11 Easy Fixes for Microsoft Word Not Responding When Printing

ByJim Miller

Microsoft Word is a popular choice for creating and editing documents due to its familiarity and cross-platform availability. However, some users have reported experiencing issues with Word not responding when trying to print. If you're facing the same problem, don't worry! We've compiled a list of top troubleshooting methods to help you resolve this issue quickly and easily.

1. Turn on Printer and Check Cable Connection

Before trying any other solutions, make sure that your printer is turned on and properly connected to your Windows computer. A lack of active printer connection can cause Word to crash or stop responding.

2. Check Default Printer

To avoid any printing issues, set a relevant printer as the default printer in your system settings.

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
  2. Select Bluetooth & Devices from the sidebar and open Printer & Scanners.
  3. Choose your preferred printer and click Set as Default.

3. Remove and Add Printer

If Word continues to crash while printing, try removing and adding the printer again.

  1. Open Windows Settings and navigate to Printer & Scanners.
  2. Select your printer and click Remove.
  3. Click Add device to reinstall your printer.

4. Check Ink and Paper

Ensure that your printer has enough ink and paper. Running out of ink or paper can cause Word to crash. Refill the ink and add more blank pages to your printer if necessary.

5. Try Another File

If a specific Word file is causing the crash, try printing a different document to see if the issue persists. It's possible that the file itself is corrupt and causing the problem.

6. Download Word Documents as PDF and Try Again

Instead of printing directly from Word, export your document as a PDF and then print it.

  1. Open your document in Microsoft Word and click File in the top-right corner.
  2. Choose Save As and select PDF as the file format.
  3. Open the PDF in Microsoft Edge (the default PDF reader on Windows) and print it from there.

7. Troubleshoot Printer

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter tool that can fix common printer issues. You can use it to troubleshoot the Word not responding when printing problem.

  1. Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Select System and open the Troubleshoot menu.
  3. Choose Other Troubleshooters and run the Printer troubleshooter.

8. Restart Printer Spooler Service

Restarting the printer spooler service can help resolve printing issues in Word.

  1. Press the Windows key and search for Services. Hit Enter.
  2. Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click on it, and select Restart.

9. Disable Word Extensions

Corrupt add-ons/extensions can cause Word to crash while printing. Review the installed extensions and remove any unnecessary ones.

  1. Launch Microsoft Word and click File in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Options and select Add-ins.
  3. Remove any irrelevant add-ons from Microsoft Word.

10. Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated printer drivers could be the main cause of the issue. Reinstall the printer drivers using the Device Manager.

  1. Right-click on the Windows key and open the Device Manager.
  2. Expand Print queues and right-click on your printer, then select Uninstall device.
  3. Restart your PC and let the system download the necessary drivers during the reboot process.

11. Update Microsoft Word

An outdated version of Microsoft Word can also cause printing issues. Update Word to the latest version to ensure compatibility.

  1. Go to the File menu in Microsoft Word.
  2. Select Account, expand Update options, and click Update now.

By following these simple fixes, you should be able to resolve the problem of Microsoft Word not responding when printing. Enjoy hassle-free printing and effortlessly share your Word documents with others. And if you need to add your signature to your documents, check out our dedicated post on how to do it in Microsoft Word.