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How to Fix Cricut Not Printing Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are trying to print your Cricut designs on Windows 11 but nothing happens, you are not alone. This error can be frustrating, especially when you have a project ready to go. Thankfully, there are simple fixes to get your Cricut printing again quickly.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions you can try. No complicated jargon—just clear instructions designed for beginners. By following these, you can troubleshoot and resolve the printing error effectively.

Before diving into more advanced fixes, it’s best to start with basic checks. Often, the problem is due to simple connection or software issues.

Read on to learn how to identify the cause and fix your Cricut printing error on Windows 11 with confidence.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Confirm Cricut is properly connected: Make sure your Cricut machine is turned on, plugged in, and connected to your PC either via USB or Bluetooth.
  • Check Windows 11 updates: Keeping your operating system updated ensures compatibility and fixes bugs that might affect printing.
  • Verify Cricut Design Space installation: Ensure you have the latest version of Cricut Design Space installed. Outdated software can cause errors.
  • Printer selection: Confirm your Cricut machine is selected as the printer in the print dialog box.

Step 1: Restart Your Devices

Restarting your computer and Cricut machine is the easiest way to clear temporary glitches.

  1. Turn off your Cricut machine and unplug it from the power source.
  2. Restart your Windows 11 PC by clicking Start > Power > Restart.
  3. Once your PC is fully restarted, plug in and turn on your Cricut machine.
  4. Open Cricut Design Space and try printing again.

Why this helps: Restarting resets your devices’ connections and clears minor software conflicts that may be blocking the print command.

Step 2: Check Printer and Device Connection

Ensuring your Cricut is properly connected to your PC is critical. A loose or faulty connection can cause printing to fail.

For USB Connection

  1. Unplug the USB cable from both your Cricut and PC.
  2. Inspect the cable for damage. If damaged, replace it with a new USB cable.
  3. Plug the cable firmly back into the PC and Cricut.
  4. Wait for Windows 11 to detect the device. You should see a notification or the device listed in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

For Bluetooth Connection

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  3. Check if your Cricut appears under paired devices. If not, pair it again by clicking Add device and following the on-screen instructions.
  4. Try printing again after confirming the connection.

Why this matters: A stable connection is essential for sending print jobs. USB cables can wear out, and Bluetooth connections sometimes drop or fail to pair properly.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Cricut Design Space

Outdated or corrupted software can cause printing errors. Updating or reinstalling Cricut Design Space ensures you have the latest fixes.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Cricut Design Space and click on it.
  3. Click Uninstall and follow prompts to remove the app.
  4. Restart your PC.
  5. Go to the official Cricut Design Space website and download the latest version.
  6. Install the software and sign back in.
  7. Try printing your design again.

Why do this: Reinstalling clears corrupted files or settings that may prevent printing. Updates also add compatibility with new OS versions like Windows 11.

Step 4: Set Cricut as Default Printer and Clear Print Queue

If Windows 11 is sending print jobs to a different printer or the print queue is stuck, your Cricut won’t print.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Find your Cricut machine in the list and click on it.
  3. Click Set as default printer.
  4. Click on Open print queue.
  5. If jobs are stuck, right-click each and select Cancel.
  6. Close the window and try printing again.

Why this is important: The default printer must be set to Cricut for print jobs to reach it. Also, a stuck print queue can block new jobs from processing.

Step 5: Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix printer problems automatically.

  1. Click Start and open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Printer and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix issues.

Why use this: The troubleshooter can resolve common problems like driver conflicts or service errors without manual interventions.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Cricut Printer Drivers

Drivers enable communication between your Cricut machine and Windows 11. Faulty or outdated drivers can cause printing errors.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Printers or Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  3. Right-click your Cricut device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. If no update is found, you can select Uninstall device, then restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.

Why this step is critical: Drivers act as translators. If they are corrupted or missing, Windows cannot send print commands correctly.

Alternative Method: Print from Another PC or Use a Different USB Cable

If your Cricut still won’t print, try connecting it to another Windows 11 computer. This helps determine if the issue is with your PC or the machine itself.

Also, swapping the USB cable with a known working one can eliminate faulty hardware as the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my Cricut Design Space say “Not Printing” on Windows 11?

This usually happens due to connectivity issues, outdated software, or driver problems. Following the steps above helps resolve these common causes.

Can antivirus software block Cricut printing?

Yes, some security programs may block communication between Cricut Design Space and your machine. Temporarily disabling antivirus or adding exceptions can help.

Do I need to update Windows 11 to fix Cricut printing issues?

While not always necessary, updating Windows 11 ensures compatibility and can fix bugs that interfere with printing.

My Cricut is connected but still not printing—what else can I try?

Check for print queue jams, reinstall drivers, or try printing from a different USB port or computer.

Is Cricut Design Space compatible with Windows 11?

Yes, Cricut Design Space is compatible with Windows 11, but you should always use the latest version for best performance.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps solve your printing error, consider the following final options:

  • Contact Cricut Support: Visit the official Cricut Help Center for personalized troubleshooting and warranty assistance.
  • Check for hardware issues: Your Cricut machine might have a hardware fault requiring professional repair.
  • Reset Cricut Design Space: Clearing app data or reinstalling can sometimes fix stubborn bugs.
  • Use Cricut Community Forums: Other users may have experienced similar issues and shared solutions.

Conclusion

Fixing the Cricut not printing error on Windows 11 usually involves simple steps like restarting devices, checking connections, and updating software. Starting with basic troubleshooting saves time and avoids unnecessary complexity.

Remember to keep your Windows system and Cricut Design Space updated, set the Cricut as your default printer, and ensure your drivers are current. If problems persist, use built-in Windows troubleshooters or reach out to Cricut support for more advanced help.

By patiently following these step-by-step solutions, you can get back to creating your Cricut projects smoothly in no time.

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