How to Fix a Printer That Won’t Print

What to Do When Your Printer Stops Printing

A printer that refuses to print can be frustrating, especially when you need urgent documents. This issue can arise from connection problems, software glitches, or hardware malfunctions. In this guide, we'll walk you through the possible reasons why your printer won’t print and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Introduction
Common Reasons Why Your Printer Won’t Print
What to Do When Your Printer Stops Printing
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Problem
Conclusion
How MySupportly Can Help

The Problem

You send a print job to your printer, but nothing happens. The printer appears to be unresponsive, or an error message is displayed.

Why Can This Occur?

Your printer may stop printing due to the following reasons:

Disconnected printer – The printer is not properly connected to the computer or network.
Paper jams – A paper jam prevents further printing.
Low ink or toner – If ink or toner levels are too low, the printer may refuse to print.
Print queue backlog – A large queue of stuck print jobs can freeze the printer.
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers – The printer software may be outdated or incompatible.
Incorrect printer selection – The wrong printer is set as the default printer.

What to Do When Your Printer Won’t Print

Step 1: Check Printer Connections

For wired printers: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected. Try a different USB port.
For wireless printers: Make sure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
Restart your printer and computer to refresh connections.

Step 2: Check for Paper Jams and Ink Levels

Open the printer cover and check for any stuck paper. Remove it carefully.
Ensure there is enough ink or toner. If levels are low, replace the cartridge.

Step 3: Restart the Print Spooler (Windows Only)

Open Run (Windows Key + R), type services.msc, and press Enter.
Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.

Step 4: Set the Correct Printer as Default

Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your printer and select Set as Default Printer.

Step 5: Clear the Print Queue

Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your printer and select See What’s Printing.
Cancel all pending print jobs and try printing again.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Go to your printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver.
Install the updated driver and restart your computer.

Step 7: Run the Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select Printer Troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

A printer that won’t print is usually caused by connection issues, paper jams, or outdated drivers. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can get your printer working again quickly.

How MySupportly Can Help

If your printer still won’t print, MySupportly can provide expert assistance:
✔ Remote troubleshooting to diagnose and fix the issue.
✔ Driver updates and software fixes to ensure smooth printing.
✔ Guidance for hardware issues like paper jams or cartridge problems.

📞 Need help? Contact MySupportly at www.supportly.app or call us for fast and reliable printer support!

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