Fix: Printer Not Printing

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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

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.