Printer does not print: How to solve the problem
There is hardly anything more annoying than a printer that suddenly stops printing. What should you do? We will show you possible reasons and how to solve the problem.
If you often need to print documents or images, you will need your own printer. Unfortunately, this type of device often has problems due to its mechanical components. If the printer suddenly stops printing, there can be various reasons for this. You can find out which of these are the most common and how to solve the problem here.
The possible reasons why your printer is not printing vary depending on the type of printer you are using and how it is connected to your computer. The following list contains common causes of the error and the appropriate solution for each:
- The printer is off or has no power: Make sure your printer's power cable is undamaged and properly plugged in. Then try turning the device on. If the printer does not respond, try using a different cable.
- Paper or toner/ink are empty: Even the best printer can only print something if it has paper and ink. Therefore, make sure that the paper tray is filled with suitable printer paper and that the printer has enough toner or ink, depending on its design .
- The computer cannot connect: If your printer is connected to the computer via a USB cable, check that it is properly plugged in on both sides. If necessary, replace the cable to rule out a possible defect. If your printer is connected via WLAN, check that the network settings are correct and that your printer and PC are on the same network.
- Paper jam: If your printer is not printing, there may be scraps of paper left inside the device that are blocking the paper path. Open the printer and remove the jam so that the paper can pass through freely again.
- The print head is clogged: If your inkjet printer responds to your print job but still doesn't print any color onto the paper, this may be due to a clogged print head. Access the printer settings on your computer and have the print head cleaned.
If your printer does not print despite implementing the measures mentioned above, there may be a software problem or a hardware defect. First try restarting your printer and your computer. For network printers, it may be worth restarting the router as well.
If this does not help your printer, check whether the printer driver installed on your PC is up to date and, if necessary, reinstall it completely. If this does not help, contact an IT expert. They can narrow down the problem further, determine a possible defect and initiate a repair for you.
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