Printer Not Working? 7 Things to Check Before Replacing It
Computer, Network & Technology Support | JIT Systems, LLC
A printer that suddenly stops working can be frustrating, especially when you need to print something for work, school, or an important appointment. Before buying a replacement, there are several things you can check yourself.
Printer problems are not always caused by a failed printer. A computer may have the wrong printer selected, a print job may be stuck in the queue, a wireless connection may have dropped, or the printer software may need attention.
For homes and small businesses, printers are often connected to computers, Wi-Fi networks, and other technology. That means troubleshooting the problem may require looking at the entire connection rather than just the printer itself.
1. Check the Printer's Power and Status
Start with the simplest possibilities. Make sure the printer is powered on and that it is not displaying an error message.
Check for common problems such as an empty paper tray, paper jam, low ink or toner, an open cover, or another warning shown on the printer's display.
If the printer is showing a specific error, look up the meaning of that error in the manufacturer's documentation before assuming the printer has failed.
2. Make Sure Your Computer Is Using the Correct Printer
Computers can have multiple printers installed. After a printer is replaced, moved, or reconfigured, the computer may still be trying to send documents to an old or unavailable printer.
Check the printer selected when you try to print. If you have several printers installed, confirm that the correct device is selected as the destination.
This is especially important in a small business where several computers may use the same printer or where employees may have different printers installed.
3. Check the Wi-Fi or Network Connection
If your printer connects wirelessly, make sure it is still connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
A printer may appear to be working normally while the computer cannot communicate with it because of a network connection problem.
If other devices are also having trouble connecting to the internet or network, the issue may be larger than the printer. Router problems, Wi-Fi configuration, or network changes can affect connected devices throughout a home or office.
If the printer is connected by USB, check that the cable is securely connected and try another USB port if appropriate.
4. Check the Print Queue
Sometimes a printer appears to be broken when a document is simply stuck in the print queue.
Open the printer's queue on your computer and look for documents that are waiting, paused, or showing an error.
A failed document can sometimes prevent newer print jobs from being processed. Removing the stuck job and sending the document again may solve the problem.
5. Restart the Printer and Computer
Restarting both devices can clear temporary communication or software problems.
Turn the printer off, wait briefly, and turn it back on. Then restart the computer and try printing again.
If the printer works after restarting but repeatedly stops working later, that may be a sign that something else needs investigation rather than a reason to immediately replace the printer.
6. Check the Printer Software and Driver
Your computer needs the appropriate software and driver to communicate correctly with many printers.
Problems can occur after operating system updates, printer changes, or software installations. If the printer is detected but does not print correctly, checking the manufacturer's recommended software or driver may help.
Be careful when downloading printer software. Use the printer manufacturer's official website or trusted software sources rather than downloading drivers from unfamiliar websites.
7. Determine Where the Problem Actually Is
If the printer still does not work, the next step is to determine whether the problem is with the printer itself or another part of the technology setup.
The problem could involve the printer hardware, computer, operating system, printer software, USB connection, Wi-Fi, router, network configuration, or another device on the network.
This is why replacing the printer is not always the best first step. Troubleshooting the entire connection can sometimes reveal a much simpler problem.
Printer Problems Can Be Technology Problems
A printer is only one part of a technology setup. When printing problems involve computers, Wi-Fi, networking, software, or device configuration, the solution may require looking at how those systems work together.
Still Having Technology Problems?
JIT Systems provides computer, network, cybersecurity, backup, troubleshooting, and technology support for homeowners and small businesses.
If a printer, computer, Wi-Fi connection, or other technology problem is interfering with your work, getting the underlying problem identified can be better than replacing equipment unnecessarily.
Contact JIT SystemsWhen Should You Get Professional Help?
If you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps and the printer still will not work, professional troubleshooting may help identify whether the problem is with the printer, computer, network, software, or another part of the technology setup.
Professional technology support can also be useful when several computers are having printer problems, a wireless printer repeatedly disconnects, or printing problems are occurring along with other network or computer issues.
Don't Replace the Printer Until You Know What's Wrong
A printer that stops working does not necessarily need to be replaced. Checking the printer, computer, connection, network, print queue, and software can help identify the real cause. When the problem goes beyond the printer itself, understanding the entire technology setup can be the key to finding the right solution.
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