1. Check printer status in Windows
The first step in troubleshooting a printer in Windows 10 is to check its current status. To do this, open up the Settings window and navigate to Devices > Printers & Scanners. Here you’ll be able to see all installed printers, their current status, and any problems they may have.
2. Update printer drivers
If your printer is having problems, one of the most common fixes is to update the drivers. The drivers provide instructions to the computer that tell it how to interact with the printer. If the printer is out of date, it can cause problems like not being able to print or only printing partially.
There are two ways to update the drivers. The first is to visit the website of the printer manufacturer and download the latest drivers from there. Alternatively, you can use the Device Manager to find the printer driver, right-click on it, and select “Update Driver”. This will open up a window which allows you to search for the latest drivers online.
3. Check printer settings
Printers often come with a wide range of settings, and some of these can interfere with printing. Make sure to check your printer settings to make sure they are all correct. This includes checking things like the paper size, type of media, resolution, color mode, and more.
4. Check printer connection
If your printer is connected via USB or other physical connection, make sure that it is properly attached and functioning correctly. For wireless printers, make sure that your computer is connected to the same wireless network as the printer. You should also check that the printer is powered on and not displaying any error messages.
5. Clear and reset the printer
If none of the above steps solve the issue, then it’s time to try clearing and resetting the printer. This can help to remove any stuck documents or corrupted data from the printer’s queue. To reset the printer, power it off and then unplug it from the wall for a few minutes. Then plug it back in and turn it on again.
6. Contact printer support
If all else fails and none of the above steps solve the issue, then it’s best to contact the printer support team. They can provide further assistance and guide you through more specific troubleshooting steps.