Installing printers on Windows often works well, using printers on Windows often works poorly. Very often this is due to a problem with the driver. If that is indeed the case, then you have a number of options at your disposal.
It helps to turn the printer off and on once in a while. Sometimes a reboot of Windows can also fix the problem. If that doesn’t work, then check to see if a Windows update is available. It is possible that Microsoft discovered a problem with the printer driver(s), which will be solved with a general update.
Open Start and search for ‘check for updates’ in the menu. Select the top option and then check for an update.
Also read: Inkjet printer or laser printer – these are the differences
Check printer driver on Windows
If you still can’t print, it’s time to look at the printer driver. It may be that it is old or corrupt, so that it no longer works properly.
That can happen for a variety of reasons; sometimes you have no influence on it and you are unlucky. Anyway, to find the printer driver, follow these steps.
- Open Run by pressing Windows key + R
- type devmgmt.msc and press Enter
- Now opens up Device Manager in a separate window
- Double click the option Print Queues (probably on top)
- Now select the printer driver with your right mouse button
- click on Update driver
- In the new window, choose the option Auto Search for Drivers
- (If you already have an updated driver ready, click on On my computer search for drivers)
- If an update is ready, follow the steps in the picture to complete the process
- In the meantime keep Device Manager Open; don’t click it away yet
Reinstall Printer
If that doesn’t work either, you can reinstall the printer. Before you can do that, go to Printers and scanners. Open Start and type printers then open the first option.
Then select your printer with the left mouse button and press the button remove. Also, in the Device Manager window, locate the printer driver and uninstall it there. Then delete via Apps & Features (Start > type in program and select top option) any apps that are connected to your printer.
Also read: My printer does not print, what now?
Now unplug your printer and disconnect it from your PC. Restart your PC and turn on the printer. Then connect it to your computer. Windows should now want to install a printer right away; you may need installation software for this that you may see on a provider’s website.
After installing, go again to Printers and scanners and select the printer you just installed. Right click on it and select it as your default printer. Now try to print your document again. If it still doesn’t work, contact the manufacturer or consider buying a new model.
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