Printer Not Printing Windows–Complete 2026 Troubleshooting Guide
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Printer Not Printing in Windows? How to Fix It
A printer that refuses to print disrupts home use, office tasks, school work, and business operations.
Printer problems in Windows often involve:
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Driver issues
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Print spooler errors
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Paper jams
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Network/WiFi problems
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Wrong printer selection
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Ink/toner or hardware faults
This detailed guide includes step-by-step troubleshooting for all major printer brands (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Samsung) and Windows systems.
1. Basic Checks (Start Here)
1.1 Ensure Printer Is ON
Check:
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Power light
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Display screen
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No blinking warning LEDs
1.2 Check Printer Connection
Depending on your setup:
USB Printer
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Cable firmly connected
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Try different USB port
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Try different cable
WiFi Printer
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Printer connected to same WiFi as laptop
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WiFi LED ON
Network Printer
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Ethernet cable connected properly
1.3 Check Paper Tray & Jam
Open printer panel → remove jammed paper
Ensure paper is loaded properly.
Ensure paper is loaded properly.
1.4 Select the Correct Printer
In Windows:
Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers
Choose your default printer.
Sometimes Windows selects:
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Fax
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Document Writer
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A different printer
2. Fix Print Queue Issues
2.1 Cancel All Print Jobs
Settings → Printers → Your printer → Open queue →
Right-click → Cancel All
Right-click → Cancel All
Stuck print jobs often block printing.
2.2 Restart Print Spooler (Highly Effective)
Open Run → type:
services.msc Find Print Spooler → Right-click → Restart
This clears:
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Queue errors
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Stuck jobs
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Spooler crashes
3. Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters →
Click Printer → Run
Click Printer → Run
Windows auto-fixes:
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Driver issues
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Connection problems
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Permission errors
4. Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
4.1 Automatic Update
Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates (printer drivers often appear here), or Device Manager → Print queues → your printer → Update driver
4.2 Full Driver Reinstallation
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Uninstall printer from Settings
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Remove drivers from Device Manager
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Reboot
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Install latest drivers from:
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HP Smart
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Canon IJ Setup
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Epson Website
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Brother Support
Brand-specific full drivers work better than built-in drivers.
5. Check Printer Status in Windows
If you see:
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Offline
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Paused
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Error
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Not Responding
Do this (for a printer that keeps showing Offline, see also our guide to troubleshooting the printer offline error):
5.1 Set Printer to Online
Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Right-click your printer →
Select Use Printer Online
Select Use Printer Online
5.2 Resume Printing
Right-click → Resume Printing
5.3 Clear Printer Pause Mode
Sometimes accidentally paused.
6. WiFi / Network Printer Fixes
6.1 Reconnect Printer to WiFi
Printers have:
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WiFi button
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Setup menu
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WPS option
Reconnect printer to MAIN WiFi network (not guest network).
6.2 Ensure Laptop Is on Same Network
Laptop and printer must use the same WiFi SSID.
6.3 Restart Router
Fixes IP conflict and DHCP issues.
6.4 Assign Static IP to Printer
Printers often become unreachable due to changing IP.
Set static IP via printer settings or router admin panel.
7. USB Printer Fixes
7.1 Try Different USB Port
Prefer USB 2.0 port for older printers.
7.2 Try Different USB Cable
Damaged cables cause:
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Offline error
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Printing stuck
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No response
7.3 Remove USB Hub
Connect printer directly to laptop. If no USB device works in that port, the port itself may be the problem - see USB ports not working on laptop.
8. Ink, Toner, and Hardware Fixes
8.1 Check Ink / Toner Levels
On the printer’s display or using printer software.
Low ink causes partial or no printing.
8.2 Clean Print Heads (Inkjet Printers)
From printer settings → Maintenance → Clean Print Heads
Fixes:
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Faded print
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Blank pages
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Streaks
8.3 Replace Toner/Cartridge
If cartridge is clogged or empty.
8.4 Check for Hardware Errors
On-screen warnings like:
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“Paper jam”
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“Cartridge missing”
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“Cover open”
Resolve these first.
9. Advanced Fixes
9.1 Disable VPN
VPN may block local network printers.
9.2 Check the Firewall or Security App
A third-party antivirus firewall can block network printer traffic. Rather than switching it off, allow the printer software or mark your home network as trusted in that app's settings. If you do turn protection off for a quick test, turn it straight back on afterwards.
9.3 Reset Printer to Factory Settings
Each brand has reset options.
Helpful for:
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WiFi issues
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Configuration errors
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Wrong network settings
9.4 Add Printer Manually
Settings → Printers → Add device → Add manually →
Select Add printer using TCP/IP address
Select Add printer using TCP/IP address
Enter printer’s IP.
10. When Printer Hardware Is Faulty
If nothing works, the issue may be hardware-related:
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Damaged print head
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Faulty sensor
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Broken paper roller
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WiFi module failure
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Faulty motherboard
Service center required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my printer showing Offline?
Usually the printer lost its connection (Wi-Fi changed, IP address changed, cable loose) or Use Printer Offline is ticked. Restart the printer and router, then check its status in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Why does my printer print blank pages?
On inkjets it is usually an empty cartridge or clogged print head - run the printer's head-cleaning tool. Also check that tape was removed from new cartridges.
Why do print jobs get stuck in the queue?
A corrupt job or a stuck Print Spooler service. Cancel all documents in the queue, then restart Print Spooler in services.msc.
Why won't my Wi-Fi printer connect?
It is often on a different network (such as guest Wi-Fi or a different band) from the PC, or its IP address changed. Reconnect it to the main network and add it again.
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