Printer not printing? 7 safe fixes to try first

Try these steps in order

1. Check the basics. Is the printer on, with no error lights or messages on its screen? Is there paper in the tray, and is the paper path clear?
2. Restart the printer. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Wait until it's fully ready before printing.
3. Restart your computer. This clears a stuck print job more often than anything else.
4. Clear the print queue. In Windows, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, select your printer, open the print queue, and cancel any stuck jobs. Then try one test page.
5. Check it's the right printer. When you print, make sure the correct printer is selected, not a copy like "Printer (Copy 1)" or an old printer that's no longer in the office.
6. Check the connection. For a network printer, make sure it's on the same Wi-Fi or network as your computer. For a USB printer, unplug and replug the cable.
7. Reinstall the official driver. Find your printer's model number on the front or on a label on the back, then download the driver only from the manufacturer: HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, Sharp. Avoid "free driver" websites, which often bundle unwanted software.

Stop and call us if

• The printer shows a hardware error, grinding noise, or a paper jam you can't clear without force
• Nobody in the office can print, which usually points to a network or server problem
• You're asked for an administrator password to install anything

Our Help Center walks through these steps one at a time and lets you send us a support request with what you've already tried, so we can skip straight to the fix. Prefer to talk? Call 951-595-7716.