'Printer not printing' Issue

The 'Printer not printing' issue can occur due to either hardware or software problems and usually isn't a significant security concern. Users can follow manufacturer guidelines for fixing this problem with specific models. They also can use generally-reliable solutions, such as updating drivers or clearing printer jobs, all of which are easy and free to use.

Hardware Checkups for Printing Efficiency

Unlike internal hardware like a graphics card, a printer requires semi-regular maintenance to maintain functionality. Users should always make sure their printers have ink in their cartridges and that papers can flow through the machine seamlessly and are stacked and aren't jammed neatly. Most new models of printers include ink-monitoring features for their cartridges. Paper jams and replacing cartridges are issues that any user can handle without needing an expert's services, although cartridges can be specific to the manufacturer. In some cases, refills and off-brand cartridges may cause problems for the printer.

The first steps in determining printer problems also should involve checking power supplies and cables. If necessary, unplug the printer from the power supply and reconnect it while doing the same for the printer-to-computer connection. USB ports may be loose. There also can be compatibility issues in USB ports (1.0 versus 2.0 versus 3.0).

Users also should check network cables for functionality, which they often display through solid green lighting (as opposed to flashing to indicate a problem). Most printers will also show light for power and users should turn them on by the appropriate button manually.

Leaning on the Software Side of Printer Complications

Users who've settled the hardware side of their 'Printer not printing' issue may double-check software-oriented solutions. They should always have the latest official drivers for their product, which should be available from the manufacturer's website. Most operating systems, such as Windows, also include driver-updating features, although they can be less reliable than installing the latest patch manually directly from the source.

A well-used printer also may become stall by queuing printing tasks or 'jobs' that don't resolve by completing or canceling. Clearing the queue is the easiest way to solve this problem. Right-click the printer from the 'Devices and Printers' sub-section of the Control Panel and select 'See What's Printing,' followed by 'Printer.' After selecting the 'Printer' menu item a second time, there should be an option to cancel all document-printing jobs. Most printer software also provides the same feature straight from the Windows taskbar, which users can access after clicking the printer's icon.

The snag of this solution is that it also will erase any other uncompleted printing jobs.

Also, users can right-click their printer from within the Control Panel and set it as the default. This solution can be useful if there are (or Windows thinks there are) multiple printing devices available.

As readers might be able to tell, most situations with a 'Printer not printing' issue are solvable in a minute or less and without any help from a company representative or repair technician. Although it's easy, printer owners also should get used to preventative maintenance, which will stop these problems from happening at all and wasting their time – and expensive ink.