Printer Not Printing (Printer Issues)
You sent a document to print, but nothing happens – no output, maybe an error message, or the printer status shows "Offline." Printers can be temperamental, but most issues are fixable.
Why It Happens
Common printer issues include lack of connectivity (the computer can't talk to the printer), the printer being set to "Offline" mode, a paper jam, or low ink/toner. Sometimes the print job gets stuck in the queue due to a glitch. If it's a network or wireless printer, it might have lost its connection to the network.
Most common causes:
- • Connectivity issues (USB loose, Wi-Fi disconnected)
- • Printer set to "Offline" mode
- • Paper jams or empty paper tray
- • Low or empty ink/toner cartridges
- • Print jobs stuck in queue
- • Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
- • Network connectivity issues for wireless printers
How to Fix It
Step 1: Check the Basics
These might sound obvious, but power or paper issues can make a printer unresponsive:
- • Is the printer turned on and showing no error lights?
- • Is there paper in the tray?
- • Are the ink or toner cartridges not empty?
- • Check for any error messages on the printer display
Step 2: Check Connections
Ensure the printer can communicate with your computer:
- • For USB printers: Check cable is firmly plugged in
- • For wireless printers: Verify Wi-Fi light is on and connected
- • Try using a different USB port or cable if available
Step 3: Check Printer Status
Make sure Windows recognizes your printer and it's not offline:
- 1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
- 2. Find your printer and click on it
- 3. Make sure "Use Printer Offline" is NOT checked
- 4. Verify you're printing to the correct printer
Step 4: Clear Print Queue
Cancel any stuck print jobs that might be blocking new ones:
- 1. Open your printer queue (double-click printer in Settings)
- 2. Select any pending print jobs
- 3. Right-click and choose "Cancel" to clear them
- 4. Try printing again after clearing the queue
Step 5: Handle Paper Jams
If a paper jam is indicated on the printer display:
- 1. Turn off the printer completely
- 2. Open the printer's access panels (check manual for location)
- 3. Gently remove jammed paper by pulling in direction of paper path
- 4. Check for any torn pieces and remove them
- 5. Close panels and turn printer back on
Warning: Never force paper out. Pull gently and in the direction it would normally travel.
Step 6: Restart Everything
Power cycling often resets connections and clears glitches:
- 1. Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30 seconds
- 2. Restart your computer
- 3. For network printers, restart your Wi-Fi router too
- 4. Plug in and turn on the printer
- 5. Try printing a test page
Step 7: Reinstall Printer Drivers (If Issues Persist)
If nothing prints at all, the driver might be corrupted:
- 1. Go to Settings > Printers & scanners
- 2. Click your printer and choose "Remove"
- 3. Download latest driver from manufacturer's website
- 4. Install the new driver or let Windows re-detect the printer
How to Prevent It
Keep Drivers Updated
Keep your printer's drivers updated to ensure compatibility with your computer's OS. Windows Update often provides driver updates, or check the manufacturer site periodically.
Maintain Good Connectivity
- • For wireless printers, ensure strong Wi-Fi signal or Ethernet connection
- • Place printer close enough to router for stable connection
- • Use quality USB cables for wired connections
Regular Maintenance
- • Print a test page regularly to prevent ink cartridges from drying out
- • Use good quality paper to avoid jams (avoid bent or damp paper)
- • Keep printer in dust-free, stable environment
- • Know that printers may appear offline if in deep sleep - press power to wake
Printer Still Not Working?
If your printer continues to have issues after trying these solutions, it might be a hardware problem or require professional diagnosis and repair.