Sometimes your printer in Windows 10 might pause for no apparent reason, which can be frustrating when you have documents to print. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem. In this article, we'll explore the different steps to take to get your printer working again.
Here's a video tutorial !
1. Check the connections and the printer status
Wired and USB connection
Make sure the printer is properly connected to your computer via USB or an Ethernet cable. Check that the cables are securely plugged in and undamaged. If you are using a network printer, also verify that the printer's IP address is correct and that it is properly connected to your router or modem.
Wireless connection and Wi-Fi Direct
For Wi-Fi wireless printers , ensure they are connected to the same network as your computer and that the network is functioning correctly. You can check the wireless connection status by accessing the printer settings or your router's administration interface. For Wi-Fi Direct-enabled printers, ensure the feature is enabled and that the device is properly connected.
2. Check the printer settings in Windows 10
Configuration panel
Access the Control Panel by clicking the Start menu and searching for "Control Panel". Then click "Devices and Printers" to view the list of printers installed on your computer.
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Set the default printer
Right-click on your printer (for example, Canon PIXMA, HP Deskjet, Brother MFC, or Epson Stylus) and select "Set as default printer" if it isn't already. This will allow Windows 10 to automatically direct print jobs to that printer.
Check the printer status
Make sure the printer isn't paused by right-clicking its icon and selecting "View what's printing." In the window that opens, check if the printer is paused. If it is, click "Printer" in the top menu and uncheck the "Pause" option.
3. Updating printer drivers
- It's important to keep your printer drivers up to date to avoid compatibility issues. Here's how to update your printer driver in Windows 10:
- Right-click the printer icon in "Devices and Printers" and select "Printer Properties".
- Go to the "Driver" tab and click "Update Driver." Follow the on-screen instructions to automatically search for and install the latest driver version. You can also visit the printer manufacturer's website (Canon, HP, Brother, or Epson) to manually download the driver that corresponds to your printer model and version of Windows .
4. Checking firewall and homegroup settings
Printing problems can sometimes be related to firewall or homegroup issues in Windows 10. Ensure your computer's firewall allows communication with the printer by adding an exception for the printer software and the printer port being used. If you are connected to a homegroup, verify that the printer sharing settings are configured correctly.
5. Reinstalling the printer
If all the previous steps have not solved the problem, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling the printer on your computer.
- Access "Devices and Printers" in the Control Panel.
- Right-click on the printer icon and select "Remove device".
- Restart your computer.
- Reinstall the printer following the manufacturer's instructions for your printer model. You may need to use an installation CD-ROM or download the installation software from the manufacturer's website.
6. Other tips for solving printing problems
- Print a test page: this allows you to check if the printer is working correctly and if the problem is with the computer or the printer itself.
- Clean the ink cartridges and printheads: If the printer is producing poor quality prints, cleaning the cartridges and printheads may solve the problem.
- Check ink levels: make sure the ink cartridges are not empty and refill them if necessary.
- Use alternative printing solutions: If you are unable to resolve the problem with your printer, you can use online printing services or mobile applications to print your documents.
In conclusion, resolving a paused printer issue in Windows 10 may require several steps, ranging from checking connections and printer status to updating drivers and reinstalling the printer. By following the tips and tricks presented in this article, you should be able to resolve most printing problems and get the most out of your Canon, HP, Brother, or Epson printer.
