To prevent any problems with Microsoft Word not responding when printing, you should make sure the printer is set to default. Here are steps:

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.

Step 2: From the left sidebar, select Bluetooth & devices, then click Printer & scanners in the right section.

Step 3: Choose the printer that you desire to use and click on Set as Default. Now try again and see if the problem is fixed.

Also Read: How To Password Protect A Word File On A Windows PC

Fix 3: Remove Printer

You should remove the printer from your PC, add it again, and try again. This will fix issues with Microsoft Word not responding when printing.

Step 1: Go into Windows Settings > Bluetooth & Devices> Printer & scanners and open your favorite printer.

Step 2: Click on Remove.

Step 3: To add your printer once more, refresh and repeat the steps again and then go to Add device. Now find your connected printer and add it to your computer.

Also Read: How To Password Protect A Word File On A Windows PC

Fix 4: Verify the paper and ink

Your printer may crash associated applications, such as Microsoft Word if it runs out of ink or paper. Try again after adding extra blank sheets to your printer and changing the ink.

Also Read: Say Goodbye to WordPad – Microsoft Announces WordPad’s Removal from Windows

Fix 5: Try a Different File

The software may crash when printing if there is a faulty Word document. Try to print a different file to check if the Microsoft Word not responding when printing issue persists.

Fix 6: Convert the Word Document to PDF

Another method to fix Microsoft Word not responding when printing issue is to convert the Word Document to PDF format. Then try to print it by opening the PDF in your default browser or PDF viewer application.

Step 1: Open a Microsoft Word document and select File from the upper-right corner.

Step 2: Select the location of your choice by clicking Save As.

Step 3: Click to expand the following menu, then choose PDF.

Step 4: Open File Explorer and use any browser to open the PDF file.

Step 5: To print, select your printing preferences, then click the Print button at the top.

Also Read: 3 Best Ways To Convert PDF to Word On Windows 11/10

Fix 7: Troubleshoot Printer

To resolve typical problems with the connected printer, Windows has a built-in troubleshooter tool. You may use it to resolve difficulties with Word not responding when you try to print. This is what you should do –

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Windows Settings.

Step 2: To access the Troubleshoot menu, select System from the sidebar.

Step 3: Choose Other Troubleshooters.

Step 4: From the following option, launch the Printer Troubleshooter.

Step 5: Carry out the steps by following the directions displayed on the screen.

Also Read: How To Save A Word Document As An Image In Windows PC

Fix 8: Reboot the Spooler Printer Service

For flawless document printing, your printer depends on the built-in printer spooler function. The service launches upon system startup and operates in the background. Word issues like this can be resolved by restarting the printer spooler service.

Step 1: Press Windows + S to open the Search box.

Step 2: Type “Services” and click on the “Best Match” result.

Step 3: A new window for Services will open where you find all the services listed alphabetically. Locate the Printer Spooler service and right-click on it to reveal the context menu.

Step 4: Choose Restart from the context menu and then wait for a few seconds and close the Services window.

Fix 9: Stop using Word Extensions

Hundreds of add-ins are supported by Microsoft Word; nevertheless, a corrupt one might ruin your experience and make the program crash while printing. Examine the installed extensions and eliminate those that aren’t needed.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word, then select File from the menu in the upper-right corner.

Step 2: Click on Options.

Step 3: Click Go after selecting Add-ins.

Step 4: Delete any unnecessary Microsoft Word add-ons.

Try printing a document once again after restarting the application.

Also Read: Embed Fonts in a Microsoft Word Document

Fix 10: Update Printer Drivers

The outdated printer drivers may be the main cause of this issue in certain scenarios. You can use the Device Manager to update the drivers.

Step 1: Select the Device Manager from the menu options after pressing the Win + X keys.

Step 2: Expand the choice after scrolling to Print queues.

Step 3: To uninstall a printer, right-click on it and choose Uninstall device.

Step 4: Reboot your computer, and the necessary drivers are downloaded and installed by the system.

Fix 11: Upgrade Word Application

One of the primary causes of these problems on your Windows PC can be an out-of-date Microsoft Word application. Update Microsoft Word to the most recent version and give it another go.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word and choose File.

Step 2: Select Account, open Update options, and then click Update now. This will install the most recent Microsoft 365 apps on your computer.

The Final Word On Microsoft Word Not Responding When Printing

The tips mentioned above ought to make printing from Microsoft Word simple and resolve any issues. Do tell us in the comment section which fix resolves the Microsoft Word not responding when printing issue for you. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.