If your printer won’t print, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to try and fix the problem before calling technical support.
Step 1: Check the Printer’s Connections
The first thing to check is the connections between your printer and computer. Make sure that the appropriate cables are securely connected and undamaged. If using a wireless printer, ensure that the printer is connected to the router and that the connection is strong and stable. Also check for any loose connections or loose cables and reconnect them as needed.
Step 2: Restart Your Devices
If you have restarted your printer, try restarting your computer or device as well. This can help to reset the connection and help the printer and computer recognize each other again.
Step 3: Check for Printer Drivers
If your printer is relatively new, make sure the correct drivers are installed on your computer. To do this, open the Windows control panel and search for “printers” or “devices”. If your printer is not listed in this list, you need to install the correct driver. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver version and instructions on how to install it.
Step 4: Update your Printer Driver
If your printer is listed in the device list, try updating the driver software by right-clicking the printer and selecting “update” from the menu. This can help if the current version of the driver is out of date and causing problems with printing.
Step 5: Try a Different Printing Application
If none of the above steps have helped, try using a different application to print from. Some applications may have better printer compatibility than others or may have fewer issues when trying to print. Try using different applications like Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Reader to see if these applications will help solve your printing issues.
Step 6: Check for Printer Plug-ins
If you are using an application that requires printer plug-ins, make sure that the correct plug-ins are enabled. For example, if you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader, make sure that the “Adobe PDF Printer” plug-in is enabled. Check the application’s printer settings to ensure that the plug-ins you need are enabled.
Step 7: Clean the Printer
If all else fails, try cleaning the printer. Dust and debris can build up inside the printer and cause problems with printing. You can use compressed air or a soft cloth to clean the printer’s interior. Make sure to follow the safety guidelines for your printer as some models may require special precautions.
Step 8: Contact Technical Support
If none of these steps have helped, it may be time to contact technical support. Usually the manufacturer’s website has a live chat or phone number available. Provide them with the model of your printer and any errors that you have encountered while trying to print. They can help you determine the underlying issue and walk you through the necessary steps to get your printer working again.