How to Fix a Printer That Won’t Print

Printers have a reputation for failing at the worst possible moment — and it’s well-earned. But most “printer broken” situations are actually simple connectivity or configuration issues you can fix in 10 minutes.

Here’s a systematic troubleshooting guide that works for both wired and wireless printers on Windows and Mac.

Step 1: Check the Basics

Before diving into settings, verify the physical state:

1. Is the printer turned on? Check for power lights or a display screen.
2. Is there paper loaded? Open the paper tray and make sure it’s properly seated.
3. Are there error messages? Check the printer’s display panel for blinking lights or error codes.
4. Are ink or toner levels sufficient? Most printers show ink levels on the display or in the printer software.

Step 2: Check for Paper Jams

Paper jams are the most visible printer problem.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Open all access panels — the paper tray area, rear access door, and any side panels.
3. Gently pull out any stuck paper in the direction the paper normally feeds (don’t pull backward — it can tear).
4. Check for torn pieces — even a small scrap left inside can cause future jams.
5. Close all panels, reload paper, and try printing.

Step 3: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job blocks all subsequent jobs.

Windows:

1. Open Settings → Printers & scanners.
2. Click your printer → Open print queue.
3. Cancel all pending jobs.
4. If jobs won’t cancel: Open Services (type services.msc in the Run dialog), find Print Spooler, right-click → Stop.
5. Open File Explorer to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in that folder.
6. Go back to Services and Start the Print Spooler.

Mac:

1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click your printer → Open Print Queue.
3. Cancel all pending jobs.

Step 4: Restart Everything

The classic fix that actually works:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Turn the printer back on.
4. Try printing again.

This clears temporary glitches in both the printer hardware and the computer’s print subsystem.

Step 5: Set as Default Printer

Sometimes the computer sends print jobs to a different (often virtual) printer.

Windows:

1. Settings → Printers & scanners.
2. Find your printer and click Set as default.
3. Make sure “Use Printer Offline” is NOT checked.

Mac:

1. System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Set your printer as the Default printer.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Drivers

If the printer is connected and powered on but still won’t print:

1. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson).
2. Download the latest driver for your specific model and operating system.
3. Install the driver and restart your computer.
4. Try printing again.

Step 7: Fix Wireless Printer Connection

For WiFi printers that show as connected but won’t print:

1. Verify the printer is on the same WiFi network as your computer. Many printers connect to a different network by accident.
2. Restart the router — wait 30 seconds after turning it off before turning it back on.
3. Run the printer’s WiFi setup again from the printer’s menu.
4. Check if your printer only supports 2.4GHz — if your router broadcasts separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, make sure the printer is on 2.4GHz.

Quick Diagnosis Table

The Bottom Line

Follow these steps in order: check basics → clear jams → clear print queue → restart → set as default → update drivers. This sequence solves most printer problems. For wireless printers, also verify the WiFi network and restart the router.

Related Guides

• How to speed up a slow computer — a slow computer can cause print jobs to hang or time out.
• WiFi connected but no internet — network connectivity issues affect wireless printers too.