error message "problem with printer" in classic outlook

Question

error message "problem with printer" in classic outlook

DJS 0

I'm receiving an error message in Classic Outlook when I try to print in Classic Outlook. "Problem with printer, may have to reinstall, etc.) I've reinstalled the printer and the drivers are up to date. I can print email attachments (Word, Excel pdf, Powerpoint) just not the email itself. I can print emails if I switch to New Outlook which is what I've been doing but I prefer the interface of Classic Outlook. All updates have been installed. Is there a way I can resolve this issue so I don't have to switch back and forth to New Outlook whenever I need to print an email? Thank you

Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T15:09:24.6+00:00

What is the build of your Outlook (File, Office Account, under About Outlook).

Are you using M365 subscription or perpetual Office?

Can you print the email to PDF?
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T15:26:31.1666667+00:00

Hello,

I've cut and paste what is under About Outlook.

Microsoft® Outlook® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2510 Build 16.0.19328.20010) 64-bit. I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you mean about perpetual Office? I pay for M365 annually so I guess that means I'm using M65 subscription(?)

Yes, even though I get the print error message when I select print email, I can close it and then can print to PDF. I still can't print using the printer.

Thank you.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T16:30:24.72+00:00

Based on the build of Outlook you are either on Current Channel or Current Channel Preview. In either case there should be a newer build. Click File, Office Account, Update Options, Update Now.

I tested printing emails from Outlook from both Office channels and I am not seeing the error message. Do you get this error trying to print every email or just certain ones?
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T17:25:07.68+00:00

Hello, I've did the online repair and checked for updates. Says all updates installed. Build still show as Microsoft® Outlook® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2510 Build 16.0.19328.20010) 64-bit. I'm still unable to print any emails from Classic Outlook.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T19:16:20.53+00:00

Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the build in the image below. You are current so no worries about that. Did the print ever work with classic Outlook on this machine, or did it start after an update or specific time?

What is the printer type/model?
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T19:35:38.7566667+00:00

Hello. Yes, I used to be able to print with classic Outlook on this machine. I started having issues last week but I don't know if was after an update. My printer is a Canon TR 8620a.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T20:41:08.79+00:00
I am not immediately finding Office or Windows bugs with that printer. There is one other post about that printer that had a good suggestion if not already tried to install the Cannon Print App, https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/answers/questions/5516227/i-cannot-make-my-printer-to-print.

In case the issue is caused by an Office build try reverting to an earlier build. The steps below will revert to a build from September. Available builds to test with are on Update History under the column for Current Channel, https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-microsoft365-apps-by-date.

To revert, do the following:

Open a Command Prompt (Windows Start button, type Command Prompt, optionally right click on Command Prompt and click Run as administrator).

Type or paste the command below and press Enter.

"%programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\officec2rclient.exe" /update user updatetoversion=16.0.19127.20264

To update back to the latest build click File, Office Account, Update Options, Update Now.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-21T16:52:32.6133333+00:00

Hello, It looks like verting to the earlier build solved the issue. Thank you.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T15:19:01.1866667+00:00

Hello, I just installed some Windows updates and am now having the same issue. I will try reverting to a prior version since that resolved the issue before but am I going to have to do this every time I update Windows? Thank you.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T15:25:50.39+00:00

Hello, I followed the instructions to revert to a previous build after installing updates yesterday. Although doing this fixed the printing issue, it hasn't worked this time. I'm still receiving the same error I did when I originally contacted you. Any advice?

Thank you.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-23T16:44:59.4233333+00:00

If it was Outlook build related double check the revert completed. Click File, Office Account, under About Outlook and see if it shows the build 19127.20264. If you don't see this build do the revert steps again. Revert should close Outlook but if it did not then try that and try the print again.

To investigate this further see if you have In App support by clicking Help, Contact Support and submit the forms until you get a support case number. Let me know if you are able to get the ticket submitted.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T18:59:06.19+00:00

Hello, I checked and the build listed is (Version 2510 Build 16.0.19328.20010) 64-bit. I tried the revert steps again, it didn't restart Outlook. I closed Outlook and tried again- no change. I restarted my computer and tried again- no change. Build doesn't change and print error message pops up when I try to print emails. I was able to print my calendar, any Word or PDF attachments. The message pops up only when I try to print an email. (which I need to do at times. ) When I select Help in Outlook, it refers me back here. (Microsoft Ignite.) I'm working on my laptop. Did I do something wrong? Thank you.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-23T19:55:24.9166667+00:00
Try reverting to an older build. I pasted in this older build below 18827.20176. I'll try contact you through forum moderation to see if I can add you with Contact Support capability.

To revert, do the following:

Open a Command Prompt (Windows Start button, type Command Prompt, optionally right click on Command Prompt and click Run as administrator).

Type or paste the command below and press Enter.

"%programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\officec2rclient.exe" /update user updatetoversion=16.0.18827.20176
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T15:46:55.23+00:00

Hello, This didn't work. Outlook doesn't close when I enter the command (I cut and paste it into the command prompt.) I've tried closing Outlook and entering the command again- still doesn't change build and still can't print emails. I've been using a work around (print to PDF, save to desktop, then print the PDF but this is time consuming. I hope this issue can eventually be resolved. Thank you for your continued assistance.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-24T15:52:44.4433333+00:00

Try pasting the text into Notepad then paste into the Command Prompt. Sometimes copy from web adds some HTML.

I just tested the command on a Current Channel machine to double check it should work and it did. When it works you will Office downloading the build.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T16:02:52.6966667+00:00

This didn't work. I didn't get the prompt that Microsoft 365 and Office were being updated. But I notice your command prompt screen shot looks different than mine does after I hit enter. It doesn't show outlook, it shows part of my user name.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-24T16:39:02.1533333+00:00

I am clicking the Windows Start button, and search command prompt and then clicking Command Prompt. If needed right click on Command Prompt and click Run as Administrator.

Then paste the command. The c:\users\outlook is because outlook is my test account.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T17:11:07.56+00:00

Hello, I ran command prompt as administrator. This time it did show that it updated. I restarted my computer, but I still can't print. Same error. Build under About Outlook is (Version 2505 Build 16.0.18827.20102) 64-bit. I tried again, rec'd message I was up to date. Still can't print.

1 answer

Your answer

Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T15:09:24.6+00:00

What is the build of your Outlook (File, Office Account, under About Outlook).

Are you using M365 subscription or perpetual Office?

Can you print the email to PDF?
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T15:26:31.1666667+00:00

Hello,

I've cut and paste what is under About Outlook.

Microsoft® Outlook® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2510 Build 16.0.19328.20010) 64-bit. I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you mean about perpetual Office? I pay for M365 annually so I guess that means I'm using M65 subscription(?)

Yes, even though I get the print error message when I select print email, I can close it and then can print to PDF. I still can't print using the printer.

Thank you.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T16:30:24.72+00:00

Based on the build of Outlook you are either on Current Channel or Current Channel Preview. In either case there should be a newer build. Click File, Office Account, Update Options, Update Now.

I tested printing emails from Outlook from both Office channels and I am not seeing the error message. Do you get this error trying to print every email or just certain ones?
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T17:25:07.68+00:00

Hello, I've did the online repair and checked for updates. Says all updates installed. Build still show as Microsoft® Outlook® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2510 Build 16.0.19328.20010) 64-bit. I'm still unable to print any emails from Classic Outlook.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T19:16:20.53+00:00

Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the build in the image below. You are current so no worries about that. Did the print ever work with classic Outlook on this machine, or did it start after an update or specific time?

What is the printer type/model?
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T19:35:38.7566667+00:00

Hello. Yes, I used to be able to print with classic Outlook on this machine. I started having issues last week but I don't know if was after an update. My printer is a Canon TR 8620a.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-20T20:41:08.79+00:00

I am not immediately finding Office or Windows bugs with that printer. There is one other post about that printer that had a good suggestion if not already tried to install the Cannon Print App, https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/answers/questions/5516227/i-cannot-make-my-printer-to-print.

In case the issue is caused by an Office build try reverting to an earlier build. The steps below will revert to a build from September. Available builds to test with are on Update History under the column for Current Channel, https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-microsoft365-apps-by-date.

To revert, do the following:

Open a Command Prompt (Windows Start button, type Command Prompt, optionally right click on Command Prompt and click Run as administrator).

Type or paste the command below and press Enter.

"%programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\officec2rclient.exe" /update user updatetoversion=16.0.19127.20264

To update back to the latest build click File, Office Account, Update Options, Update Now.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-21T16:52:32.6133333+00:00

Hello, It looks like verting to the earlier build solved the issue. Thank you.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T15:19:01.1866667+00:00

Hello, I just installed some Windows updates and am now having the same issue. I will try reverting to a prior version since that resolved the issue before but am I going to have to do this every time I update Windows? Thank you.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T15:25:50.39+00:00

Hello, I followed the instructions to revert to a previous build after installing updates yesterday. Although doing this fixed the printing issue, it hasn't worked this time. I'm still receiving the same error I did when I originally contacted you. Any advice?

Thank you.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-23T16:44:59.4233333+00:00

If it was Outlook build related double check the revert completed. Click File, Office Account, under About Outlook and see if it shows the build 19127.20264. If you don't see this build do the revert steps again. Revert should close Outlook but if it did not then try that and try the print again.

To investigate this further see if you have In App support by clicking Help, Contact Support and submit the forms until you get a support case number. Let me know if you are able to get the ticket submitted.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T18:59:06.19+00:00

Hello, I checked and the build listed is (Version 2510 Build 16.0.19328.20010) 64-bit. I tried the revert steps again, it didn't restart Outlook. I closed Outlook and tried again- no change. I restarted my computer and tried again- no change. Build doesn't change and print error message pops up when I try to print emails. I was able to print my calendar, any Word or PDF attachments. The message pops up only when I try to print an email. (which I need to do at times. ) When I select Help in Outlook, it refers me back here. (Microsoft Ignite.) I'm working on my laptop. Did I do something wrong? Thank you.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-23T19:55:24.9166667+00:00

Try reverting to an older build. I pasted in this older build below 18827.20176. I'll try contact you through forum moderation to see if I can add you with Contact Support capability.

To revert, do the following:

Open a Command Prompt (Windows Start button, type Command Prompt, optionally right click on Command Prompt and click Run as administrator).

Type or paste the command below and press Enter.

"%programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\officec2rclient.exe" /update user updatetoversion=16.0.18827.20176
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T15:46:55.23+00:00

Hello, This didn't work. Outlook doesn't close when I enter the command (I cut and paste it into the command prompt.) I've tried closing Outlook and entering the command again- still doesn't change build and still can't print emails. I've been using a work around (print to PDF, save to desktop, then print the PDF but this is time consuming. I hope this issue can eventually be resolved. Thank you for your continued assistance.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-24T15:52:44.4433333+00:00

Try pasting the text into Notepad then paste into the Command Prompt. Sometimes copy from web adds some HTML.

I just tested the command on a Current Channel machine to double check it should work and it did. When it works you will Office downloading the build.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T16:02:52.6966667+00:00

This didn't work. I didn't get the prompt that Microsoft 365 and Office were being updated. But I notice your command prompt screen shot looks different than mine does after I hit enter. It doesn't show outlook, it shows part of my user name.
Gabe Bratton 361 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator

2025-10-24T16:39:02.1533333+00:00

I am clicking the Windows Start button, and search command prompt and then clicking Command Prompt. If needed right click on Command Prompt and click Run as Administrator.

Then paste the command. The c:\users\outlook is because outlook is my test account.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T17:11:07.56+00:00

Hello, I ran command prompt as administrator. This time it did show that it updated. I restarted my computer, but I still can't print. Same error. Build under About Outlook is (Version 2505 Build 16.0.18827.20102) 64-bit. I tried again, rec'd message I was up to date. Still can't print.

Answer 1

Kal-D 3,185 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Dear DJS,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

This typically caused by a corruption within Classic Outlook's settings, not the printer itself. Since you can print from New Outlook and other apps, we can focus on Outlook.

Here are the most effective solutions, in order of execution time:

1. Reset Outlook's Print Style

Go to File > Print.
Under "Print Style," select Memo Style and click Page Setup.
In the "Format" tab, click Reset, then OK. Try printing.

2. Create a New Outlook Profile
This creates a fresh set of configuration files. Your data is safe.

Close Outlook.
Open Control Panel > Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
Click Show Profiles > Add. Follow the prompts to re-add your email account.
Set this new profile as the default. Restart Outlook and test printing immediately.

3. Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration

Go to File > Options > Advanced.
Under "Display," check the box for Disable hardware graphics acceleration.
Click OK and restart Outlook.

4. Run an Online Repair of Office

Close all Office apps.
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Select your Microsoft Office installation and click Modify.
Choose Online Repair and follow the prompts.

Please try these steps in order. The new Outlook profile (Step 2) resolves this specific printing issue in the vast majority of cases. Please let me know the results.

==========================================================

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DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T02:01:46.3566667+00:00

Hello, I tried 1 & 2 and am still having the same issue. The error message pops up as soon as I hit "print" so I can't make any adjustments to the settings. When the print dialogue box pops up (under the error message) I can see that it is set to Memo style. In step #3 it says to go to file-Options- Advanced and under display, disable hardware graphics acceleration. When I go to the Options, there isn't a Display section shown. I didn't do the online repair of Office since I couldn't complete step 3. Also, I tried that before contacting you. How should I proceed?

Thank you.
Kal-D 3,185 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-20T16:17:50.2266667+00:00
Hi DJS,

Thank you for the update. That's excellent troubleshooting, and it tells us a lot. The fact that the error appears immediately and that you can't even access the settings confirms a deeper corruption or conflict.

Since Step 2 (new profile) didn't work, the issue is not with your profile data but with the core Outlook program or its interaction with the system. Let's proceed with more targeted steps.

First, let's reset Outlook's view with a simple command:

Please completely close Outlook.

Hold down the Windows key and press R on your keyboard. A small "Run" window will appear.

Carefully type this into the box: outlook.exe /cleanviews

Press Enter. Outlook will reopen. Please try to print an email now.

If that doesn't work, Let's try one more thing.

Next, let's see if an add-in is causing a conflict:

Close Outlook completely again.

Open the "Run" window again (Windows key + R).

This time, type: outlook.exe /safe

Press Enter. Outlook will open in "Safe Mode" (you'll see those words in the title bar).

Now, try to print an email in Safe Mode.

If it prints in Safe Mode: A third-party add-in is the culprit. Go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom, set "Manage" to COM Add-ins, click Go, and disable all. Restart normally and re-enable one by one to find the bad one.

If it fails in Safe Mode: The core installation is damaged. A full Online Repair is the required next step, even if attempted before. Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select your Microsoft Office, click Modify, and choose Online Repair.

Please give these two steps a try and let me know what happens.

Best Regards.
DJS 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T17:22:28.9133333+00:00

Hello, I've run cleanviews- it didn't work. Neither did opening in safe mode or doing the online repair.

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error message "problem with printer" in classic outlook

1 answer

Your answer