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This article will show you how to Fix “Error Printing” Message issue on Windows 11/10. Most offices, schools, banks, and other places use printers and scanners. This makes it easier to print and scan documents for many different reasons. Many Windows users have been having problems lately when they try to print something from their printer on their Windows system. The error printing message made it so they couldn’t print anything. When they just say “print,” it doesn’t print the document. Instead, it gives an error message.
When you upgrade to the new Windows 10 operating system, it can cause your computer to have problems and errors. Errors and problems like incompatibility, problems with updating and upgrading, and more. There are also times when the graphics card, network devices, or other drives don’t work right. Even though Windows 10 is a good operating system, errors can happen, like when you try to print something and get a “Error Printing” message. In this latest part of our troubleshooting series, we’ll show you how to Fix “Error Printing” Message issue on Windows 11/10.
What is the “Error Printing” message issue?
Most of the time, the Error Printing message is caused by a connection that isn’t tight enough or by old printer drivers. There is a chance that an error code will be shown along with this dialog box, but there is also a chance that there won’t be one. It’s possible that your Printer Spool service got too many bad files and shut down, stopped working normally, or didn’t start up at all.
This service stopped working because there was bad data in the spool or the printing tray. When you send your print job to the printer, the task calls the printing pool service and adds your document to the queue. The chosen printer will then take over and finish printing on the piece of paper. Depending on the hardware you’re using, the data needed to print is sent through a USB, Wifi, or any other cable.
What are the causes of the “Error Printing” message issue?
- Printer Offline: The printer might be turned off, disconnected from the computer, or experiencing a connectivity issue.
- Paper Jams: A paper jam inside the printer can trigger an error message. You should check the printer for any stuck paper and clear the jam if necessary.
- Printer Queue Issues: Sometimes, print jobs get stuck in the print queue, causing subsequent jobs to fail. Clearing the print queue and restarting the printing process can resolve this.
- Driver Problems: Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can lead to printing errors. Ensure that you have the correct and up-to-date printer drivers installed for your operating system.
- Hardware Problems: There could be hardware issues with the printer itself, such as a malfunctioning print head, sensor, or other components. These issues may require professional repair.
- Low Ink or Toner: Running out of ink or toner can prevent the printer from producing quality prints or printing at all. Replace empty cartridges if necessary.
Fix: “Error Printing” Message issue on Windows 11/10
Restart the printer spool service and clear printing tasks

- Press Windows/Start key + R to open the Run window.
- At the prompt, type “services.msc” to open the Services window.
- Scroll down the alphabetical list in the right window pane to the entry named “Print Spooler.”
- Right-click on this entry and select “stop.” This will stop the computer running the process that holds the print queue.
- With this window open, click “Start” again, then click “My Computer” to open a Windows Explorer window.
Update your USB drivers
- Press the Windows key and the letter R to bring up the Run box.
- In the Run box, type devmgmt.msc and then press Enter. If you are asked for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password or click Allow.
- Expand in Device Manager. Controllers for Universal Serial Bus.
- Find the driver for your USB port. It is often called a chipset or controller. Ignore the drivers that have names like mass storage, generic USB, etc.
- Right-click on your USB controller driver and click “Update driver software.”
- When the next window pops up, choose “Search automatically for updated drivers” (connect to the internet to get the latest drivers).
- Wait for the process to finish, then click OK.
Clear the Print Queue
- Open Control Panel and click “View devices and printers.”
- In the Printers section, you can see all the printers you have connected, both old and new.
- Right-click on the active printer and then click the “See what’s printing” option.
- Here, you can see all jobs that are waiting to be printed. To get rid of all documents that need to be printed, click “Printer” from the menu, and then click “Cancel All Documents.”
Troubleshoot your printer
- Press the Windows key and the letter R to bring up the Run box.
- In the Run box, type control, and then press Enter.
- In the Control Panel Search box, type troubleshooter, then click Troubleshooting.
- Click “use a printer” under “Hardware and Sound.” If you are asked to enter an administrator password or provide confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Press Next and let the troubleshooter look for problems. Fix any new issues that come up.
Conclusion
Now, what happens on Windows 10/11 is that the user sometimes gets an error called “error printing.” This message is also shown in the printer queue, and it stops all the jobs from printing. The printing process is a little more complicated than we think because it needs a lot of different parts. Before the documents can be printed, the spooling and printing service needs to be up and running. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.
Questions and Answers
If the status of your printer says “Printer in error state,” there may be something wrong with the printer. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to your PC via Wi-Fi or a cable. Check to see if it’s out of paper or ink and make sure the cover is closed and the paper isn’t stuck.
Changes to the print components in Windows 11 version 22H2 change how Windows machines talk to each other when printing or doing other print-related tasks. For example, the changes take effect when you print to a printer that is shared by a print server or another computer on the network.
Use the “Printer” troubleshooter to fix a printer that doesn’t work on Windows 11. You can also fix most problems by removing and reinstalling the printer driver. You can also check the physical connection, change the settings, or reset the spooler.
An HP printer can also go into an error state if its printer driver is out of date or broken. You need to update the HP printer driver to fix this problem. Go to the HP website and look for the most recent printer driver for your model of printer. Get the driver and put it on your computer.