Printer Not Printing in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Checklist

You click "Print" and nothing happens? Go through the steps below one by one. After each step, try printing again, as often the first or second step helps.

Check Step by Step

1. Power. Turn off the printer, unplug it from the socket, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and turn it on.
2. Cable or Wi-Fi. USB printer: check if the cable is securely connected on both ends. Wireless printer: check if Wi-Fi is turned on (usually a blue icon lights up) and run a network test from its menu. The computer and printer must be on the same network, which matters if there is a range extender or multiple routers with different names in the house.
3. Paper, ink, cover. An error message from the printer often indicates a lack of paper or ink, an open cover, or a paper jam.
4. Default printer. Open Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners. In the Printer preferences section, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer. Click on your printer and select Set as default. When this option is enabled, Windows automatically selects the most recently used printer.
5. Print queue. In the same place, click on the printer, then Open print queue. Right-click on each job and select Cancel.
6. Troubleshooter tool. Open the Get Help app from the Start menu, search for the printer troubleshooter, and follow the instructions.
7. Remove and add the printer. In Printers & scanners, click on the printer, select Remove, and confirm. Then click Add device and wait for Windows to find it. If it’s not on the list, select Add manually. Finally, print a test page.
8. Driver. Download the latest driver only from the official website of the printer manufacturer, for your model and Windows 11. Note: on some ARM processor computers, the manufacturer's installer may not work; in that case, add the printer through Settings as in step 7.
9. Print Spooler. Click Start, type "services" and open Services. Double-click Print Spooler, select Stop, and OK. In the search bar on the taskbar, type %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers, open that folder, and delete all files inside. Return to the Print Spooler service, click Start, select Automatic in the Startup type field, and click OK.

If This Didn't Help

• Is the printer showing as "offline"? Microsoft describes this separately: offline printer.
• Is it only one program, like Word, that isn't printing? See printing issues in Word and Excel.
• Contact the printer manufacturer's technical support through their official website. Be cautious of pop-ups and ads with phone numbers for "support": genuine Microsoft messages never provide a number to call. See the guide on recognizing and avoiding tech support scams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to delete files from the spool folder?

Yes, as long as you stop the Print Spooler first. Only pending print jobs will disappear, which you can resend later.

Why is it printing on a different printer?

Most often, Windows has automatically changed the default printer to the most recently used one. Turn this off in step 4.

Sources

As of October 24, 2026. Menu names may vary depending on the version of Windows and system language. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace technical support from the printer or computer manufacturer.