On Windows 11, Network printers let you share a single printer across multiple devices seamlessly and with enhanced control. Thanks to full-on customization and a wide range of features, the latest iteration of Windows ensures you stay in complete control of your network printers and fine-tune them to deliver the best for you.
For all being so neat and efficient, they tend to encounter driver conflicts, connectivity issues, and frustrating configuration problems once in a while, derailing your ongoing work. At times, the printer fails to show up. At other times, it seems to be entirely broken and doesn’t respond at all. Worse, on a few occasions, it prints in a rather botched-up manner. Regardless of what sort of issue has troubled you, these are the 16 most effective solutions to fix Windows 11 network printer problems and annoying errors. Read on to…
Fix Windows 11 Network Printer Problems/Errors
They say, “Old habit dies hard.” But there is no harm in living and loving the habits that keep bringing life back to you like a true savior. You guessed it! Keeping with my age-old trend, I’d like to first line up all the noted culprits that tend to make the Windows 11 network printer malfunction and cause it to throw all sorts of tantrums. Take a look:
- Printer spooler issues
- Network connection failure
- Incorrect IP settings
- Outdated printer drivers
- Firewall blocking printer
- Misconfigured printer sharing
- Stuck print queue
- Windows update conflicts
- Disabled network discovery
- SNMP settings disabled
- Third-party software interference
- Corrupt system files
To me, never ever attempt to fix a problem unless you have a crystal clear idea about what triggers it. With a fair understanding of the trouble-makers, let’s look for viable solutions to resolve the issue and restore the much-needed life to your beloved network printer – before long.
1. Restart Your PC
Credit where credit is due; rebooting has long been my go-to savior in fixing the miscellaneous software glitches. So, I would like to stay true to this good habit and hope that it manages to live up to the expectations once again.
2. Restart the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler service allows you to take control of the print jobs and communication between the PC and printer. However, if it crashes or becomes unresponsive, your network printer may start malfunctioning – out-of-the-blue. Therefore, I’d recommend you restart the service in order to wipe out the stuck print jobs and restore the normal operation on your Windows device.
- On your Windows 11 device, open Run using Win + R > type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Scroll down to find Print Spooler and right-click it.
- Choose Restart in the menu.
- However, if it’s not running, make sure to right-click and select Start.
- Then, you need to set the Startup type to Automatic.
- After that, restart your computer and see if the network printer is working.
3. Check Network Connectivity
Bear in mind that a strong and stable connection between the PC and the network printer is a must for smooth and seamless functionality. Random connection issues owing to incorrect IP settings, weak signals, or firewall interference can cause your printer to misbehave.
- To get going, launch the Settings app using Win + I and head over to Network & Internet.
- Now, find out if the PC is connected to the correct Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
- Then, run the Network Troubleshooter under Advanced network settings.
- If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure both the PC and printer are connected to the same network.
- And, if you are using Ethernet, be sure to confirm the cable is securely plugged into the router and printer.
4. Re-add the Network Printer
Note that the wrongly configured printer entry is also equally responsible for the frustrating connectivity issues. Removing and re-adding the printer helps Windows to detect it properly.
- Open the Settings app on your device > Dive into Bluetooth & devices.
- Go to Printers & scanners.
- Choose the network printer in question and click Remove device.
- After that, click Add device and then make sure to wait for a few seconds to let Windows detect the printer.
- If the printer is not found, click Add manually and input its IP address.
- Next up, make sure to complete the setup and try printing a test page.
5. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a built-in Printer Troubleshooter designed to identify and fix common issues. It lets you reset configurations – wiping out print queues, and resolving driver conflicts.
- Open Settings on your Windows device and navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down to locate the Printer and click on the Run button next to it.
- As usual, go through the on-screen instructions and apply the suggested fixes.
- Reboot the PC and check if the printer is live and kicking.
For a network printer to be accessible from multiple devices, make sure you have shared it perfectly. If you have deactivated the printer sharing (whether intentionally or by accident), other PCs on the network will fail to detect it.
- Fire up the Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on the network printer and choose Printer properties.
- Select the Sharing tab and check Share this printer.
- After that, click Apply > OK > Then, restart your printer and PC.
7. Disable Firewall or Security Software Temporarily
Keep a close eye on your mighty firewalls and security shields as they could be blocking the communication between your PC and printer. Temporarily turn them off to help determine if they are interfering with printing.
- Open Windows Security Settings > Privacy & security) and navigate to Firewall & network protection.
- Select the Active network and click Turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall.
- If you are using a third-party security software, temporarily disable it from its settings.
- Now, try printing again. If it is able to work without any glitches, be sure to add the printer as an exception in the firewall settings.
8. Check the Printer’s IP Address
Did you know that the printers assigned dynamic IP addresses may change over time, which can cause connection issues? Assigning a static IP can let you keep the disruptions at a fair distance.
- To get going, print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel.
- Next up, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Now, choose the printer and click Printer properties.
- Head into Ports and select Add Port > Standard TCP/IP Port.
- Input the printer’s static IP, and save.
- Eventually, restart your printer and PC, then test the connection.
9. Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can plague proper communication with the network printer. Reinstalling drivers helps get rid of the compatibility issues.
- Open Device Manager using Win + X > expand Print queues > Then, right-click the network printer > Choose Uninstall device.
- Head over to the printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.
- After that, install the drivers and restart the PC.
- Then, add the printer again and test its functionality.
10. Check the Printer Queue and Clear Stuck Jobs
Keep in mind that the print jobs stuck in the queue can work as an endless roadblock for new print requests. Clearing the queue allows you to flush out the pending tasks and restore normal printing.
- Open Run > type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Go to Print Spooler > right-click on it > Stop.
- Open File Explorer and head over to:makefileCopyEdit
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS - Now, delete all files in this folder.
- Go back to the Services section, right-click Print Spooler, and choose Start in the menu.
11. Ensure Network Discovery is Enabled
If network discovery is inactive on your PC, Windows will not be able to detect shared printers on the network.
- Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings on the left.
- Under Private, enable Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
- In the end, click Save changes and restart your Windows 11 device.
12. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicts
Third-party applications and startup services might be in direct conflict with printer functionality. A clean boot can let you isolate the conflicting programs and nab the culprits.
- Open Run > type
msconfig, and press Enter. - Head into the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click on the Disable all button.
- Launch the Task Manager and turn off all startup programs under the Startup tab.
- Restart the PC and check if your printer has begun to show love again. If it works, be sure to re-enable services one by one in order to spot the culprit.
13. Check Windows Update for Printer Fixes
More often than not, Windows updates come loaded with fixes and performance boosters which might just be the remedy your PC is looking for.
- To update your PC, fire up Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates.
14. Manually Install Printer Using TCP/IP Port
If Windows is unable to detect the network printer, I’d suggest you manually add it with the help of its IP address in order to facilitate direct communication.
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer > The printer I want isn’t listed.
- Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname > input the printer’s IP address and run through the installation process following the instructions.
15. Enable SNMP in Printer Settings
SNMP aka Simple Network Management Protocol enables Windows to communicate with network printers. If it has been turned off, your printer may not respond.
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers and right-click the printer.
- In the menu, choose Printer properties and click Ports.
- Choose the active printer port and select Configure Port.
- Be sure that the SNMP Status Enabled is checked > Hit OK > Restart the printer and your Windows PC.
15. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults
Configuration errors in the printer settings can invoke network issues. Resetting the printer allows you to restore its default settings, removing the misconfigurations.
- Bring up the printer’s menu from its control panel.
- Dive into Settings > Restore Defaults or Reset Settings.
- Now, make sure to confirm the reset and restart the printer.
- Next up, fine-tune your network settings and reconnect the printer.
Wrapping up…
That’s all there is to it! I guess your network printer has eventually come back on track and so has the seamless printing on your Windows device. Let me know the tips that have brought your printer back to life again.
