Printers have a talent for going wrong at exactly the wrong moment. In 25 years of fixing them, I've learned that most printer problems aren't hardware faults. They're software, driver or configuration issues that can be sorted without spending a penny. Here's what to try first.
If your printer isn't working, the most common causes are a stuck print queue, driver issues after a Windows update, network IP changes, or simple connection problems. Working through these steps methodically will fix the majority of cases without replacing the printer.
This is one of the most common issues I'm called out to fix in homes and small businesses across Uckfield and the wider East Sussex area.
Start With the Obvious
I know this sounds basic, but run through these first. You'd be surprised how often they're the issue:
- Is it turned on and fully warmed up? Some printers take 30–60 seconds after switching on before they're ready.
- Is there paper? Check it's loaded correctly and not jammed slightly at the back of the tray.
- Is there ink or toner? Check your printer's panel or software. Even if a cartridge isn't technically "empty", some printers refuse to print below a certain level.
- Is the cable plugged in? For USB printers, try a different USB port. USB cables and ports can develop intermittent faults over time, so trying a different cable or port can rule this out quickly.
- Does the computer see the printer? Go to Settings → Printers & Scanners and check it shows as ready, not offline.
Clear the Print Queue
If a print job gets stuck, it blocks everything that comes after it. Here's how to clear the queue on Windows:
- Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
- Click your printer and select Open print queue
- Select all jobs and delete them
- Try printing again
If jobs keep reappearing, you may need to restart the Print Spooler service. Search for Services in the Start menu, find Print Spooler, right-click and choose Restart. Then clear the queue again.
Restart Everything (In the Right Order)
If clearing the queue didn't help, try a full restart in this order: turn off the printer, restart the computer, then turn the printer back on once Windows has fully loaded. It sounds simple, but it fixes a surprising number of printer problems because it clears cached driver states and connection data.
Check or Reinstall the Driver
Printer drivers (the software that tells Windows how to communicate with your printer) can become corrupted or outdated, especially after a Windows update. If your printer stopped working after a recent update, this is the most likely cause.
Go to your printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, etc.) and download the latest driver for your model. Uninstall the existing one first via Settings → Apps, then install the fresh download. This fixes driver issues far more reliably than trying to update through Windows Update.
For Network Printers: Check the IP Address
If you're printing over WiFi or a network, the most common cause of sudden failures is the printer's IP address changing. Routers occasionally assign a different IP address to a device when it reconnects, and if your computer has the old address saved, it won't find the printer.
Print a network configuration page directly from the printer (usually via its own menu) to see its current IP address. If it's different from what your computer expects, update it in Settings → Printers & Scanners. Even better, log into your router and assign the printer a fixed (static) IP address so this can't happen again.
Quick tip: if you're sharing a printer between multiple computers on a home network, make sure the computer the printer is physically connected to is turned on. Shared printers on Windows only work if the host machine is running.
Still Not Working?
If you've run through all of the above and the printer still won't cooperate, it's time to get someone to take a look. Sometimes there's a deeper driver conflict, a port issue, or in some cases the printer itself has developed a fault. I cover Uckfield, Lewes, Crowborough, Haywards Heath and the surrounding East Sussex area. Give me a call on 01825 768548 or drop me a message and we'll get it sorted.
Most printer issues can be resolved quickly via remote support. If you'd like ongoing monitoring so problems are caught before they disrupt your day, have a look at our GNL Protect managed plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer show as offline?
This is often caused by a stuck print queue, a driver issue, or the printer's IP address changing on the network.
Why did my printer stop working after a Windows update?
Windows updates can replace or disrupt printer drivers. Reinstalling the correct driver from the manufacturer usually resolves the issue.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a printer?
For low-cost inkjet printers, replacement is sometimes more economical. For business laser printers, repair is often worthwhile.