Printer won't print — 7 steps to a quick fix

"The printer won't print again" is one of the most common IT complaints — and fortunately, in many cases you can fix it yourself without calling a technician. Here are 7 steps that solve the vast majority of printer problems.

Step 1: Check the obvious

Before anything else, check:

• Is the printer turned on? (No, that's not a silly question)
• Is the cable connected, or is the Wi-Fi connection working?
• Is there paper in the tray?
• Is there paper jammed inside?
• Is the printer showing an error on the display or a blinking LED?

About 20-25% of "the printer isn't working" cases are solved at this step.

Step 2: Restart the printer and the computer

The classic "turn it off and on again" works surprisingly well for printer problems. Unplug the printer from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart the computer too.

Many temporary errors in the print queue or connection clear up after a restart.

Step 3: Check the print queue

A stuck job in the print queue can block everything behind it.

How to clear the queue:

• Open "Settings" → "Bluetooth & devices" → "Printers & scanners"
• Select the printer → "Open print queue"
• Delete all jobs in the queue
• Try sending a new document to print

If the queue won't clear, you may need to restart the "Print Spooler" service from the Services manager (services.msc).

Step 4: Check and reinstall the driver

An outdated or corrupted driver is a common cause of printer problems — especially after a Windows 11 update.

Steps:

• Open Device Manager (Win+X → Device Manager)
• Find the printer under "Print queues"
• Right-click → "Uninstall device"
• Visit the manufacturer's website and download the latest driver
• Install it and restart

Step 5: Check network connectivity (for network printers)

If the printer is connected via Wi-Fi or a network cable:

• Make sure the printer and the computer are on the same network
• Check the printer's IP address (usually from the printer's menu or by printing a test page)
• Try pinging the printer from the computer: Win+R → "cmd" → `ping [printer's IP address]`
• If the printer isn't detected, try adding it manually via its IP address

Step 6: Check ink/toner levels and the carriage

Even if the level shows "sufficient," sometimes:

• The cartridge is clogged (for inkjet printers)
• The carriage is stuck

For inkjet printers: In the printer's settings, look for "Clean nozzles" or "Alignment." Clogged nozzles cause uneven or missing print.

For laser printers: Take out the toner cartridge and gently shake it — this sometimes helps when levels are low.

Step 7: Check for specific errors

If the printer shows an error (blinking LED, error code, message), look up the code in the manual or online. Manufacturers keep detailed lists of error codes and solutions.

Common errors include:

• Paper shown as "jammed" even though it looks clear — check for small torn pieces of paper
• A cartridge error code — clean the contacts with a soft, dry cloth
• An ink level warning outside the normal range — reset the counter (only with compatible cartridges)

When should you call a technician?

If the printer still isn't working after all these steps, the problem is likely:

• A hardware fault (mechanism, rollers, print head)
• A problem with the printer's main board
• Physical damage from a paper jam

In these cases, it's more cost-effective to call a specialist than to risk further damage.

SNM Support offers computer service and printer support — remotely or with an on-site visit. Get in touch with us for quick help.