excel will not print

Hi Shelly,

If Excel is the only Office app that won’t print while Word and PowerPoint work, the issue is likely specific to Excel. Common causes include corrupted print settings, page setup issues, or conflicting add-ins. To fix it, select the correct printer, print a small selection of cells, clear existing print areas, and test again. Starting Excel in safe mode (excel /safe) can help identify add-in-related issues. If it still doesn’t print, running a Quick or Online Repair for Microsoft Office usually resolves the issue. Ensure there are no stuck print jobs in the printer queue and try printing a new blank workbook to see if the problem is file-specific.

Use targeted troubleshooting to confirm whether the problem is specific to Excel and then fix app‑level or printer issues.

1. Test printing from other apps
   • Print from Word, PowerPoint, or WordPad/Notepad.
   • Since Word and PowerPoint already print correctly, the issue is likely specific to Excel or its interaction with the printer.
2. Confirm the correct printer in Excel
   • In Excel, select File > Print.
   • Make sure the physical printer (not Microsoft Print to PDF or XPS Document Writer) is selected.
   • Check that the printer status shows Ready.
3. Check Excel print settings
   • In File > Print in Excel, verify:
     • Page size, orientation, and scaling are appropriate for the printer.
     • Print to PDF or Print to file is not selected.
     • Pages is set to Print Active Sheets (or the intended option) and that the page range is valid.
4. Test printing a simple Excel file
   • Create a new blank workbook.
   • Type a small amount of text in a single cell.
   • Try File > Print to see if this simple file prints.
   • If the simple file prints but existing workbooks do not, the problem may be with specific workbook settings (for example, page breaks or printer‑specific settings saved in that file).
5. Test printing in another program to confirm Windows printing
   • Open WordPad.
   • Type This is a test.
   • Select File > Print, then OK/Print.
   • If WordPad prints successfully (along with Word and PowerPoint), Windows and the printer/driver are generally working, reinforcing that the issue is Excel‑specific.
6. Repair Microsoft 365/Office
   • Close all Office apps.
   • Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Select Microsoft 365, then Advanced options.
   • Run Quick Repair, then test printing from Excel.
   • If Excel still will not print, run Online Repair and test again.
7. Update Office and printer driver
   • Install the latest Office updates (for example, via File > Account > Update Options in an Office app).
   • Go to the printer manufacturer’s site and install the latest printer driver for Windows.
   • Restart the device and test printing from Excel again.

If Excel still cannot print after these steps, use the general Microsoft 365 printing troubleshooter to further isolate whether the issue is with Excel, the profile, or the printer configuration.

References:

• Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
• Troubleshoot printing problems in Microsoft 365 apps
• My Print button and some printer settings aren’t available