Word says No printer installed but it is installed

Debbie Sylvester 0 Reputation points
2026-08-11T16:09:50.2866667+00:00

When I want to print a Word document, it says No Printer Installed but I have installed one. I have repaired this several times and been able to print but it keeps reverting back to No Printer Installed.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

Locked Question. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. DaveM121 937.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-11T16:45:12.9866667+00:00

    Sometimes the Office apps may loose the connection to the printer.

    The best option is to completely uninstall your printer and restart your PC, then go to the support page for your printer on the manufacturers website to download and reinstall the version of printer drivers, firmware and associated software they provide for your printer model.

    If you have any difficulty locating that support page, what is the make and exact model number of your printer.

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-08-11T16:10:06.9233333+00:00

    This usually means Word cannot detect a usable default printer, the printer driver is unstable, or the Windows print system is temporarily failing. Since repairing Word helps only temporarily, focus on the printer and Windows printing components first.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Set the printer as the default printer
      • Open Devices and Printers or Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the installed printer and set it as the default printer.
      • In Word, go to File > Print and confirm that the intended printer is selected and shows Ready.
    2. Print a Windows test page
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer, then Printer properties.
      • On the General tab, select Print Test Page.
      • If the test page fails, the issue is with the printer or driver rather than Word.
    3. Restart the Print Spooler service
      • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Find Print Spooler.
      • Right-click it and select Restart.
      • Test printing from Word again.
    4. Update or reinstall the printer driver
      • Go to Start > Device Manager.
      • Expand Printers.
      • Right-click the printer and select Update driver.
      • If no update is available, select Uninstall device, then restart the PC so Windows attempts to reinstall it automatically.
      • The printer manufacturer’s latest driver is also recommended.
    5. Run the printer troubleshooter
      • Open Devices and Printers.
      • Right-click the printer and select Troubleshoot.
      • Complete the wizard.
    6. Update or repair Office again only after the printer steps
      • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
      • Select Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office > Modify.
      • Run Quick Repair.
      • If the issue continues, run Online Repair.

    If the problem keeps returning after these steps, the strongest indicator from the documented fixes is a damaged or incompatible printer driver. Reinstalling the printer driver and making sure the printer remains the default printer is the key long-term fix.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. Gremlin 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-05T23:52:06.7+00:00

    I'm also having this issue, edge, and excel can both print fine but word keeps saying "no printer installed" This is clearly a word issue and uninstalling/reinstalling the printer works for a short time and then the issue reappears.

    Was this answer helpful?