Printers stop working or refuse to print for a variety of reasons, such as low ink levels, paper jams, faulty cables, or outdated drivers. If you can’t figure out what’s wrong with your printer, it could be physically damaged. You can use Windows to force your printer to print a test page to see if it works. If the test is successful, the printer is operational.
Print a Test Page
1.Press the “Power” button on your printer to turn it on. Load paper into the printer.
2.Click the Windows “Start” button and select “Control Panel.”
3.Click “View Devices and Printers” under the Hardware and Sound section.
4.Right-click your printer and select “Printer properties.”
5.Click the “Print test page” button at the bottom of the window. If the printer prints a test page, it is physically working. If the test fails, the printer may be malfunctioning.
Troubleshooting
1.Open your printer and check for paper jams. Remove stuck sheets of paper and try to print again.
2.Check the printer’s ink levels. If the printer runs out of ink, it will stop printing. Replace the empty cartridges with new ones.
3.Ensure that all printer and computer cables are properly connected. A loose cable may prevent the printer from working.
4.Update your printer’s drivers. Click “Start,” select “All Programs” and choose “Windows Update.” Click “Check for updates” and select “Install updates.” Alternatively, go directly to your printer manufacturer’s website to download the drivers. Then install the drivers.
