Word documents won't print double-sided

[MacInWin]

And I have MS365 subscription and it works for me, so it is something unique to your setup. Which is why I suggested reinstalling it clean. It could be something in some configuration file somewhere.

 

[pine man]

It's top of the list for jobs tomorrow!

I'll post back.

 

[pm-r]

I hasten to add that this issue only affects Word documents. No problems at all with .pdf files, Pages documents or Web pages.

Before posting this I thought I'd just give Excel a bash. guess what, it works perfectly and offers Two-Sided printing!!

I wonder if using the Reset Printer Setup would possibly help fix your printing problem, or have you tried that previously???

Reset the printing system on your Mac to solve a problem

You can reset the printing system on your Mac if you can’t print and no other troubleshooting technique solves the problem.

support.apple.com

- Patrick
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[pine man]

or have you tried that previously???

Yup tried that but I've had a response from Microsoft Community and they seem to think it's because I'm using AirPrint and haven't got the printer manufacturers software drivers installed, which is contrary to Apple advice.

Jake, if you are there, you say you have a 365 subscription like me BUT are you using AirPrint or printer manufacturers drivers?

 

[pm-r]

Yup tried that but I've had a response from Microsoft Community and they seem to think it's because I'm using AirPrint and haven't got the printer manufacturers software drivers installed, which is contrary to Apple advice.

OK, and what were your experiences after I assume you installed and set things up according to the software developers??

Is there some special reason you haven't installed the appropriate software as advised and why are you seemly confused that some printing action options aren't happening as you think they should by not doing so???

Sorry but I shake my head here trying to make some sense out of your situation and actions...

As they say for a fix ... RTFM. Read and follow the Freaking Manual directions... Just maybe it just might work... Maybe you think...??? siggghhh... ;-)



- Patrick
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[MacInWin]

Patrick, I don't think the issue is with the printer system, so resetting it won't make any difference, as the OP reported. As for "appropriate software," I do not install any printer drivers from the manufacturers on my Macs. I just use what is included from Apple, finding my printer make and model in the list when I set up the printer. I did try once, because someone said I should, but the drivers really screwed up the whole printer setup, so I deleted all of it, removed the printer, rebooted the Mac and re-configured the printer with the Apple software again.

And I use AirPrint, so the suggestion that pine man got was pretty much bogus, IMHO. The fact that other MS365 products (Excel, for example) print double sided perfectly well points to something awry in the Word installation. I use MS365 and double sided printing is in Word for me, and it is "sticky" for me and doesn't require any special actions to use repeatedly. Of course, if I turn it off, it does have to be turned on again, but if I don't touch, it stays the default. So, it works, generally. He has something wrong in his system.

 

[pm-r]

So, it works, generally. He has something wrong in his system.

It certainly seems that way.

At least he seems to have a temporary work around. It would be nice for him if it would fix itself and stay fixed.

I wouldn't even be inclined to try booting up using Safe Boot Mode and see if that fixes anything but I somehow doubt it, but maybe worth a try just to see if something else is involved.




- Patrick
=======

 

[pine man]

Hi Again.

First of all echoing what Jake said in respect of setting up AirPrint. The Apple instructions are quite clear;

'Don't install the software that came with the printer or from the manufacturer's website'

I did try a reinstall of Office 365 and it is still the same BUT the work around in Paper Handling still works and the default for Word documents is still Two-Sided.

I am loathe to start installing Epson printer drivers and I am leaning towards leaving everything as it is now.

I did have a response from one of the MVPs at Microsoft Community which tends to support what is actually happening he said;

'Print drivers present differently to different programs. What is provided to Word is a bit more complex than most so there's no simple check box in the main Print dialog window.

In the Print dialog open the Copies & Pages menu. If you don't see Two-sided or Duplex listed there select Layout.'

......and in fact it was Paper Handling that contained the solution shown at #16

Thanks everybody for your input. I do appreciate it.

 

[pine man]

He has something wrong in his system

Just spotted this in your last post and I doubt that is the case as I have two iMacs running different OSs, one M1 and one Intel so, to me, it seems unlikely.

 

[MacInWin]

Just spotted this in your last post and I doubt that is the case as I have two iMacs running different OSs, one M1 and one Intel so, to me, it seems unlikely.

But, the function is working for me on four different Macs, one Intel Mini, one M1 Mini, one Intel MBP, and one M1 MBP. All running Monterey at the latest update and with MS365 Word on each one. That is why I suspect it is something peculiar to your situation rather than something systemically wrong with MS365 Word on macOS. I am not using an Epson printer, but two HP printers, so that could be the difference, but the print drivers are Apple's, not HP's.

Oh, well, at least the workaround is working for you.

 

[pine man]

Oh, well, at least the workaround is working for you.

I'm afraid that's the way it's going to have to be.

I've spent 2-3 days on this issue now and enough is enough.

Thanks for getting back.

 

[PGB1]

Here's what I get if I try to print a .pdf file

View attachment 36742

....and here's what I get if I try to print the same file as a Word document.

View attachment 36743

I apologize if this is answered elsewhere. My computer is showing many replies as blank boxes. (Beats me why)

When the box you show for printing a Word document appears...
Click the down-arrow at Copies & Pages.
Click Print Settings in the resultant drop-down list.
Then choose the settings you want, including duplex.
(Paper size, quality, grey scale or color & others are here, too)

If you want your settings saved for later:
Click Presets.
Click Save Current Settings As Preset
Name it to your choosing, (Example: Fast, Black Duplex)

Your new preset will be in the main Print dialog for use on any document. There's a way to make your new one the default, but I've forgotten how to get there.

In case you switch to a new computer & want to move your presets to the new one-
On my computer (10.6.11 Word 2011) they are saved at:
Home - Library - Prefe4rences - com.apple.print.custompapers.plist

I hope this helps!
Paul

 

[pine man]

Thanks for your interest.

The two images you show are the same as I get and the only way I found to resolve the issue was in the Paper Handling settings. The detail of the solution is shown at #16 above.

Thanks again.

 

[Howard Brazee]

I didn't see how to change it in Word, so I went to Notes to print a two sided document. Then, for some reason Word printed both sides. Never figured out why.

 

[pine man]

Never figured out why.

.....and so often that is the case!