Whatever the problem, you can follow many steps to fix the printing issue on Windows 11, from simple things like restarting the devices and checking the physical connection to using the troubleshooters to resetting the printer spooler and reinstalling the device driver. This guide will teach you several ways to troubleshoot and resolve common problems to start printing again on Windows 11.
Fix not working printer on Windows 11
On Windows 11, you have several different ways to troubleshoot and fix issues when the printer is not working, no matter your brand (HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, etc.). To fix a printer, you can restart the device, check the connection, configure the default settings, run a troubleshooter, reset the printer spooler, and reinstall the printer.
1. Restart printer method
Although it might be obvious to many people, it’s easy to forget that turning off, unplugging the power from the printer, and turning the peripheral back on can resolve the most common issues. For example, if Windows 11 is not detecting the USB printer, the printer suddenly starts having issues, or the device is unavailable. Once the printer restart, you can try to print again. If the printer is still not working, restart your computer and try again. If the printer doesn’t respond, continue with another troubleshooting method.
2. Check connection method
If you have a USB printer, ensure the data cable is properly connected to the printer and the computer. You can try disconnecting and reconnecting the cable. Also, you may want to try a different USB port on the device. In the case this is a wireless printer, make sure that the wireless functionality is turned on and working on the printer. You can also try to run the wireless connectivity test from the printer. Usually, the printer will have a blue wireless icon indicating the connection. You may need to check your device manufacturer for more specific details. If you have problems with other wireless devices, you may need to restart the router or access point to fix the connectivity issue.
3. Configure default printer method
It could also happen that you have multiple printers installed on your computer, and you are sending the print job to the default printer, which is unavailable in your location. You can quickly fix this problem by selecting the correct device at the time of printing or changing the default printer settings. To change the default printer settings on Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, you can try to print again.
However, if you already sent a print job to the wrong device, you may also need to open the queue and cancel any pending jobs before printing to the correct printer. You can cancel the print job on Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > (your) printer > Open print queue, right-click the job, and select the Cancel option.
4. Printer Troubleshooter method
Windows 11 comes with many troubleshooters, which are tools that run different scripts to diagnose and fix many common problems automatically. After checking the connections, you may want to run the “Printer” troubleshooter to resolve common driver and settings problems or issues after an update with the wireless or USB printer. To fix printer problems with the troubleshooter option on Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will run a series of scripts to resolve the printing problem.
5. Reset printer spooler method
One of the most common issues while printing is a document getting stuck in the queue, and trying to cancel the job, won’t work. If this happens, the problem is likely to be with the “print spooler,” which is the service that sends the printing jobs to the printer. To fix the print spooler service to continue printing on Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, you can try to print a document one more time, and the printer should work as expected.
6. Reinstall printer method
If the printer isn’t working because of a corrupted or bug in the driver, you may be able to fix this problem by uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver.
Uninstall driver
To remove a printer on Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, you can delete the driver from Windows 11.
Install printer automatically
To add a wireless printer on Windows 11, make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the network, and then use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will automatically set up the wireless printer. You can check this guide for more ways to install a wireless printer on your computer.
Install printer manually
If this is a USB printer, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to trigger the installation once you remove the driver. If Windows 11 fails to find the printer, you may need to install it manually with these steps: After you complete the steps, you can start printing from your laptop or desktop computer.
If this process didn’t resolve the issue, but the issue is related to the printer driver, you may need to uninstall and remove the driver from the computer before trying to reinstall the printer. When the problem occurs after a driver or system update, rolling back to the previous version of the driver may resolve the problem or uninstall the most recent system update. Alternatively, you can also try downloading and installing an older printer driver version. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
