Printer Troubleshooter for Windows 10 PC/Laptop/Computer to fix and run into problems printers. You can use simple step with Run Troubleshooter Printer from Settings. Press Windows key + I > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Printer > Run the troubleshooter.
If Run the troubleshooter above can’t fix problems, let’s follow next steps below.
1. Unplug & Restart Printer
Sometimes power cycling your printer can resolve the issue. Turn off your printer and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug your printer back in, and then turn the printer back on. If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 2.
2. Check Cables / Wireless Connection
Check the cables (for wired printers). Make sure that the printer’s USB cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC.
Check the wireless connection (for wireless printers). Do one of the following:
- Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when a wireless connection option for the printer is available. To learn where this button is located on your printer and to find instructions about how to turn it on, see the instructions that came with the printer or check the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
- Run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Many printers have a menu option to test the printer’s wireless connectivity. Read the instructions that came with the printer or check the printer manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to do this.
Note: If you use wireless access points, extenders, or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, make sure you’re connected to the same network as the printer for your PC. If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 3.
3. Uninstall & Reinstall Printer
Remove your printer
- Select the Start button > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Under Printers & scanners, find the printer, select it, then select Remove device.
Reinstall your printer
You’ll need to follow different steps to reinstall or add a wireless or local printer. Here’s how.
Reinstall a wireless printer
- Select the Start button > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select Add a printer or scanner. Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device.
If your printer is turned on and connected to the network, Windows should find it easily. Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers, or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers.
Reinstall a local printer
If you want to reinstall or add a local printer, plug the USB cable from your printer into an available USB port on your PC, and then turn on the printer.
- Select the Start button > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Under Printers & scanners, look for your printer.
- If you see your printer listed, you’ll know it’s installed.
- If you don’t see your printer listed, select Add a printer or scanner. Wait for your device to find available printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device.
Note: You can confirm the printer is working by printing a test page. If you’ve installed the printer but it doesn’t work, check the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting information or driver updates. If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 4.
4. Install Latest Driver Printer
Use Windows Update
Select the Start button > Settings > Update & Security , and select Check for updates. If Windows Update finds an updated driver, it will download and install it, and your printer will automatically use it.
If your printer came with a disc, it might contain software that can help you install drivers for your printer or check for driver updates.
Check your printer manufacturer’s support site. To find that, search the internet for the name of your printer manufacturer plus the word “support,” such as “HP support.”
Driver updates are often available in the “Drivers” section of a printer manufacturer’s website. Some support sites let you search for your printer model number directly. Locate and download the latest driver for your printer model, then follow the installation instructions on the manufacturer’s website.
Most drivers are self-installing. After you download them, double-click (or double-tap) the file to begin installing it. Then follow these steps to remove and reinstall the printer.
- Select the Start button > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Under Printers & scanners, find the printer, select it then select Remove device.
- After removing your printer, add it back by selecting Add a printer or scanner. Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device.
What to do if the driver doesn’t install
If you double-click the installation file and nothing happens, follow these steps:
- Select the Start button > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .
- On the right, under Related Settings, select Print server properties.
- On the Drivers tab, see if your printer listed. If it is, you’re all set.
- If you don’t see your printer listed, select Add, and in the Welcome to the Add Printer Driver Wizard, select Next.
- In the Processor Selection dialog box, select your device’s architecture then select Next.
- In the Printer Driver Selection dialog box, on the left, select your printer manufacturer, on the right, select your printer driver, select Next, select Finish, and follow the instructions to add your driver.
- Follow the instructions in the section above to remove and reinstall the printer. If your printer still doesn’t work after you install the latest driver for your printer, continue to step 5.
5. Run Printing Troubleshooter
Download and run the printing troubleshooter. It can fix problems with installing and connecting to a printer. (This link should open a browser page and download dialog. Select Open, and follow the steps provided in the troubleshooter.)
If the printing troubleshooter link doesn’t open the troubleshooter, in the search box on the taskbar, enter Printing problem in, select Printing problem in in the list of results, and then select Troubleshooter to download it. Select Open, and follow the steps provided in the troubleshooter.
If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 6.
6. Clear & Reset Print Spooler
If the previous troubleshooting step is not successful, you may need to clear spooler files and restart the spooler service. The print spooler is a file that manages the printing process. To clear and reset the print spooler:
- In the search box on the taskbar, type services then select Services in the list of results.
- Select the Standards tab, and then double-click Print Spooler in the list of services.
- Select Stop, and then select OK.
- In the search box on the taskbar, enter %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers, select %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS in the list of results, and then delete all files in the folder.
- In the search box on the taskbar, search for services, and then select Services in the list of results.
- Select the Standards tab, and the double-click Print Spooler in the list of services.
- Select Start, select Automatic in the Startup Type box, and then select OK.
