How to Fix Your Printer

🔧 Basic Printer Troubleshooting on Windows 11

1. Check Physical Connections
   • Make sure the printer is powered on.
   • Confirm the USB cable (or network/Wi-Fi connection) is secure.
   • If using Wi-Fi, ensure printer and PC are on the same network.
2. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
   • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Click Run next to Printer.
3. Restart the Print Spooler Service
   • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Find Print Spooler, right-click, then choose Restart.
4. Set the Printer as Default
   • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select your printer > Set as default.
5. Clear the Print Queue
   • Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
   • Right-click your printer > See what’s printing.
   • Cancel all pending jobs.
6. Update or Reinstall Printer Driver
   • Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
   • Find your printer under Printers, right-click, and choose Update driver.
   • Or uninstall it and reinstall from the manufacturer's website.
7. Try a Different Application or File
   • Sometimes, the issue is specific to the file or app you're printing from.
8. Check for Windows Updates
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.