Understanding Printer Issues: A guide to troubleshooting your printer
Printers can be frustrating when they don’t work. You send a print job, and then the printer simply won’t print. Whether it’s a wireless or wired network printer, a multifunction printer or scanner/photocopier/fax machine combo, or even an old-fashioned printer attached to a single computer, there can be a variety of reasons why a printer unexpectedly prints, stops printing, or simply won’t print at all. Fortunately, we’ve compiled some troubleshooting techniques to help you take control of your printer.
Step 1: Check the Printer’s Connections’
Check all printer cables; make sure they’re securely plugged in. If cables appear to be perfectly connected, disconnect them and reconnect them just to be safe.
Step 2: Rebooting Your Printer
A simple printer reset, which essentially power-cycles the printer, can fix many printer-related problems. Turning off the printer, unplugging it, and then plugging it back in is the best way to do this. Wait at least 30 seconds until you turn it back on.
Step 3: Check Your Printer’s Paper and Ink
Make sure that the paper trays are correctly filled with paper. Check for jammed paper in the roller, too. In addition, look at the ink cartridges. If they’re empty, replace them.
Step 4: Software Issues
Check your computer for driver updates. An outdated driver is a frequent cause of printing issues. You may use the printer software incorporated with your printer to check for and install driver updates. Also, double-check if your printer has been designated as the default printer on your computer’s printing management page. If it doesn’t, simply click on the printer’s name and select “Set as default.”
Step 5: Contact the Printer Manufacturer
If none of the previous steps solve your printer issues, it’s time to contact the manufacturer of your printer. They will have dedicated support professionals to assist you with fixes, replacement parts, and other similar concerns.
