printing from onedrive just makes new saves and doesn't print

Question

i updated to windows 11 recently and lost access to offline word which i have been using for years. i have onedrive and typed up a document and every time i click print it just has me make a new save location and then doesn't print? what am i doing wrong? i tried to print from onedrive, word online and the pdf itself, same thing every time. thanks in advance

Answer 1

Welcome Jeremiah Josephson,

Thanks for posting your question to the Q&A Forum.

From what you wrote, I understand you’re having issues printing documents from OneDrive after your Windows 11 update. Instead of printing, the system saves a new copy of the document without sending it to the printer.

Here are some troubleshooting steps you can check and try:

1. Check what printer is selected

Open your document in Word

Go to File > Print

Look at the dropdown that says Printer. If it says, “Microsoft Print to PDF” or “OneNote (Desktop)”, that’s why it keeps asking for a save location, it’s not a real printer.

Click the dropdown and select your actual printer (e.g. HP LaserJet, Canon...) then try to print.

If you don’t see one listed, move to step 2.

2. Re-install or re-detect your printer

Press Windows + I > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

See if your printer is listed.

• If not, click Add device and wait for Windows to find it.

• If it is listed, click it > Printer properties > Print test page.

If Windows can’t find it automatically:

• Reconnect your USB cable or reconnect to Wi-Fi printer.

• Download the driver from your printer manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Epson, etc.) and install it manually.

Go back to Word and try to print again.

3. Try printing from outside OneDrive

Sometimes OneDrive’s cloud file behavior causes issues.

• Open the file in Word.
• Go to File > Save As > This PC (save a copy locally, e.g. Desktop).
• Then print that local copy, not the one stored in OneDrive.

4. Check for Windows Updates

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• If any optional driver updates are available, they might be listed under Advanced options > Optional updates. Install them if you see one for your printer.

Additional: Set Your Printer as Default

After reinstalling, make sure it's set as the default, so Word uses it automatically.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Click on your printer.

Select Open print queue.

In the new window, click Printer in the menu bar and ensure Set as Default Printer is checked.

Hope those suggestions work for you! Let me know how things go or if your need further assitance!

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