Printer Troubleshooting
Printer issues can come from the printer itself, the computer, the network or a stalled print queue. Start with simple checks before reinstalling software or resetting the printer.
Printer shows as offline
- Confirm the printer is powered on and has no paper, ink, toner or display warnings.
- For USB printers, reconnect the cable and try a different USB port if available.
- For wireless printers, confirm the printer and computer are connected to the intended network.
- In Windows printer settings, check the selected printer and whether offline mode or pause printing is enabled.
A print job is stuck in the queue
Cancel the stuck job from the print queue, then restart the printer and try a one-page test. If the queue will not clear, restart the computer before using more advanced print spooler steps. Do not delete unrelated system files while clearing a queue.
Printer not detected or driver error
Install drivers from the printer manufacturer’s official support page for the exact model and operating system. If a printer was recently moved to a new Wi-Fi network, reconnect it to that network before reinstalling it on the computer.
Wireless printing checklist
- Check whether the printer is connected to the same local network as the computer.
- Restart the router only if doing so will not interrupt other important work.
- Check the printer’s network status page or display for its connection state.
- Test printing from another device to help separate printer issues from computer issues.
Also check our Wi-Fi and internet troubleshooting guide if multiple devices are having connection trouble.