How To Fix The Most Common Printer Issues And Errors On Windows

Many solutions that could fix an offline printer were mentioned above, such as unplugging and re-plugging the machine, removing and reinstalling your printer, or ensuring that the printer is connected to the same wireless network as your PC or laptop. If previously run troubleshooters haven’t guided you to set your current printer as your default printer, here’s how you can do it:

1. Hit the Start button, open “Settings”, then go to “Devices.”
2. From the left sidebar, select “Printers & scanners.”
3. Pick your printer and click “Open queue.”
4. Open the “Printer” menu, then select “Set as Default Printer” until there’s a checkmark next to it.
5. If there is a checkmark next to “Pause Printing” or “Use Printer Offline,” click them both to clear them.

If a message that states, “Windows will stop managing your default printer for you” appears, hit “OK.” Doing so will stop Windows from auto-setting the last printer you used as the default printer. You can turn this feature back on anytime by navigating to the “Printers & scanners” page and checking the box next to “Let Windows manage my default printer.”

While you have the printer’s queue page open, check to see if there are any print jobs pending. Clearing the queue may help resolve printer errors. Simply click on a document listed under “Document Name,” select “Document,” then hit “Cancel” to remove it from the queue.

If that doesn’t work, the last thing you can try is rebooting the print spooler and your Windows PC or laptop. Follow the instructions mentioned earlier to get to the “Print Spooler” service, right-click on it, and select “Restart.” Then reboot your computer. If the printer still doesn’t work, you may need to reach out to Microsoft Support via the “Get Help” app.