Introduction
This tutorial is designed to help you identify and fix common printer problems in Windows, including print errors, print spooler errors, and other issues that could prevent you from printing. This tutorial doesn't cover printing problems related to specific programs. Printing problems can be caused by cables that aren't connected properly, corrupt drivers, incompatible drivers, printer settings, missing updates, and problems with your printer.
How to use this tutorial
For best results, complete each step before you move on to the next one. Try printing after each step before going to the next step.
Step 1: Check hardware
Many printing problems are caused by hardware that isn't set up property. Here's some information about how to plug cables in to the correct locations and make sure the printer has power.
Check if the cables are connected properly
Check to make sure that the printer's electrical cord is plugged in to the electrical outlet, and that the printer cable is properly connected from the printer to the computer.
A typical USB cable and portCheck the power
Check to ensure that the printer's power switch is turned on, or if you're printing to a shared printer or a printer on a network, make sure that all necessary computers, routers, and printers are turned on. If your printer or other equipment is plugged in to a surge protector or a backup power supply, make sure that hardware is plugged in and turned on as well.
For more information about setting up a printer on a home network, see the following:
- Windows 7: Install a printer on a home network.
- Windows Vista: Install a printer on a home network.
Step 2: Use a troubleshooter
A troubleshooter is an automated tool that can find and automatically fix some problems with your computer. Printing troubleshooters can fix problems with installing a printer, connecting to a printer, and errors with the print spooler—software that temporarily stores print jobs on the computer's hard disk.To run a printing troubleshooter
- Click this button:
- In the File Download dialog box, click Run, and then follow the steps in the wizard.
Step 3: Update drivers
Most printers require driver software to work properly. Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted printer drivers can disrupt communication between the computer and the printer. If you recently upgraded from one version of Windows to another, it's possible that the current printer driver is for the previous version ofWindows. If you've had recent power outages, viruses, or other computer problems, it's possible that the drivers have become corrupted. Downloading and installing the latest driver for your printer can resolve these types of problems.Here are three ways to find and install a driver:- Use Windows Update. You might need to set Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates.
- Install software from the printer manufacturer. For example, if your printer came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver for the printer.
- Download and install the driver yourself. You can search for a driver on the manufacturer's website. Try this if Windows Update can't find a driver for your printer, and the printer didn't come with software that installs a driver.
For more information about updating your printer driver, follow the steps below that apply to the version of Windows you have on your computer. For information about printers that are compatible with Windows, visit the Windows Compatibility Center.Windows 7
Windows Vista
Show allWindows XP
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