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How to Troubleshoot Printer Issues in Windows 10
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Windows 10Printer IssuesTroubleshootingConnectivitySystemDevicesSettingsConfigurationSoftwarePerformance
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Dealing with printer problems can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need to print important documents on time. Fortunately, with Windows 10, many common printer problems can be resolved through a series of troubleshooting steps. From connectivity issues to driver problems, this guide covers a comprehensive approach to identifying and resolving printer problems in Windows 10.
1. Check the physical connection
The first step in troubleshooting printer problems in Windows 10 is to check the physical connection. First, make sure the printer is turned on and properly connected to your computer.
- Power Check: Confirm that the printer is plugged into a working outlet. Check if the printer's power indicator light is on.
- USB connection: If you're using a wired printer, make sure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer. Try using a different USB port if necessary.
- Wireless connection: If you have a wireless printer, make sure it's connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Run the printer's network setup to check or reset the connection if needed.
2. Set the printer as default
Sometimes, Windows 10 assigns the wrong default printer, causing print jobs to be sent to another printer. Make sure the correct printer is set as the default printing device.
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I and go to Devices.
- Click Printers & Scanners.
- From there, choose the printer you want and select Set as default.
3. Update or reinstall the printer driver
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause a number of problems. Updating or reinstalling the driver often resolves these issues.
- Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
- In Device Manager, expand the Printers category.
- Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the prompts to complete the update.
- If updates are not available, consider reinstalling the driver. Right-click the printer in Device Manager, click Uninstall device, and restart your computer. After restarting, Windows should attempt to reinstall the printer driver.
4. Run the printer troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a built-in printer troubleshooter that can automatically detect and resolve various problems.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Click Printer, and then click Run the troubleshooter.
- Select your printer from the list and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
5. Clear the print queue
A clogged print queue prevents new print jobs from being sent to the printer. Clear the queue to resume printing.
- Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your printer and select See what's printing.
- In the Print Queue window, select and clear all print jobs by going to Printer > Cancel All Documents.
6. Make sure the printer is online
Make sure the printer is set to online mode. Sometimes, the printer may inadvertently switch to offline mode.
- In Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your printer and make sure the 'Use printer offline' option is unchecked.
7. Check printer status and error messages
Check the printer's display or print status on the computer for error messages. Resolve any specific problems indicated by these messages.
8. Restart the Print Spooler service
The Print Spooler service manages print jobs in Windows. Sometimes, restarting it can fix printing problems.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Scroll down to find the Print Spooler service.
- Right-click on it and select Restart.
9. Check for network issues
If using a network printer, make sure that there is no problem disrupting network connectivity.
- Run network diagnostics through the Windows network troubleshooter.
- Check the router settings to make sure the network is working correctly.
10. Reinstall the printer
If the problem persists despite trying the previous steps, consider removing and reinstalling the printer on Windows 10.
- Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer and click Remove device.
- To reinstall, click Add a printer or scanner and follow the steps to reinstall your printer.
11. Temporarily disable VPN and firewall
In some cases, VPNs and firewalls can interfere with printer connectivity. Consider disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
Conclusion
Printer problems in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but many issues can be resolved through systematic troubleshooting. Make sure to methodically check each of the steps mentioned above - from verifying connections to restarting services and reinstalling drivers. By following these best practices, most printing problems can be resolved, ensuring that your printer functions efficiently and effectively.
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