MS Word will mot connect to printer

First print a Windows test page to determine whether the printer connection is failing in Windows or only in Word, then apply the matching repair below.^1^

1. Test the Windows printer connection

On Windows 11:

1. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Select the printer, then Printer properties.
3. On the General tab, select Print Test Page.

Also try printing a simple file from Notepad.

If the test page prints

Windows can communicate with the printer, so focus on Word:

1. In Word, select File > Print.
2. Select the intended printer and verify that its status is Ready.
3. Ensure Print to file or Microsoft Print to PDF is not selected.
4. Try printing a new, blank Word document. If that works, the original document may contain problematic print or layout settings.
5. If every Word document fails, repair Microsoft 365:
   • Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Select Microsoft 365 > Advanced options.
   • Run Quick Repair and test Word.
   • If it still fails, run Online Repair.^1^

If the test page does not print

Repair the Windows printer connection before troubleshooting Word:

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter services.msc and press Enter.
3. Right-click Print Spooler, then select Restart.
4. Return to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and choose Set as default.
5. If it remains unavailable, select the printer and choose Remove.
6. On the same page, select Add device beside Add a printer or scanner and reinstall it.^2^

For a USB printer, reconnect it through another USB port. For a Wi-Fi printer, verify that the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.^2^

Since Word and the printer are already up to date, there is no need to repeat the update check. If reinstalling is necessary, use the driver for the exact printer model from its manufacturer rather than relying only on Windows’ generic driver.

References

1. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printing-problems-in-word-excel-or-other-apps#step-1-try-printing-from-another-app-or-file)
2. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-not-found-and-printer-not-recognized-errors-in-windows)