Introduction
Troubleshoot printer connectivity issues on Windows is pretty easy when you follow the right steps. Whether wired or wireless, it’s frustrating to have difficulty connecting a printer to a Windows computer when a deadline is looming. Here, we run through several steps to guide you into resolving your printer connection issues on Windows so that you can print seamlessly without any hassle.
Step 1: Verify that the printer is plugged in and powered on.
The first action you should take when troubleshooting printing issues on a Windows computer regarding printer connection is to confirm that the printer is turned on and properly connected. For wired printers, try to ensure the USB or Ethernet cable is snugly connected to both the computer and the printer. If using a wireless printer, use a computer to ensure that the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, connection issues with the printer occur due to it being less properly connected.
Step 2: Set the Printer As Default
Another common reason a printer will not connect to a Windows computer is that your printer is not marked as the default device. It’s also important to identify which of several installed printers you intend to use; to do so:
- Open the Control Panel
- Go to Devices and Printers
- Right-click on the device you wish to use and then select Set as Default Printer.
Such an elementary step will ensure that your computer will always try to print to the right printer and resolve most of your connectivity problems.
Step 3: Restart the Printer and Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart is the best solution to resolve printer connection issues on Windows. Turn off your printer and unplug it for a few seconds, then reconnect and power it back on. Similarly, restart your computer to refresh any settings or processes that may be causing the issue. Often, this helps reset the printer and computer’s communication, solving the connection problem.
Step 4: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that will help you to fix printer connection issues. Here’s how you can use it:
- Open Settings on your Windows computer.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot from the sidebar.
- Click on Additional Troubleshooters.
- Under Printer, select Run the Troubleshooter.
This tool will automatically detect any printer connection issues on Windows and attempt to fix them. It’s a quick and effective way to diagnose and resolve problems.
Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can also cause printer connection problems on Windows. Make sure that your printer drivers are updated to avoid such issues. You can either visit the website of the manufacturer of your printer to download the latest drivers or use Windows Update to automatically check for updates. Here’s how:
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate your printer under Printers.
- Right-click and choose Update Driver.
- Follow the prompts to update drivers.
If updating the drivers does not work, try uninstalling the printer and reinstalling it. This often solves connectivity issues that persist.
Step 6: Check the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler service is responsible for managing the printing process in Windows. If the service is not running correctly, it can cause printer connection issues on Windows. To check if the Print Spooler service is working:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Locate Print Spooler in the list of services.
- Right-click and select Start if it’s not already running, or Restart if it’s running.
This action can resolve issues related to the printer queue and restore functionality.
Step 7: Reset the Printer Network Settings
For most wireless printers, the major cause of printer connection issues on Windows includes network settings. For example, after a change in Wi-Fi password or network settings, the printer may fail to connect. One is therefore compelled to reset the printer network setting and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
Dealing with connection issues between printers and your Windows can be a frustrating exercise. However, as outlined above, it is relatively quick to sort most common issues. If you check connections, set the printer as your default, utilize the built-in troubleshooter, update drivers, and ensure that the Print Spooler service is running, then you can deal with most issues of printer connectivity to get you back to printing with no further delays.
More detailed troubleshooting tips and advanced solutions for printer connection issues on Windows are found on our website Printer Not Working.