Work through the checks in order
Try printing after each check. Once the page prints correctly, stop there.
Step 1 of 7
In this guide
Check the printer before the computer
Check the printer before the computer
Check that the printer is switched on and awake. Look at its display or lights for a jam or an open cover. Check whether printing is marked Offline or Paused.
If the printer has frozen, switch it off and unplug it. Leave it disconnected for 30 seconds, then reconnect it and switch it on.
Try printing again. If the page prints correctly, no further checks are needed.
Check for a paper jam
Check for a paper jam
Check the printer for a paper jam. Remove any jammed paper and close the covers.
Try printing again. If the page prints correctly, no further checks are needed.
Check how the printer connects
Check how the printer connects
USB printer: unplug and reconnect the cable. Try another USB port and, if available, another cable. Avoid a USB hub that has been unreliable.
Wi-Fi printer: check that the computer and printer use the same Wi-Fi network. On the printer, check its Wi-Fi connection and look for an IP address under its network settings.
Network printer: check that an address appears in the printer's network settings.
Try printing again. If the page prints correctly, no further checks are needed.
Select the printer and clear waiting jobs
Select the printer and clear waiting jobs
In Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer, then choose Set as default.
Cancel all pending jobs. Restart the printer, wait for it to finish starting and try printing again.
If the jobs remain stuck, press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter. Find Print Spooler, right-click it and choose Restart. Try the print again after the service has restarted.
Try printing again. If the page prints correctly, no further checks are needed.
Compare another document or app
Compare another document or app
Print a short text document from a browser or text editor. You can also save the original file as a PDF and try printing that version.
If other files print but the original does not, the problem may be in that document: damaged content, fonts, images or page settings can be involved.
Try printing again. If the page prints correctly, no further checks are needed.
Update or reinstall the driver
Update or reinstall the driver
Search Google for the printer's brand and exact model followed by driver download. Open the printer manufacturer's own website, download its driver and run the installer to see whether it finds the printer. If it cannot find it, the printer probably isn't connected to the network. Follow the installation guide to connect it to Wi-Fi.
Once the driver is installed, restart the computer. If printing still fails, remove the printer from the computer and add it again. Keep driver downloads to the manufacturer's own site.
Try printing again. If the page prints correctly, no further checks are needed.
Leave a reset until last
Leave a reset until last
If none of the earlier checks restores printing, use the printer's settings menu for a network or factory reset.
This can remove the saved Wi-Fi details and other preferences. Be ready to enter those details again before going ahead.
Try printing again. If the page prints correctly, no further checks are needed.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check on the printer first?
Check its power, display and warning lights. Look for a paper jam or an open cover before changing the computer settings.
What if only one document will not print?
Compare it with a short text file in another app. Try saving the original as a PDF and printing that. If the other files print, the original document or its settings may be responsible.
Where should I download a printer driver?
Use the printer manufacturer’s own website and match the exact model and Windows version. Step 6 explains how to find it and test whether its installer detects the printer.
Will resetting the printer remove its Wi-Fi settings?
It may erase the saved Wi-Fi details and preferences. Complete the earlier checks first and be ready to set up the connection again.
