Check for Basic Issues
If your printer is not printing, the first thing you should do is check for any basic issues that may be causing the problem. Start by making sure that the printer is properly connected to your computer or network. Check the cables to ensure they are securely plugged in. If you are using a wireless printer, verify that it is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Also, check if there are any error messages displayed on the printer’s control panel or on your computer screen.
Restart the Printer
One of the simplest solutions to fix a printer that is not printing is to restart the device. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait for a few minutes and then plug it back in. Power it on and try printing a test page. Sometimes, this simple restart can resolve any temporary issues or glitches that may be preventing the printer from working properly.
Check the Printer Settings
Incorrect printer settings can also be the reason behind a printer not printing. Open the Control Panel on your computer and navigate to the “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners” section. Locate your printer and right-click on it to access the printer properties. Ensure that the correct printer is selected as the default printer. Also, check if the printer is set to offline mode. If it is, right-click on the printer and select “Set as default printer” and uncheck the “Use Printer Offline” option.
Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can often cause printing issues. To fix this, update the printer drivers to the latest version. You can do this by visiting the printer manufacturer’s website and downloading the updated drivers compatible with your printer model. Install the drivers on your computer and restart both your computer and printer. If updating the drivers doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer drivers. This will ensure that you have a fresh and properly functioning set of drivers for your printer.
Clear Print Queue and Restart Print Spooler Service
If the printer’s print queue is overloaded with pending print jobs, it can prevent new print jobs from being processed. Clearing the print queue can help resolve this issue. Open the Control Panel on your computer and navigate to the “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners” section. Locate your printer and double-click on it to access the print queue. Delete all pending print jobs from the queue. Additionally, restarting the print spooler service can also help fix printing problems. Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key + R, then type “services.msc” and hit Enter. Locate the “Print Spooler” service, right-click on it, and select “Restart”.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix the printer not printing issue in most cases. However, if the problem persists, it is recommended to contact the printer manufacturer’s support or consult a professional technician for further assistance.
