Use Background Printing for More Flexibility

When I have a big print job running, I often have to wait until it’s done before I can return to work on the computer. My system has plenty of memory. Why can’t it do both jobs simultaneously?

I don’t think it’s a memory problem. It sounds like you have the Background printing option off. That printing control is a handy Word feature, but it’s not for everyone and it’s not to be used all the time. If you want a large print job to have the highest priority so it gets done as fast as possible, turn off Background printing . But turn it on if the ability to keep working is your priority.

You won’t notice the difference if a print job is small, but if you’re printing lots of pages and are in a hurry, be sure the option is turned off.

Here’s how to access the control: Click on Tools , Options and then the Print tab. Most people leave it on and then cancel it only when faced with a major printing task.