Having rebooted your PC, you have brought up the printer to kickstart the usual printing process. But much to your surprise, your Windows 11 printer is not responding, failing to print, or showing unexpected errors. Bother not! This issue could be due to a number of factors including the corrupted drivers and ill-fated connection. Taking the usual suspects for a task, I’m going to discuss a variety of reliable ways to fix the printer issue on Windows 11 and restore its full functionality.
Fix Windows 11 Printer Not Working
What cripples the printer on your Windows device? When dealing with this problem, you need to take note of the following antagonists –
- Faulty connection
- Outdated drivers
- Print spooler issues
- Incorrect settings
- Paper jams
- Low ink/toner
- Windows update errors
- Firewall blockage
- Software conflicts
- Hardware failure
More often than not, you can resolve the printer’s malfunction by fixing software conflicts, paper jams, and corrupted drivers. So, we are going to try all the possible ways to flush out these culprits and other roadblocks.
1. Check Printer Connections
Before moving any further, I’d recommend you check your printer connections and ensure that they are securely connected.
- If you are using a USB printer, make sure to disconnect and reconnect the cable to a different USB port.
- And, if you are using a wireless printer, be sure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.
- After that, you have to restart both the printer and the PC to refresh the connection.
- Then, you have to run the built-in Windows Printer Troubleshooter (Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Run the troubleshooter).
2. Set Printer as Default
Another important thing that you should do without fail is to ensure that your Windows is not sending the print job to a different or offline printer.
- On your Windows device, fire up the Settings app > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Now, click on your printer name and ensure it is set as default.
- If “Let Windows manage my default printer” is active, disable it and manually set the printer as default.
3. Check Printer Status & Paper Tray
It’s worth pointing out that if your printer is out of paper, faced with paper jam issue, or is low on ink/toner, it will fail to print.
- To get it done, launch the printer lid and check for paper jams.
- After that, you need to remove any stuck paper carefully.
- Next up, make sure there is enough paper in the tray.
- Up next, check the ink or toner levels in the printer software and replace cartridges if needed.
4. Clear Print Queue
Be warned that the stuck print job can block the queue, blocking the path of new documents.
- On your PC, launch the Settings app > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Now, select your printer and click Open print queue.
- Next, right-click stuck print jobs > select Cancel all documents, and restart the Print Spooler service
5. Enable Printer Sharing (For Network Printers)
Keep in mind that if the printer is shared over a network, the wrongly configured sharing settings may create unexpected errors.
- To activate the printer sharing, launch the Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
- Under Private (current profile), make sure that the File and printer sharing is turned on.
6. Ensure Windows Firewall or Network Settings Aren’t Blocking the Printer
Ensure that your firewall or network settings are not preventing the printer communication.
- Fire up the Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall.
- Then, ensure your printer software and Print Spooler service are allowed.
7. Check for Windows Updates
If your PC is running an outdated version of the software, there is a high chance that the outdated version is making life difficult for the printer, badly hurting its functionality.
- To update your PC, launch the Settings app > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your PC.
8. Restart the Print Spooler Service
Note that if the Print Spooler service is responsible for print jobs. On many occasions, you can resolve printer-related issues by rebooting the Print Spooler Service.
- To do so, press Win + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. - After that, locate Print Spooler > right-click it, and select Restart.
- However, if the service is disabled, right-click Print Spooler, choose Start, and set the Startup type to Automatic.
9. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Windows’s built-in printer troubleshooter tool can do a decent job of detecting and fixing common printer issues. So, we are going to bring this tool into action to nab the threat causing the issue and eliminate it.
- On your PC, head over to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Now, choose your printer and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Up next, follow the on-screen instructions and apply any suggested fixes.
10. Check for Hardware Issues
If your printer has physical damage, it won’t function properly.
- Try connecting the printer to another PC to see if it works.
- If the printer does not respond, check for hardware issues like damaged cables, power supply problems, or internal printer malfunctions.
- Contact the printer manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.
11. Use the Manufacturer’s Troubleshooting Tool
Printer manufacturers like HP, Epson, and Canon offer troubleshooting software that can detect and fix problems.
- Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and download their official troubleshooting tool (e.g., HP Print and Scan Doctor for HP printers).
- Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
12. Disable Print to PDF or Other Virtual Printers
Yet to overcome the hurdle? No worries! Windows 11 might be attempting to print to Microsoft Print to PDF instead of your actual printer. Thus, it would be a good idea to turn off the “Print to PDF” or “Other Virtual Printers” on your PC.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click on Microsoft Print to PDF and disable it.
- Set your actual printer as the default printer.
13. Check for Conflicting Third-Party Software
Are your security programs or third-party applications blocking the printer communication? Check for the conflicting elements and take control of them.
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software and try printing again.
- If the printer works, add it to the antivirus exception list.
14. Update Printer Drivers
The out-of-date printer drivers might be at the heart of this vexing issue. So, look for the latest update and install it to sort out the printer-related problems.
- On your computer, launch Device Manager (Press Win + X and select Device Manager).
- Now, expand Print queues > right-click your printer > choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers. If no updates are found, visit the printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver manually.
15. Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer
A corrupt printer installation could also be equally responsible for this frustrating issue. Therefore, try reinstalling the printer.
- To get it done, launch the Settings app > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer > click Remove device and restart your PC.
- Reconnect your printer and add it again from the Printers & scanners menu.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! With a wide range of reliable solutions at your disposal, I hope your Windows printer has returned to normal and so has the hassle-free printing experience. Now, let me know the tricks that have managed to rescue your printer. As always, if you know any other tips that work in eliminating this issue, do not forget to mention that as well.
