Printer Problems
Printers showing offline, refusing to print, or losing their connection after a Windows update — common causes and what to check.
Most printer problems these days are connection and software issues rather than anything mechanically wrong with the printer itself — a changed Wi-Fi network, a stuck print queue, the wrong printer set as default, or Windows losing track of a printer it used to know perfectly well. That's good news, because it means most of what's covered below can be worked through without needing to touch the printer's internals. These guides focus on the computer, software and network side of printer problems rather than mechanical printer repair.
Printer Shows as OfflineA printer that shows offline in Windows even though it's switched on, including one that keeps losing its connection repeatedly.Computer Can't Find PrinterA printer that used to work has disappeared from the printer list, or a new printer won't be detected. What to check.Printer Won't PrintThe printer is connected and shows as ready, but documents won't actually print. What to check before assuming a printer fault.Wireless Printer Won't ConnectSetting up a new wireless printer, or reconnecting one after a router change. What tends to go wrong.Printer Stopped Working After Windows UpdateA printer that worked fine until a Windows update, and hasn't worked properly since. What tends to cause it.Print Jobs Stuck in QueueA print job that won't clear, blocking everything sent after it. How to clear it properly.