7 Ways to Fix Outlook Not Responding When Trying to Print

Quick Tips

• Outlook saves its print settings in the Outlprnt file. Deleting the file can help fix print issues.
• Sometimes, Outlook plugins and extensions can interfere with the printing. Removing them can help you fix the issue.
• Ensure the email is completely downloaded before you can print it.

Try Basic Fixes:

• Restart Outlook: When Outlook relaunches, it loads all the modules, including extensions. This ensures that if Outlook or any of its modules are stuck, they will start working.
• Reset hardware connection: Powering off a printer might clear temporary issues, such as a print job stuck in the queue or a minor error.
• Update the Outlook app: If the Outlook app and Windows settings are out of sync, especially after a Windows update, check if an update is available for the app.

Fix 1. Check the Default Printer

Sometimes, we select a printer and wait to realize it isn’t the default printer. Windows Settings can quickly fix this, or you can manually select the printer whenever you print.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Step 2: Select Bluetooth & devices from the sidebar. Select Printers & scanners from the right pane.

Step 3: Find the connected printer from the list and click on it.

Step 4: Select the Set as default button from the following menu. Open Outlook and try to print the attachment again.

Fix 2. Save the Document and Print It From File Manager

If Outlook still gives you trouble printing an attachment, you can save the document locally on the PC and print it.

Step 1: Download the attachment from Outlook or choose the Save as option, and save it on your PC.

Step 2: Use the File Manager to find the document and double-click to launch it in the Microsoft Edge browser or any PDF app.

Step 3: Look for a printer icon and use it to print the document.

Fix 3. Run Printer Troubleshooter

A built-in Windows troubleshooter can reset some printer parameters, which can help you start printing again.

Step 1: Open the GetHelp App using the Start menu.

Step 2: Type printer troubleshooting in the text box, showing you the Printer troubleshooter.

Step 3: Launch the wizard and let it complete the process. Once done, open the Outlook app again and try printing a document.

Fix 4. Uninstall Printer Drivers

At times, corrupt or outdated printer drivers can lead to such issues. You can reinstall printer drivers and try your luck again.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows key and open the Device Manager from the menu.

Step 2: Scroll down and expand the Print queues listing.

Step 3: Right-click on the printer with which you have the issue and select Uninstall device from the context menu. This will also Uninstall the driver.

Alternatively, follow this guide to remove the printer and uninstall the driver.

Step 4. Confirm your decision and restart the PC. Once you log into your account, Windows will install the default driver for the driver. Check if you can print from Outlook.

Fix 5. Wait for Emails to Download Completely

If an email contains too many elements, such as images from external sources or linked documents, and you start printing as soon as it arrives, it might cause an issue. 

It’s best to wait for the download to complete; you can see no broken images, etc. For such emails, it’s best to wait for the download to be complete and then print it. 

Fix 6. Troubleshoot Outlook Com-Addins And Extensions

Some Com-Addins and extensions can interfere with the print experience. It would be best to remove and disable them and troubleshoot.

Step 1: Open the Run prompt using Win + R, type Outlook /safe, and press Enter.

Step 2: Once Outlook launches, check if you can print. If it works, check which extension is causing the problem. 

Step 3: Launch Outlook the usual way > go to File > Options > click on Add-ins.

Step 4: Click the Go button next to COM Add-ins to open a list of installed Addons and extensions.

Step 5: Select the one to uninstall from the checked list and click the Remove button. Once you’ve done this, try to print. Repeat the steps until you find the one causing the issue.

Fix 7. Delete the OutlPrnt file (Print Settings)

The OutlPrnt file stores printer settings. If the file becomes corrupt, the print function will not work as intended. However, if you delete the file, it will be recreated.

Step 1: Go to %AppData%/Microsoft/Outlook using the Run prompt.

Step 2: Locate the OutlPrnt file and permanently delete it.

Step 3: Relaunch Outlook and check if you can print a file.