When you create a document in Microsoft Word, the file is embedded with hidden metadata known as Document Properties. This includes the author’s name, the date the file was created, the total editing time, and the word count. By default, Word keeps this information strictly digital.
However, if you previously toggled a specific setting, Word will automatically print a separate, dedicated sheet of paper at the end of every single print job. This page contains nothing but a long list of the document’s hidden metadata. If you are printing a massive 50-page legal brief and Word wastes a sheet of paper at the very end just to tell you the author’s name, it wastes ink and paper.
You can force Word to stop physically printing the document properties page.
How to Stop Printing the Metadata Page
This behavior is controlled in the global Print Options menu.
- Open your document in Microsoft Word.
- Click on File in the top-left corner of the ribbon.
- Click on Options at the bottom of the left sidebar.
- In the Word Options window, select Display from the left-hand navigation pane.
- Scroll down the right pane until you reach the section labeled Printing options.
- Look for a checkbox labeled Print document properties.
- Ensure this box is unchecked.
- Click OK to save your changes.
From now on, when you press Ctrl+P to print your document, Word will only print the actual text and images contained within your file. The hidden metadata will remain securely embedded in the digital file, saving you an extra sheet of paper on every print job.