7 Methods to Fix a Printer That Won't Print
If your printer isn't working properly, it can cause decreased productivity and work delays. This article provides several methods to help you quickly fix printer issues and restore normal use.
Method 1: Check Physical Connections and Power
Ensure the power cable is securely plugged in and restart the printer.
For USB printers, check that the data cable is firmly connected, and try switching USB ports or using a different cable.
For network printers, confirm that the network connection is stable and check the cables or Wi-Fi signal.
Method 2: Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupt printer drivers may cause the printer to malfunction. We recommend using Driver Sentry to automatically detect and update drivers, saving time and avoiding the risk of downloading or installing incorrect drivers.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry. After installation, open the software and click "Scan".
Once the scan is complete, it will display which drivers need installation or updates. Find the printer driver in the results list and click the "Update" button.
After updating, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure the updated driver is fully effective.
Method 3: Adjust Printer Network Settings
Access the printer's control panel or use the printer management tool on your computer to find the printer's IP address. Ensure the IP address is within your network range and on the same subnet as your computer.
If the IP address is incorrect, you can manually update the network settings or reset the printer to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP mode). This will ensure the printer's network settings match your router and other devices.
After changing the network settings, restart the printer and ensure it successfully connects to your network. Test the connection status by printing a network test page or conducting a ping test.
Method 4: Reset Printer Settings
On the printer's control panel, find the "Settings" or "Tools" option.
Navigate to the "Reset" or "Restore Factory Settings" option. Follow the prompts to confirm and execute the reset.
After resetting, turn off and restart the printer. Note that this will erase all custom settings, so you may need to reconfigure the printer as needed.
Method 5: Check Printer Paper and Ink Cartridges
Open the printer's paper tray and ensure the paper is properly placed and not exceeding the load limit. Remove any paper jams and replace the paper if necessary.
Ensure that the ink or toner cartridges are not empty and are correctly installed. If ink or toner is low, the printer will display a warning. Replace the cartridges with new ones compatible with your printer.
While checking the cartridges, use the printer's cleaning function to clean the printhead to prevent print quality issues
Method 6: Check Print Queue and Clear Pending Tasks
In Windows, go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers", find your printer icon, right-click on it, and select "See what's printing".
Select all pending print jobs, right-click, and choose "Cancel" or "Delete". After clearing all tasks, restart the printer.
Make sure the printer is not set to "Pause Printing" or "Offline" mode. If it is, change it to "Online".
Method 7: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers & Scanners".
Scroll down to find and click "Run the troubleshooter". The system will automatically detect and fix any problems.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
By following these methods, you should be able to resolve most common printer issues. If the problem persists, consider contacting the printer manufacturer or professional technical support for further assistance.
See also:
7 Ways to Fix GTA 5 Constant Crashing on PC
How to Easily Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11
