Cannot print

If Word cannot show print preview before printing, use this order of checks:

1. Test whether the problem is only in Word.
   • Try printing from another app such as Notepad or Paint.
   • Try printing a different file from Word.
   • If other apps also fail, the issue is likely the printer, driver, or Windows printing service.
2. In Word, verify the selected printer.
   • Go to File > Print.
   • Make sure the intended physical printer is selected.
   • Make sure Print to PDF or Print to file is not selected.
   • Check that the printer status shows Ready.
3. Check Word print settings.
   • Confirm the page size, orientation, and layout match the document and printer.
   • Check the pages to print setting to ensure the correct range is selected.
4. Print a Windows test page.
   • On Windows 11: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > select the printer > Printer properties > General > Print Test Page.
   • On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > select the printer > Manage > Printer properties > General > Print Test Page.
   • If the test page fails, troubleshoot the printer or driver first.
5. Restart the Print Spooler service.
   • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Find Print Spooler.
   • Right-click it and select Restart.
6. 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 found, select Uninstall device, then restart the PC so Windows can reinstall the driver.
   • If Word shows the specific error "Word cannot bring up the Properties dialog box because the printer returned an error", reinstalling the printer driver is a recommended fix.
7. Repair Office.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Select Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office.
   • Choose Modify or Advanced options depending on the Windows version.
   • Run Quick Repair first.
   • If the issue continues, run Online Repair.
8. If the printer properties dialog specifically fails in Word, reset regional settings.
   • Open Control Panel > Regional and Language Options.
   • Temporarily switch to a different English regional setting.
   • Restart the PC.
   • Restore the original regional setting and restart again.
9. Close Word and restart the PC, then test again.

Note: Removing or uninstalling a printer can require adding it again afterward.

References:

• Error message: "Word cannot bring up the Properties dialog box because the printer returned an error"
• Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
• My Print button and some printer settings aren't available