5 Ways to Fix a Printer That Won’t Print

When your printer refuses to print, everything can grind to a halt. Whether you’re working on a business report, school project, or personal document, a malfunctioning printer is a major inconvenience. Fortunately, many common printer issues have quick fixes. In this guide, we’ll explore 5 ways to fix a printer that won’t print, offering step-by-step solutions you can try at home or in the office. If you’re searching for the most effective 5 ways to fix a printer that won’t print, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Check the Basics: Power, Paper, and Connections

Before diving into technical troubleshooting, start with the essentials.

• Power Supply: Make sure the printer is on and properly connected to a working outlet. Watch for warning lights or error messages on the display.

• Paper Tray: Verify that there’s enough paper and that it’s loaded correctly. Misaligned paper can halt printing.

• Cable and Wi-Fi Connections: For USB printers, check for loose or damaged cables. For wireless models, confirm the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Pro Tip: Restart both your printer and computer to refresh the connection.

For more help with these basics, visit Maintenance Issues and Solutions.

2. Clear Print Queue and Restart the Spooler

A stuck print queue can prevent new print jobs from processing.

• On Windows: Go to “Devices and Printers,” right-click your printer, and choose “See what’s printing.” Cancel all pending documents.

• On Mac: Open “Printers & Scanners,” select your printer, and clear the queue.

To restart the Print Spooler (Windows):

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

• Locate “Print Spooler,” right-click it, and choose “Restart.”

This often resolves temporary glitches that interfere with printing.

For more solutions, check out Handling Printer Downtime.

3. Fix Connectivity Issues

Network and wireless issues are a common culprit behind printing problems.

• Wi-Fi Printers: Make sure the printer is within range of your router and connected to the correct network. Print a network configuration page to verify settings.

• Re-add the Printer:

  • On Windows: Go to “Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners,” remove the printer, then add it again.

  • On Mac: Go to “System Preferences > Printers & Scanners,” remove and re-add the device.

• Firewall or Antivirus: Disable temporarily to check if your security software is blocking the printer connection.

Visit Resolving Connectivity Issues for detailed troubleshooting.

4. Check Ink and Toner Levels

Printers won’t print if they’re out of ink or toner, or if levels are critically low.

• Check Levels: Use the printer control panel or software to view ink/toner levels.

• Replace or Refill: If low, insert a new cartridge or refill if supported.

• Correct Installation: Ensure cartridges are properly seated. Some printers require recalibration after replacement.

• Test Page: Run a test print to confirm everything is working.

Learn more at Ink and Toner Issues in Rental Printers.

5. Resolve Printer Malfunctions

If your printer displays error codes or behaves abnormally, it could be a hardware or firmware issue.

• Check Error Codes: Look up the message in your printer manual or the manufacturer’s website.

• Reset the Printer: Unplug for 1–2 minutes, then plug it back in and restart.

• Check for Paper Jams: Open all access panels and remove any stuck paper or debris.

• Update Drivers: Visit the manufacturer’s website to install the latest drivers for your printer model.

For more help, visit Dealing with Printer Malfunctions.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a printer that won’t print is frustrating, but the fix may be simpler than you think. Begin by checking the basics, then move on to connectivity and software checks.

If you encounter these problems often, consider leasing a printer with built-in maintenance and support. This option ensures reliable performance and peace of mind.

Need expert help? Trusted providers like Marga Enterprises offer dependable printer leasing and technical support tailored to your needs.

Key Takeaway: Don’t panic when printing stops. Use these five solutions to fix a printer that won’t print and get back to work quickly.