PRINTERS

How to fix a printer that will not print in Windows

Start with power, paper and the connection. Most home-printer issues can be found without reinstalling everything.

“Offline,” “not found” and stuck print jobs can have different causes. Work through the checks below before changing printer drivers.

Before you begin: check the printer display for a paper jam, open cover, low ink or toner message. Fix that message first.

1. Restart the printer properly

Turn the printer off and unplug it. Wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and turn it on. For a USB printer, check that the cable is secure at both ends and try another USB port if one is available.

2. Check the Wi‑Fi network

For a wireless printer, make sure the printer and your PC are connected to the same home network. This matters in homes with extenders, guest networks or more than one Wi‑Fi name. Use the printer’s own connection test or status page if it has one.

3. Run Windows’ printer help

On Windows 11, search for Get Help and run the printer troubleshooter. It can check common connection and queue problems. Follow any repair it suggests, then try printing a small test page.

4. Clear the right print job

Open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners. Select your printer, then open its print queue. Cancel only the documents that are stuck. Do not repeatedly press Print, as that can create many duplicate jobs.

5. Remove and re-add the printer

In Printers & scanners, select the printer and choose Remove. Restart the PC, return to the same page and choose Add device. For a printer that Windows cannot find, select Add manually and use the manufacturer’s official instructions.

6. Check the manufacturer’s official support page

Only download an updated driver or setup tool from the printer maker’s official website. Match it to the exact printer model and your version of Windows. Avoid third-party driver download sites.

When to stop: repeated paper jams, unusual noises, streaked output after a new cartridge, or a hardware error shown on the printer itself may need manufacturer support or a repair.