Particularly when you need to print crucial papers, a printer not printing might cause great trouble. Finding the correct fix is crucial whether your printer is malfunctioning because of a print queue error, driver failure, or a connectivity issue. This tutorial will walk over typical causes and efficient printer troubleshooting techniques to have your printer running once again.
Common Causes of a Printer Not Printing
Understanding why your printer not printing is the first step toward a solution. Some common causes include:
- Paper jams or low ink levels
- Connection issues (Wi-Fi or USB)
- Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
- Issues with the print queue
- Hardware malfunctions
Quick Fixes for Printer Not Printing Issues
Check Printer Connections
- Verify your printer’s USB or Wi-Fi connection is correct.
- Restart the computer and printer to re-fresh the connection.
- Verify that, should you be using a network printer, it is linked to the proper network.
Verify the Print Queue
A stuck print queue can prevent your documents from printing:
- Go to Control Panel Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your printer and select See what’s printing.
- Cancel all pending print jobs and try printing again.
Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
- Open Device Manager and locate your printer.
- Right-click and select Update Driver.
- If updating doesn’t work, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website.
Check Ink and Toner Levels
- Low ink or toner can cause a printer issue where it won’t print correctly.
- Check ink levels through the printer software.
- Replace empty cartridges if necessary.
Troubleshooting Wireless Printer Issues
If your printer not printing over Wi-Fi, follow these steps:
Reconnect the Printer to Wi-Fi
- Turn on your printer and router again.
- Reconnect using the control panel of the printer to your network.
- Verify the computer and printer are on the same network.
Run the Printer Troubleshooter
- On Windows, go to Settings Update Security Troubleshoot.
- Select Printer Troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
- On Mac, go to System Preferences Printers, Scanners and reset the printing system.
Set the Printer as Default
- Open Control Panel Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your printer and select Set as default printer.
Additional Fixes for Any Printer Issue
Restart the Spooler Service
A frozen print queue can cause printing failures:
- Open Run (Windows R), type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.
Check for Paper Jams
- Open the printer cover and check for stuck paper.
- Remove any debris carefully and reload the paper tray.
Reset the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it for a few minutes.
- Restart and try printing again.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your printer not printing despite trying all these printer troubleshooting steps, professional assistance may be needed.
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