1. Check Printer Connections
If your printer is having trouble printing, the first step is to make sure it is properly connected to the computer. Printers usually need to be connected via an Ethernet or USB cable. Make sure the cable connections are secure and the printer is powered on. Your printer will likely have a series of indicator lights that should be lit or blinking in a pattern that indicates it is connected and ready to print.
2. Check Printer Drivers
The next thing to check are the printer drivers. Printer drivers are software programs that enable the computer to communicate with the printer. If the computer does not have the correct driver, the printer may be out of date and not able to print. To check the printer drivers, open the Control Panel and search for “printers” and select the option to add a printer. Select the name and model of your printer from the list of available devices. If your printer is not listed, download and install the latest updates from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Update Printer Firmware
Printer firmware is like the operating system for your printer, and can often get out of date. This can cause problems when trying to print, so checking for firmware updates can help. Most printer manufacturers provide downloadable firmware updates, so find the most current version for your printer and download and install it.
4. Check Printer Settings
The printer settings can sometimes affect the ability to print, so check the settings to ensure they are correct. The settings menu will vary depending on the brand and model of your printer, but usually can be accessed through the printer control panel or a desktop icon. If you are unable to access the settings menu, try pressing and holding the “Power” button for several seconds. This will often reset the printer settings and allow you to access the settings menu.
5. Check Print Queue
Sometimes, the printer will not print if there are documents already in the print queue. To check the print queue, open the “Devices and Printers” menu and select the printer you are using. You should see a list of documents currently in the queue. If there are documents listed, delete them and try printing again.
6. Check Printer Ink/Toner Levels
If your printer will not print, it might be because the ink or toner levels are too low. To check the ink or toner levels, open the printer settings menu and look for a display that shows the approximate number of pages that can be printed with the remaining ink or toner. If the levels are too low, replace the ink or toner cartridge and try printing again.
7. Test Print
If all else fails, you can try running a test print. This will allow you to check if the steps you took worked, and if the printer is actually working. To run a test print, open the printer settings menu and select the “Test Print” option. This will send a basic page to the printer and if it prints successfully, the problem has been fixed. If the test page does not print, the printer is likely defective and needs to be repaired or replaced.