Printers are universally hated for good reason. They jam, they go offline for no apparent reason, and they refuse to print when you need them most. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
'Printer offline' — the classic
This is the most common printer problem. Your computer says the printer is offline even though it's sitting right there, turned on, looking perfectly fine.
First: turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on. Then restart your computer. This fixes it about 50% of the time.
If that doesn't work: go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → click your printer → Open print queue → Printer menu → make sure 'Use Printer Offline' is NOT ticked.
Still offline? Remove the printer entirely (Settings → Printers & scanners → your printer → Remove) and add it again. Windows will find it and reinstall the drivers.
Wi-Fi printing stopped working
Your printer connects to your router by Wi-Fi, just like your laptop. If your router's been restarted, changed network name, or updated, the printer might have lost its connection.
Most printers have a Wi-Fi setup button — press it and follow the screen prompts to reconnect to your network. Check your router's admin page to see if the printer is connected. If you've changed your Wi-Fi password recently, the printer is still trying the old one.
Print queue stuck
Sometimes a failed print job gets stuck in the queue and blocks everything behind it. Go to Settings → Printers & scanners → your printer → Open print queue → right-click the stuck job → Cancel. If it won't cancel, restart the Print Spooler service: search for 'Services' in the Start menu, find 'Print Spooler', right-click → Restart.
Printing is faint or streaky
For inkjet printers: run a head cleaning cycle (usually in the printer's own menu or its software on your computer). If you haven't printed in a while, the nozzles may be clogged. Print a test page after cleaning.
For laser printers: the toner cartridge might be running low. Take it out, rock it gently side to side to redistribute the toner, and put it back. This buys you another few weeks.
Driver issues after a Windows update
Windows updates occasionally break printer drivers. Go to the printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother), find your exact model, and download the latest driver. Install it and restart.
Still stuck?
Printer problems are one of our most common call-outs. We charge £30 for printer setup and troubleshooting, including driver installation and wireless configuration. We come to you anywhere in Sussex.