Here are 10 things to do when your printer won’t print

There are many types of printer malfunctions. Some of these problems can be fixed easily. How to fix printer problems It can cause headaches, especially on Windows devices. There are many things that could go wrong.

Problems could arise from either your printer, PC or both. The tutorial outlines ten common troubleshooting methods for printers that don’t print.

1. Check Paper Tray and Printer Connection

Printer models that aren’t connected to the internet or out of ink and paper will not print. Check the ink level of your printer, clean it, refill the tray with paper, and don’t use substandard papers. A low-quality printer can lead to problems Ghost Paper Jams, and other issues This will stop the printer printing documents.

If your printer uses a wired connection ensure that both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the printer and computer. For instructions on how to connect the printer to your Windows computer or Mac, refer the manual.

If you connect to the wrong Wi Fi network, wireless printers will not print documents. Check that your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Also, make sure to check the router settings and disable VPN connections. Finally, set your printer’s IP address as static. See our tutorial troubleshooting Wi-Fi (wireless) printers For more solutions.

2. Troubleshooting a Printer

Windows provides a range of tools to help you troubleshoot and fix hardware and software issues. Before you try other complicated measures, we recommend that the Printer Troubleshooter be run.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > and select Printers & scanners.

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

2. Choose the printer you are interested in from the available options.

Note: Our team can help you if the status of your printer is offline Troubleshooting guide for getting your offline printer online . . If your printer is connected, you can proceed to the next step.

3. Select Run the troubleshooter Under the “Printer Settings” tab.

Another way to troubleshoot your printer in Windows 11 is by going to the Printer Troubleshooter. Visit Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters Choose and Run Next to “Printer.”

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot Choose and Additional troubleshooters > Printer > and select Run the troubleshooter.

Allow the troubleshooter time to perform the required checks on the printer’s drivers and any other related processes.

3. Change the default printer setting

Windows includes a feature that changes the default printing device of your computer dynamically based upon your geographic location. It is almost perfect but it does not guarantee success. You might have an inactive printing device, which could explain why your PC isn’t printing documents.

MacOS will also make the printer you have connected your Mac as its default printer. Make sure you have the printer selected as the default device in your computer’s settings.

In Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, Set as default button.

For Mac computers, visit System Preferences > Printers & Scanners on Mac computers, Set default printer. Default printer Select the printer you want to use as your default from the drop-down men.

4. Get rid of the print queue in your computer

The computer will first transmit the “print jobs” to the printer queue before you can send the document. Once the document has been printed by the printer, it is removed immediately from the print queue. While it’s generally a smooth process, sometimes print jobs are not completed.

If this happens, any subsequent print jobs that are in queue will be stuck and your printer won’t be able to print files. Clearing your computer’s print queue It might be possible to solve the problem.

Clear Print Queue in Windows

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & scanners > Printers & scanners Select your printer.

2. Select Open print queue.

3. Select Printer Select the option you want from the menu Cancel All Documents.

4. Select Yes Follow the prompts to confirm.

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Print any page or document and then check to see if the issue has been resolved by clearing the print queue. Select the appropriate option from the Printer menu Print test page.

Refer to this page if you have not received your completed documents yet Troubleshooting guide for deleting print jobs stuck in Windows.

Clear Print Queue in macOS

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & scanners, Open Print Queue.

2. Select the x icon You can also click on the Print Jobs in Progress to Remove them From the Queue.

5. Install the latest printer driver

If your printer’s driver is outdated or corrupt, it may not be able to print from your computer. Windows will automatically update your driver, but there are some things that can prevent this from happening (e.g., metered internet connections). This article will show you how to manually download a driver via the internet or your computer.

Download the most current driver update for your model printer from the printer manufacturer’s site. Connect the printer to the computer, and then follow these steps.

1. Right-click the Start Menu Or press the Windows key + X Click here to access the Quick Access Menu Please select Device Manager Continue readin.

2. Expand the “Printers,” right-click the printer driver and then select Update driver.

3. Select Search automatically for drivers Wait for Windows to find the right driver for your printer. This process will require an internet connection. Make sure your computer is connected to either a Wi Fi or Ethernet network.

Alternatively, select Browser my computer for drivers You can manually install the driver that you have downloaded from your printer manufacturer’s site. After that, you can choose to Browse, Next You can install the update.

It is a good idea to set Windows up to automatically download driver files for your printer, particularly if it’s connected via a metered network.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners Click on the toggle button Download drivers and device software over metered connections.

For confirmation, verify that your device manager says your printer driver is updated. The driver history will be available in the Download, Software or Drivers section of your printer manufacturer’s site. If you have any questions about how to update the driver for your printer, please contact the manufacturer.

6. Reboot Your Devices

Re-establishing a connection between your printer or computer may be possible by power-cycling them. Your printer’s power cord should be unplugged and your computer turned off. Make sure to close all open documents and apps so that any saved changes are not lost.

Start both devices again, then connect the printer to your computer and verify that you are able to print documents.

7. Reinstall Printer Driver

If your printer is experiencing problems, you can reinstall the corrupted or faulty driver. This operation is described below Deletion and uninstallation of the printer drivers, Start your computer again and then install the printer from scratch. You should note that any settings or preferences you have made to the printer may be affected by this process.

1. Type device manager Use Windows Search to search for and choose Device Manager.

2. Expand the section “Printer”, right-click on the driver for the printer, and select Uninstall device, Click on Uninstall to close the pop-up.

It is also advisable to delete the printer from your personal computer’s memory.

3. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners, Remove button.

4. Select Yes Follow the prompts to confirm.

Start Windows, and then reconnect your printer to the computer. Windows will automatically install the driver for your printer when it connects with your computer.

8. The Printer Spooler should be restarted

Printer Spooler, the Windows system service, manages print jobs and printers on Windows. System glitches that are temporary can be fixed This can have an impact on the performance of the Printer Spooler Print-related issues can be caused by this. The service may be restored to its normal state by restarting the print-spooler servic.

1. Click on the Windows Run Box (press) Windows key + R), type services.msc Press the “OK” button in the dialog box Enter.

2. Right-click Printer Spooler Choose and Restart.

9. Keep your computer up-to-date

Windows Updates is not just for the purpose of fixing bugs in software, but it also provides updates to outdated and buggy drivers. You can find the Windows Updates menu to install the latest Windows builds or security updates for your system.

In Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update Allow Windows to wait until the update is available. Windows may ask you to reboot your computer after downloading the update. Please select Restart now You can update your computer and restart it.

Windows 10: Head to Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update Choose and Check for updates. . You should ensure that your computer is connected to the internet.

In macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Updates Choose and Update Now (or Upgrade Now).

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10. Run the Printer’s Utility Software

HP has an Utility to scan and print documents HP Smart for Mac can help diagnose issues with HP printers. It can identify empty ink cartridges as well as outdated driver software and blockages, errors with print feeds, blocked nozzles, and other problems.

Samsung Printer Experience The utility which manages Samsung printers. There are many guides that can help you troubleshoot printing issues on Samsung printers. There are many ways to get help with printing problems on Samsung printers Canon Inkjet Print Utility Canon inkjet printers also have this feature.

Install the utility software for your printer on your computer. Then, follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Take note of the physical indicators

There are status lights on printers that show error codes. These LEDs indicate the source of problems with printing. For more information on error codes, including their meanings and solutions, refer to the instructions manual for your printer. If the problem persists, please contact your printer manufacturer.