Introduction

Printers have one job and they only seem to struggle with it when you need it the most. Listed below are some quick go-to fixes that will resolve most printing issues.

 

Reboot Your Computer

It's possible there is an issue with the connection between your computer and the printer. Rebooting your computer will refresh that connection, give it a try.


Reboot the Printer

In order fully refresh the connection between your PC and the printer you need to refresh the connection on both ends. Meaning it's worth rebooting both your computer and the printer when running into printer issues. Depending on the type of printer, the power button might not fully shut it down. The most effective way to reboot any printer is to...


  1. Unplug the printer
  2. Wait 30-60 seconds
  3. Plug the printer back in
  4. Try to print once more


Check for Paper Jams

The paper jam error message doesn't always pop up even when there is a paper jam. You'll want to check where paper feeds into the printer for any potential paper jams


 

Clear the Print Queue

If the connection between your PC and the printer experiences any sort of interruption or "hiccup" at the time of a print, it could send that print job into "limbo" and cause all issues. Quick way to check and fix that is by checking your print queue. You can get into your print queue by following the steps below...


Finding your Print Queue

Control Panel

  • Press the Windows Icon on the taskbar or on your keyboard ()
  • After you press the windows key just start typing “control”
  • You should eventually see Control Panel pop up as an option


 

Devices and Printers

  • Once you’re in control panel you should see a screen like the image below.
  • If yours is different, click the drop down arrows where it says “View by:” and choose either “Small icons” or “Large icons” as an option.
  • After that you should see the list like in the image.
  • From there we’re going to want to click Devices and Printers




  • Once you’re in the Devices and Printers window you should be able to see all available printer on your computer
  • From here you would right click the printer you want to edit and then click See what's printing


 


Print Queue

  • The steps above should lead to your print queue. You should a see a screen that looks similar to the image below.
  • From here you can cancel any "stuck" print jobs by right clicking the print job then clicking Cancel


 


Contact IT

If the steps served you no luck open up a ticket with IT and we'll take a more in depth look at what could be causing you this printer grief