I can't print a Word document from my IMAC

Question

Hello, I am trying to print a Word document from my IMAC and I can't. When I click on print, it doesn't open the print window. I have tried everything. I need help!

Answer 1

Getting right to the point: Printing is a service of the Operating MacOS Print subsystem. The program merely calls for the service & hands off the data when it receives a positive response. It isn't unusual for printing to be affected in only certain programs based on the level of service they require.

The issue you describe typically is due to a need for updating one or more of the following:

• macOS (especially if using Tahoe)
• Office
• Print driver

See the Apple KB to Troubleshoot Printing or go directly to the article on how to Reset the printing system

Answer 2

Hi!

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

That's a frustrating one, especially when nothing happens at all when you click Print. On macOS, this usually means either Word is stuck or there’s a macOS permission/driver issue.

Can you print from another app like Safari or Notes? (Test purposes)

If nothing prints anywhere this is macOS printing system issue (try to restart your device and try again)

If only Word fails → Word-specific issue the we can start deeper troubleshooting.

Let me know what will happen so I can assist you further.

Answer 3

Follow these steps on the iMac to troubleshoot Word not opening the Print window:

1. Install all macOS updates
   1. Click the Apple menu (top-left).
   2. Select Software Update.
   3. Install all available updates.
   4. Restart the iMac and try printing from Word again.
2. Check that the printer and queue are OK
   1. Make sure the printer is turned on, has paper, and has ink/toner.
   2. Click the printer icon in the Dock to open the printer’s queue window.
   3. If a Resume button appears in the toolbar, select Resume.
   4. If there are stuck jobs, select them and click Delete Job, then try printing again from Word.
3. Test printing from another Office document
   1. In Word, click File > New and create a new blank document.
   2. Type a few words of sample text.
   3. Try File > Print.
   • If this new document prints, the problem is likely with the original document. See how to Recover your Word files and documents.
4. Test printing from another app
   1. Open the Notes app on the Mac.
   2. Type some sample text.
   3. Click File > Print.
   • If Notes prints successfully but Word does not, Office for Mac may need to be reinstalled. See Troubleshoot Office for Mac issues by completely uninstalling before you reinstall.
   • If Notes also cannot print, the issue is with the printer driver or macOS print configuration; follow the printer manufacturer’s guidance.

If printing works only after these checks in other apps but still no Print window appears in Word, perform the full Office for Mac uninstall/reinstall as described in the article above, then test again.

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References:

• Troubleshoot printing problems in Microsoft 365 apps
• Print a document in Word for Mac