Introduction
It’s frustrating when your printer stops printing—especially when you're on a deadline. Whether it’s an HP, Canon, or Epson printer, this guide will walk you through all the steps to identify and fix the issue.
Common Reasons Your Printer Won’t Print
- Printer is offline or disconnected
- Outdated or incorrect printer drivers
- Print queue is jammed with old jobs
- Low ink or toner levels
- Paper jam or empty paper tray
- USB/Wi-Fi connection issue
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Check Physical Connections
Make sure the power cable and USB (or Wi-Fi) connection is intact. Try reconnecting the USB cable or restarting your router.
2. Restart Your Devices
Turn off your printer and computer. Wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on. This often clears temporary glitches.
3. Set the Printer as Default
Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Right-click your printer and select “Set as default.”
4. Clear the Print Queue
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Open your printer’s queue and cancel any stuck jobs.
5. Reinstall or Update Drivers
Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Epson). Remove the old printer and reinstall it using updated software.
6. Run the Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Click on “Printer” and run the troubleshooter.
When to Call Support
If your printer still doesn’t print after these steps, it may be a hardware fault. Contact manufacturer support for repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Most printer issues are software or connection related. By following the steps above, you should be able to resolve 90% of printing problems without needing a technician.