Easy Steps to Fix Your Printer When It Won't Print

Troubleshooting a Printer That Won't Print

Check Basic Things
- Make sure the printer is on and plugged in.
- Load paper if needed and check if there’s enough ink or toner.
Look for Error Messages
- Check the printer’s screen for any flashing lights or messages that could indicate a problem.
- If the printer is on Wi-Fi, make sure it’s connected to the network (often shown on the screen).
Restart the Printer and Computer
- Turn off both the printer and computer, wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on.
- Try printing again to see if this fixes the issue.
Check for Stuck Print Jobs
- Go to your printer settingson the computer:
  - On Windows, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  - On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Double-click your printer to see if any jobs are stuck in the queue. If there are, clear them all, and try printing again.
Make Sure It’s the Default Printer
- In the printer settings (as described above), right-click your printer and choose “Set as Default Printer.” This makes sure your print job goes to the correct printer.
Update the Printer Software
- Go to the printer’s website and find the Support or Downloads section.
- Download any updates for your printer model, follow the instructions to install, and try printing again.
Try the Printer Troubleshooter (Windows Only)
- In Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, look for Printer Troubleshooter. Click it, and it may detect and fix the problem.
Check Wi-Fi Connection (for Wi-Fi printers)
- Make sure your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- If you can print from another computer, the problem might be specific to your computer.
Get Help
- If it’s still not printing, contact IT support and let them know what you tried and any error messages you saw.