How to fix “printer not working” issue on Windows 11/10

Do you know how to fix “printer not working” issue on Windows 11/10? Don’t worry! This guide will help you figure out what’s wrong with your printing without using a lot of technical terms. We’ll talk about common issues like loose connections and old drivers and give you easy, step-by-step instructions on how to fix your printer so it works again. So, get a coffee, bring out your inner tech geek, and let’s work together to solve this printing problem!

Just a few minutes of learning will help you figure out what’s wrong, fix it, and enjoy the satisfying sound of your printer humming and seeing your document come to life on paper. Goodbye, error messages and paper jams! Welcome to printer bliss! This easy-to-follow guide gives you the tools you need to get past problems without getting too complicated. You can now easily fix printer problems, making sure you have a smooth and enjoyable printing experience. Let us look at the ways how to fix “printer not working” issue on Windows 11/10.

What is “printer not working” issue

There are a number of reasons why your printer might not be working on Windows 11 or 10. Common problems include drivers that don’t work, software that is out of date, connection issues, or printer hardware that doesn’t work right. To fix this, check the manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to make sure that your printer drivers are up to date. Make sure the printer is connected, whether it’s via USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, to make sure the link is strong and stable.

Another good idea is to restart both the computer and the printer to make the settings work again. If the problem keeps happening, check the print queue for any jobs that need to be printed and delete them. Sometimes, problems are caused by damaged print spooler files. Resetting the print spooler can help fix this problem. Sometimes, third-party security software can get in the way of printing, so you might want to temporarily turn it off while you figure out what’s wrong.

Causes for “printer not working” issue

1. Problems with connections: The printer might not be hooked up right to the computer, or the USB wire could be broken.
2. Problems with the driver: If the printer drivers are out of date or don’t work with your computer, the printer might not work right.
3. Problems with power: If there isn’t enough power or there are problems with the power source, the printer might not work right.
4. Software Conflicts: Other programmes or software that you have loaded may not work well with the printer, making it not work.
5. Turn on the firewall and antivirus software: Setting up security software can sometimes stop the computer and printer from talking to each other.
6. Updates for the operating system: Recent updates or changes to the Windows operating system could make it less compatible with some printers.
7. Problems with the network: If the printer is linked to a network, issues with the network or router may make it work less well.
8. The printer’s default settings are: If the printer’s default choices are wrong, it might not print at all or make mistakes.

How to fix “printer not working” issue on Windows 11/10

Check the Basics

1. Ensure the printer is turned on and plugged in firmly.
2. Check if the printer has enough paper and ink.
3. Ensure the printer cable is securely connected to the computer. For wireless printers, confirm they’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Run the Printer Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
2. Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
3. Click on Printer and then Run the troubleshooter.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

1. Open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Expand Print queues.
3. Right-click your printer and select Update driver or Uninstall device. If you uninstall, restart your PC and let Windows reinstall the drivers automatically.

Restart the Print Spooler Service

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler, right-click, and select Stop.
3. After a few seconds, right-click again and select Start.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Locate your printer under “Print queues,” right-click, and select “Update driver.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
4. If the issue persists, right-click the printer, select “Uninstall device,” and reinstall the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Check for Printer-Specific Issues

1. Consult your printer manufacturer’s website.
2. Look for troubleshooting guides or software updates.
3. Ensure they are specific to your printer model.

Clear the Print Spooler

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
3. Locate the “Print Spooler” service, right-click it, and select “Stop.”
4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
5. Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder.
6. Go back to Services, right-click on “Print Spooler,” and select “Start.”

Conclusion

A simple step-by-step guide can help you fix printer issues on Windows 11/10. To begin, make sure that everything is in order by checking the basics like paper and cords. Next, make sure that your printer drivers are up to date or reinstalled so that they work well with your computer. If the print spooler is giving you trouble, try restarting it or emptying the print queue. Additionally, make sure that your printer is set as the primary device and print a test page.

Use the Windows Troubleshooter, a tool that comes with your computer that can find and fix different printer problems, if the problem doesn’t go away. It’s possible that your printer needs a software update in order to work right. You can fix the “printer not working” problem on your Windows 11 or 10 computer by carefully following these steps. Troubleshooting and fixing common printer problems can be done easily by following these steps.

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