Introduction
Your printer isn’t printing. One of the most frustrating things that can happen to you when you need to get things done. Is your printer just not responding? Perhaps you simply can’t understand why it is not printing. Here are quick and easy steps to check before calling in a technician. In this blog, we will be discussing 5 easy fixes that assist you in troubleshooting the problem if your printer will not print or the printer is not responding.
1. Check Printer Connection
This is one of the primary reasons why your printer may not print. Maybe the connection to your computer or network is loose or disconnected. Ensure that the printer is connected to your computer or network correctly. For instance, whether USB or wireless, do the following:
For Wired Printers
Ensure that your USB cable is well connected to both your computer and printer. Sometimes you will need to swap USB ports to get it going.
For wireless printers
Just ensure that you are on the right Wi-Fi network. The easiest way is to print out the network configuration page from your control panel to make sure it is connected.
In case the above fails to solve your problem with printing, restart your printer and also your router by resetting the network connection.
2. Paper Jams
Paper jams are one of the most prominent causes of printers failing to print. Even when it is simply a little scrap of paper within, it would cause major disruptions. Here is what to do:
Open up the paper tray of the printer and check if there is some paper stuck in there.
Inspect the print head and rollers for paper debris
Carefully take out all paper so as not to tear.
If that’s cleaned out, try to power on the printer again to see if it will work.
3. It Has Paper and Ink/Toner
Still on the “why is my printer not printing?” question, ask yourself whether there is enough paper and ink/toner for your printer. The cause of your printer not printing whatsoever may be one of the following:
Out of paper: Check the paper tray on your printer.
Low ink or toner: Sometimes, ink in your printer runs out. Check the level of ink or toner in your printer; replace them if it is low.
A printer that runs out of ink or toner will typically stop printing until the problem is corrected. Do not forget to consider this crucial point!
4. Reset Printer and Computer
Reset Printer and Computer Sometimes a printer not printing will simply go away by resetting your computer and/or printer. Sometimes, when the printer doesn’t seeming to work, both the computer and the printer have to be restarted.
Unplug your printer from its power source for 30 seconds to clear the internal memory.
Reboot your computer to clear a possible software issue.
Connect the printer back to its power source, and turn on the printer. Try printing again to see if this solves the problem.
This method removes transient bugs and reinstates your computer and printer connections.
5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Your printer not printing or printer not responding might be because of old and corrupted drivers. Printer drivers play a vital role in allowing the computer and the printer to converse with each other. Here is how to rectify the situation:
Update driver: Open up the printer manufacturer’s website, and get the latest drivers of your printer model. Download them onto your computer to ensure they support your system.
Reinstall drivers. If that would not help, eliminate and reinstall the printer drivers. Open Devices and Printers in the computer, right click on the printer icon, then click Remove device. After this, reinstall using the installation CD accompanying the printer or download it from their official website.
This is one of the most common causes of a printer not printing or printer not responding.
When All Else Fails: Contact Support
If it is still not working, then you have more critical problems. Relax; help is on the way! Seek professional support in solving your problem at PrinterNotWorking.com. Experts will get it sorted quickly by identifying the causes and helping solve the problems accordingly.
Final Words
Getting that printer not printing or printer not responding issue resolved need not be a pain after all. Most of the times, all it takes are five easy steps to solve the problem. Check for loose connections, clear paper jams, restart devices and update drivers-most of these will prove to be very basic yet effective troubleshooting techniques to get your printer up and running again.