How can I fix a printing problem in Word

Question

I am using word to create a new document and I would like to print specific pages but word will only print the entire document. What can I do?

Answer 1

To print a range of pages, you usually have to indicate the section number as well, if the document contains section breaks. Use the syntax p#s#-p#s#. For example, p3s2-p5s3 means to print from page 3 of section 2 to page 5 of section 3.

To remember the syntax, display Formatted page number as well as Section number on the status bar. Right-click the status bar and click to select those options. See the screen shot below.

For more examples, have a look at the wordmvp.com article at https://wordmvp.com/FAQs/Formatting/PrintMultipleSections.htm .

Answer 2

Use Word’s print options to restrict which pages are sent to the printer, and then, if needed, troubleshoot why selective printing is not working.

1. In Word, select File > Print.
2. Under Settings, open the drop-down that usually shows Print All Pages.
3. Choose one of the following:
   • Print Current Page to print only the page shown in the preview.
   • Custom Print to specify pages:
     • For a range (for example, pages 1 to 3): type 1-3 in Pages.
     • For a mix of single pages and ranges (for example, page 3 and pages 4–6): type 3, 4-6.
4. Confirm the correct printer is selected under Printer, then select Print.

If Word still prints the entire document instead of the selected pages:

1. Verify the correct printer is selected:
   • Go to File > Print and make sure the intended physical printer (not “Microsoft Print to PDF” or similar) is chosen and shows status Ready.
2. Check print settings in Word:
   • Confirm Pages to print is set to the desired range (not Print All Pages).
   • Make sure options like Print to PDF or Print to file are not selected.
3. Test with another document:
   • Create a new Word document (File > New), type a few words, and try printing a specific page from it.
   • If selective printing works in the new document, the issue may be with the original document’s content or structure (for example, multiple sections affecting page ranges).
4. Test printing from another app (for example, Notepad) to confirm the printer itself works.

If the printer works elsewhere but Word continues to ignore page selections for all documents, repair Office:

1. In Windows, select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select Microsoft 365, then Advanced options.
3. Choose Quick Repair, then test printing specific pages again.
4. If the issue persists, run Online Repair and test again.

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References:

• Print a document in Word
• Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
• Troubleshoot printing problems in Microsoft 365 apps
• Printing and print preview
• Printer will print entire document but not select pages - Microsoft Q&A