Printer Wont Print

Last updated: July 15, 2026 · 5 min read

Why Is My Printer Working But Not Printing?

This is one of the most frustrating situations. Your printer turns on. The lights work. But when you click print, nothing happens.

The problem is usually that your computer and printer aren’t talking to each other properly. Think of it like a phone call that got disconnected. Both devices work fine, but they’ve lost their connection.

Here’s what’s usually happening:

• Your computer sent the print job to the wrong printer (especially if you’ve used other printers before)
• The print job got stuck in a queue, like a traffic jam
• Your wireless printer connected but not printing because it lost the WiFi signal
• The printer driver (the software that helps your computer talk to the printer) needs updating

According to Microsoft’s official guidance, outdated drivers are one of the top reasons for printer problems. Don’t worry — this is easier to fix than it sounds.

First Things to Check Right Now

1. Look at your printer screen: Many printers have a small display that shows error messages. If you see a message, write it down. It often tells you exactly what’s wrong.
2. Check the connection light: Most printers have a WiFi symbol or connection light. If it’s not lit or is blinking orange or red, that’s your clue.
3. Make sure it has paper and ink: I know this sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this is the issue. Pull out the paper tray and make sure paper is loaded correctly.

How Do I Force the Printer to Print?

When your printer won’t respond, you can force it to print by clearing out stuck print jobs and restarting the connection. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Clear the Print Queue

Think of the print queue as a waiting line. Sometimes a document gets stuck at the front of the line and blocks everything else.

1. Open your Settings: Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner), then click the gear icon for Settings.
2. Go to Devices, then Printers: Click on “Devices” and then “Printers & scanners” on the left side.
3. Find your printer: Click on your printer name in the list.
4. Open the queue: Click “Open queue” or “Open print queue.”
5. Cancel all documents: You’ll see a list of documents waiting to print. Click “Printer” at the top, then “Cancel All Documents.” Don’t worry — you can always print them again.

Restart the Print Spooler

The print spooler is a service that manages print jobs. Sometimes it needs a restart, like turning your computer off and on.

1. Open the Run box: Press the Windows key and R at the same time. A small box will appear.
2. Type this command: Type “services.msc” (without quotes) and press Enter.
3. Find Print Spooler: Scroll down the list until you see “Print Spooler.” Click on it once.
4. Restart it: On the left side, click “Restart the service.” Wait about 30 seconds.

Now try printing again. Most of the time, this forces your printer to start working.

What Are Three Possibilities That Might Cause a Printer Not to Print at All?

Let me walk you through the three most common reasons your printer stops working completely.

1. Connection Problems

This is the number one reason. Your printer might be unplugged, or the USB cable might be loose. For wireless printers, the WiFi connection often drops.

If you have a wireless printer, check if other devices can connect to your WiFi. If your phone or tablet can’t connect either, the problem is your WiFi router, not your printer.

Sometimes you’ll see “why is my printer connected but not printing” — this happens when the computer thinks it’s connected, but the actual link is broken.

2. Driver Issues

Printer drivers are small programs that tell your computer how to communicate with your printer. They can get outdated or corrupted, especially after a Windows update.

You might notice your HP printer connected but not printing, or your printer won t print from computer but will from phone. That’s usually a driver problem on the computer.

3. Hardware or Ink Problems

If your printer is printing blank pages when it has ink, the print head might be clogged. This happens when you don’t use the printer for a long time.

You might also experience your printer printing blank pages simply because the ink cartridges are empty or installed incorrectly. Always check ink levels first.

How Can I Reset My Printer?

Resetting your printer is like restarting your computer. It clears temporary problems and gives everything a fresh start.

The Simple Power Reset (Try This First)

1. Turn off your printer: Press the power button and wait until it’s completely off. Don’t just unplug it yet.
2. Unplug the power cable: Pull the power cord out from the back of the printer (or from the wall outlet).
3. Wait 30 seconds: This gives the printer time to completely clear its memory. Use your phone timer if you want.
4. Plug it back in: Connect the power cable firmly.
5. Turn it on: Press the power button and wait for it to fully start up. This might take a minute or two.

This simple reset fixes about half of all printer problems. According to AARP, 91% of adults 50+ now own a smartphone, yet many still struggle with everyday tech problems like printer issues. You’re not alone in this.

Reset Your Printer on Your Computer

Sometimes you need to remove the printer from your computer and add it back, like starting over from scratch.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button, then the gear icon.
2. Go to Printers: Click “Devices,” then “Printers & scanners.”
3. Remove your printer: Click on your printer name, then click “Remove device.” Don’t worry — you’ll add it back in a moment.
4. Restart your computer: This is important. Turn your computer off and back on.
5. Add the printer again: Go back to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Click “Add a printer or scanner.” Wait while your computer searches. When it finds your printer, click on it and follow the prompts.

If you’re wondering “why is my printer not printing from my phone,” you’ll need to reconnect the printer through your phone’s settings too. Each device needs its own connection.

What If My Printer Not Printing What Is on Screen?

Sometimes your document looks perfect on screen, but it prints wrong or not at all. This is usually a settings issue.

First, check if you accidentally selected “Print to PDF” or “Microsoft Print to PDF” instead of your actual printer. This is easy to do and happens all the time.

Second, make sure your printer is set as the default. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, click your printer, and look for a button that says “Set as default” or “Manage.” If you see that button, click it.

Sometimes printer settings get changed accidentally. Before you click “Print,” look for a “Properties” or “Preferences” button. Make sure it’s set to print in color (if you want color) and on the correct paper size.

When Should You Ask for Help Instead of Fixing It Yourself?

You don’t need to fix everything yourself. Here are times when it makes sense to call our printer help service:

• You’ve tried the basic steps and your printer still won’t work after 20 minutes
• You see error messages you don’t understand
• Your printer needs driver updates and you’re not comfortable downloading software
• You’re worried about making things worse or breaking something

The PC Buddy can connect to your computer remotely and fix printer problems while you watch. You don’t need a home visit. We can see what you see and walk you through it, or just fix it for you. There’s a free diagnosis with no obligation.

According to AARP’s technology resources, getting reliable tech support is important for staying connected and independent. There’s no shame in asking for help.