How can I print from the Windows side of my Mac?

Question

I can print from my Mac computer with the latest software version, but I am unable to print from the Parallels enabled Windows 11 side. I have tried to solve using the Microsoft support guidelines, but in the end the instructions do not match what is on my monitor. What can you recommend?

Answer 1

Follow these steps inside the Windows 11 virtual machine to troubleshoot printing from the Windows side of the Mac. These steps assume printing already works on the Mac side and focus on Windows/Office and printer configuration.

1. Verify printing from another Windows app
   • In Windows 11 (Parallels), open Notepad or Paint.
   • Create a simple test file and select File > Print.
   • Try printing to the same printer used on the Mac side.
   • If this works, the issue is likely specific to Word/Excel or another app.
2. Check the printer selected in the Windows app
   • In Word/Excel or the app that will not print, select File > Print.
   • Confirm that the correct physical printer is selected, not Microsoft Print to PDF, XPS, or another virtual printer.
   • Ensure the printer status shows Ready.
3. Check app‑level print settings
   • In the app’s Print dialog:
     • Confirm page size, orientation, and layout are valid for the printer.
     • Make sure Print to PDF or Print to file is not selected.
     • Check Pages is set to All or a valid page range.
4. Confirm Windows can talk to the printer
   • In Windows 11, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the printer that should be used from Windows.
   • Choose Printer properties and on the General tab select Print Test Page.
   • If the test page does not print, the problem is at the Windows/driver/spooler level, not Word.
5. Restart the Windows print spooler service
   • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
   • Scroll to Print Spooler.
   • Right‑click Print Spooler and select Restart.
   • Try printing again from Windows apps.
6. Update or reinstall the printer driver in Windows
   • In Windows 11, select Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Printers.
   • Right‑click the printer and select Update driver.
   • If no update is found, right‑click again and select Uninstall device.
   • Restart Windows; it will attempt to reinstall the printer automatically.
   • Test printing again from Word/Excel.
7. Repair Microsoft 365 apps (if the issue is only in Word/Excel)
   • In Windows 11, select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Select Microsoft 365 and choose Advanced options.
   • Run Quick Repair, then test printing from Word/Excel.
   • If still failing, run Online Repair and test again.
8. If printing still fails only in Office on Mac side
   • Ensure macOS is fully updated via Apple menu > Software Update.
   • Confirm the printer is not paused and that the queue is clear on the Mac side (open the printer icon in the Dock, click Resume if shown, and delete any stuck jobs).

If any of these Windows steps do not match what appears on screen, focus on the closest available options (for example, Devices vs Bluetooth & devices) and always test with a Windows test page first; if that fails, resolve the printer/driver/spooler issue before adjusting Office settings.

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References:

• Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
• Troubleshoot printing problems in Microsoft 365 apps