cannot print on long side this seems to have happend after Microsoft updated my computer some days ago this is very annoying and you are causing unnecessary stress

Question

cannot print on long side this seems to have happend after Microsoft updated my computer some days ago this is very annoying and you are causing unnecessary stress

Answer 1

Hi Peter Short,

I’m sorry this has been so frustrating, especially if this was working normally before and then changed after a recent update. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

To help narrow this down, could you please let me know a few details? 

• What is the exact printer brand and model? 
• What is the brand and model of your Windows device? 
• Does this happen in every app, or only in one specific app when you try to print? 
• When you open the print settings, do you still see the Flip on long edge option, or is it missing/greyed out? 
• If you go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > select your printer > Manage > Printing preferences, is double-sided / duplex printing still enabled there?  

If possible, please also try a quick test by printing from another app such as Notepad or WordPad, and share a screenshot of the Printing preferences window. That can help a lot. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

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Answer 2

Follow these steps in order to troubleshoot printing issues that started after an update and affect printing on a specific side or orientation:

1. Confirm the printer still works from Windows
   This checks whether the issue is with Windows or a specific app (like Word).
   • Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the printer > Manage > Printer properties.
   • On the General tab, select Print Test Page.
   • If the test page does not print correctly, resolve the printer/driver issue first (steps 4–7 below).
2. Test from another app and file
   This helps see if the problem is app‑specific.
   • Try printing a simple document from Notepad or Paint.
   • Try a different file from the app where the problem appears.
   • If other apps print correctly on the long side, the issue is likely with that app’s print settings.
3. Check app print settings (orientation and printer selection)
   In the app where the problem occurs (for example, Word):
   • Go to File > Print.
   • Ensure the correct printer is selected and its status is Ready.
   • Verify orientation (Portrait vs. Landscape) and page size match what the printer supports.
   • Make sure Print to PDF or Print to file is not selected instead of the physical printer.
4. Update or repair Microsoft Office (if the issue is in Word/Excel)
   Corrupted Office components after an update can affect printing.
   • Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Select Microsoft 365 (or Microsoft Office) > Modify.
   • Choose Quick Repair, then test printing.
   • If the issue continues, run Online Repair and test again.
5. Restart the Print Spooler service
   This can fix issues where jobs hang or don’t respect settings like orientation.
   • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Find Print Spooler, right‑click it, and select Restart.
   • Try printing again on the long side.
6. Update or reinstall the printer driver
   Updates can expose driver compatibility problems that affect features such as duplex or orientation.
   • Select Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Printers (or Print queues).
   • Right‑click the printer > Update driver and follow the prompts.
   • If no update is available or the issue persists:
     • Right‑click the printer > Uninstall device.
     • Restart the PC; Windows will attempt to reinstall a compatible driver automatically.
   • If needed, also check the printer manufacturer’s site for the latest driver and install it.
7. Roll back the printer driver (if the issue started right after an update)
   If printing on the long side worked before a recent driver update:
   • Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
   • Expand Printers or Print queues.
   • Right‑click the printer > Properties.
   • On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver (if available).
   • Restart the PC and test printing again.
8. Run the automated printer troubleshooter (Windows 10)
   • Use the Get Help app’s printer troubleshooter, which will run diagnostics and attempt automatic fixes for printer problems.

If, after these steps, the printer still cannot print correctly on the long side from any app, the most likely causes are a printer‑specific driver limitation or a driver that is still incompatible with the current Windows version, in which case updating from the manufacturer or rolling back to a previous working driver is the key action.

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References:

• My Print button and some printer settings aren’t available
• Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
• Fix printer driver compatibility issues in Windows