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.