Printing from Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a simple process. Open the document you want to print, click on the โFileโ tab, select โPrintโ, choose your printer, set your print options, and then click โPrintโ. And just like that, your document should be making its way out of your printer!
After clicking โPrintโ, your computer will send the document to the printer, and the physical printing process will begin. Make sure you have enough paper and ink in your printer to avoid any interruptions.
Introduction
So, youโve finished drafting that all-important document in Microsoft Word for Office 365, and now itโs time to bring it into the physical world. Whether itโs a report for work, an essay for school, or a recipe for that new dish you want to try out, knowing how to print your documents is essential. In todayโs digital age, we often overlook the importance of having a hard copy. However, there are numerous scenarios where a printed document is necessary or just more convenient. This process is relevant to students, professionals, and anyone who uses Microsoft Word for creating documents.
Itโs one of those basic skills that, once mastered, will serve you time and time again. Printing can seem straightforward, but there are a few steps and options that you might not be aware of. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring you can print with confidence from Microsoft Word for Office 365.
Related: How to Print Multiple Word Documents at Once
Step by Step Tutorial: Printing from Microsoft Word for Office 365
The following steps will guide you through printing a document from Microsoft Word for Office 365.
Step 1: Open the document you want to print
Open the document in Microsoft Word that you wish to print.
Once you have your document open, check it over to make sure everything is exactly how you want it to appear in print. This is your last chance to catch any typos or formatting issues!
Step 2: Click on the โFileโ tab
Click on the โFileโ tab located in the top left corner of the Microsoft Word window.
This will take you to the backstage view, where you can access a range of document-related settings and options, including the print settings.
Step 3: Select โPrintโ
From the menu options, select โPrintโ.
This will bring up the print settings where you can choose your printer and specify the print details such as the number of copies, pages to print, and whether to print one-sided or double-sided.
Step 4: Choose your printer
Choose the printer you want to use from the list of available printers.
If youโre using a new printer for the first time, make sure itโs been correctly set up and connected to your computer or network.
Step 5: Set your print options
Set your print options, including the number of copies, pages to print, and other preferences.
Here you can also change the orientation of the paper, print in color or black and white, and adjust the size of the print. Make sure to preview your document to ensure it looks exactly how you want it to.
Step 6: Click โPrintโ
Once youโre satisfied with your print settings, click โPrintโ.
Your document will be sent to the printer and should begin printing shortly. Make sure to collect your document from the printer and check it over once more to ensure everything printed correctly.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Printing directly from Microsoft Word for Office 365 is highly convenient. It allows you to quickly and easily produce a physical copy of your document without the need for any additional software or steps. |
| Customization | The print settings in Microsoft Word for Office 365 offer a range of options to tailor the printout to your specific needs. Whether itโs selecting the number of copies, choosing specific pages, or adjusting the layout, these customizable settings ensure your document is printed just the way you need it. |
| Preview Feature | Before printing, Microsoft Word allows you to preview your document. This helps to catch any errors or formatting issues before theyโre printed, saving you time, paper, and ink. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Printer Compatibility | Not all printers are compatible with Microsoft Word for Office 365โs print function. Itโs important to ensure your printer is set up correctly and is compatible with the software to avoid any printing issues. |
| Resource Consumption | Printing documents, especially in large quantities or in color, can consume a significant amount of paper and ink. Itโs important to consider the environmental impact and cost when deciding to print. |
| Technical Issues | Sometimes, technical issues can arise, such as printer errors, connectivity issues, or software glitches. These can disrupt the printing process and may require troubleshooting to resolve. |
Additional Information
When printing from Microsoft Word for Office 365, there are a few additional tips you should keep in mind. First, always ensure that your printer has enough ink or toner and that there is an adequate supply of paper. Nothing is more frustrating than a document thatโs half-printed because you ran out of ink! If youโre printing a lengthy document, consider using the โPrint on Both Sidesโ option to save paper.
Another important aspect is to understand the different print layouts available. Depending on the nature of your document, you may want to print in portrait or landscape mode. For large documents, such as reports or manuscripts, you might want to use the โPrint Layoutโ view to see how each page will look when printed.
Donโt forget about the โSave Ink/Tonerโ option in the print settings. This is useful if youโre printing draft documents or anything that doesnโt require high-quality print. This option reduces the amount of ink or toner used and can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
Lastly, if youโre printing confidential or sensitive documents, be sure to collect them from the printer immediately to protect your privacy. If your printer supports it, you can also use secure print options that require a code to be entered at the printer before the document will print.
Summary
- Open the document you want to print.
- Click on the โFileโ tab.
- Select โPrintโ.
- Choose your printer.
- Set your print options.
- Click โPrintโ.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I print double-sided on Microsoft Word for Office 365?
To print double-sided, go to the print settings and look for the option that says โPrint on Both Sidesโ or โDuplex Printingโ. Select this option before clicking โPrintโ.
What should I do if my document wonโt print?
First, check your printer to ensure itโs turned on and connected to your computer or network. If thatโs not the issue, try restarting both your printer and computer. If the problem persists, consult your printerโs manual or contact technical support.
Can I print in color from Microsoft Word for Office 365?
Yes, if your printer supports color printing, you can print in color by selecting the color option in the print settings.
How can I save paper when printing?
To save paper, consider printing on both sides of the paper if your printer supports this feature. You can also print multiple pages on a single sheet by adjusting the โPages per Sheetโ setting.
How do I cancel a print job in Microsoft Word for Office 365?
To cancel a print job, go to the print queue on your computer and select the document you want to cancel. Right-click and choose โCancelโ or use the cancel button on your printer if available.
Conclusion
Printing from Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a fundamental skill that can enhance your productivity and efficiency. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you can print your documents quickly and easily, adjusting settings as needed to meet your specific requirements. Remember, while printing is convenient, always consider the environmental impact and use this feature responsibly.
Whether youโre a student printing an essay, a professional preparing a report, or someone sharing a cherished recipe, mastering the print function in Microsoft Word for Office 365 will serve you well in all your document-related endeavors. Keep these tips in mind, and happy printing!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.