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How to Fix Printer Not Printing Error on Windows 8: Step-by-Step Solutions

Having trouble with your printer not printing on Windows 8 can be frustrating. This problem can arise due to various simple reasons. Fortunately, most issues can be resolved with easy steps. You don’t need to be a tech expert to fix it.

In this guide, you will find straightforward instructions to help you troubleshoot and fix the printer not printing error on Windows 8. We will start with the simplest solutions and move towards more advanced ones. Follow the steps carefully for the best results.

Understanding why your printer is not working can save you time and effort. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a connection issue or a paused print queue. Other times, it may require updating drivers or resetting settings.

Let’s begin by checking some quick points before diving into detailed fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Ensure the printer is properly connected: Check that the printer is plugged into a power source and turned on.
  • Verify the USB or network connection: Make sure the cable is securely connected, or if it’s a wireless printer, confirm it is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
  • Check paper and ink levels: Make sure there is enough paper loaded and ink or toner cartridges are not empty.
  • Restart your computer and printer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Printer Not Printing Error on Windows 8

1. Check the Printer Status in Windows

Sometimes, the printer may be set to offline or paused, which stops it from printing. To check this:

  1. Press Win + W and type Devices and Printers.
  2. Click on Devices and Printers from the search results.
  3. Find your printer icon, right-click it, and look for options like See what’s printing.
  4. In the print queue window, click on Printer in the menu bar.
  5. Make sure Use Printer Offline is unchecked and Pause Printing is unchecked.

If you found any of these options enabled, uncheck them. This allows the printer to accept new print jobs.

2. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 8 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common printer problems. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Press Win + W and type Troubleshooting.
  2. Click on Troubleshooting from the results.
  3. Select View all on the left pane.
  4. Click Printer from the list.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix issues.

This tool can save time by identifying problems you might miss manually.

3. Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler is a service that manages printing jobs. If it stops working properly, your printer will not print. Restarting it can help:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Print Spooler.
  4. Right-click it and select Restart.
  5. Close the window and try printing again.

Restarting the spooler clears stuck print jobs and refreshes the printing process.

4. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers often cause printing errors. Updating or reinstalling drivers ensures your printer communicates correctly with Windows 8.

  1. Press Win + W and type Device Manager.
  2. Open Device Manager from the results.
  3. Expand the Printers section and find your printer.
  4. Right-click your printer and select Update Driver Software.
  5. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  6. If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver manually.
  7. If updating doesn’t help, right-click the printer and select Uninstall. Then restart your PC and reinstall the printer using the original installation CD or the manufacturer’s website.

Keeping drivers current prevents compatibility issues and improves performance.

5. Clear the Print Queue Manually

If the print queue is stuck with pending jobs, new print commands won’t be processed. To clear the queue:

  1. Open the Devices and Printers window as before.
  2. Right-click your printer and select See what’s printing.
  3. In the queue window, click Printer and then Cancel All Documents.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the queue to clear.
  5. Try printing again.

Clearing the queue removes problematic print jobs that might be blocking new ones.

6. Check Windows Update for Printer Fixes

Sometimes Microsoft releases updates that fix known printer problems on Windows 8.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Click Change PC settings at the bottom.
  3. Select Update and recovery and then Windows Update.
  4. Click Check now and install any available updates.
  5. Restart your computer if prompted.

Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements.

Alternative and Advanced Options

Use a Different USB Port or Cable

If you are using a wired connection, the USB cable or port could be faulty. Try connecting the printer to a different USB port or use another cable. Sometimes, this simple change resolves connectivity issues.

Reset the Printer to Factory Settings

As a last resort before contacting support, you can reset your printer to its original factory settings. This option is usually found in the printer’s menu or user manual. Resetting clears any custom settings that might be causing problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my printer show as offline even though it’s connected?

Your printer may be set to offline mode or there could be a communication problem between your PC and printer. Check the printer status in Devices and Printers and ensure it is set to online.

How do I know if my printer driver is outdated?

If your printer suddenly stops printing after a Windows update or you see error messages related to the printer driver, it might be outdated. Checking the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver version can help.

Can wireless printers have printing errors on Windows 8?

Yes, wireless printers can face issues due to Wi-Fi connectivity problems. Make sure your printer and PC are on the same network and the Wi-Fi signal is strong.

Is it necessary to restart my computer when printer issues occur?

Restarting your computer and printer can fix temporary glitches and refresh connections, making it a good first step for troubleshooting.

What if my printer still doesn’t print after trying these steps?

There may be a hardware issue with the printer or deeper software conflicts. Consider contacting the printer manufacturer’s support for help.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the steps above and your printer still does not print, it might be time to seek professional help. You can visit the official Microsoft support page for printer issues on Windows 8:

Microsoft Printer Troubleshooting

Alternatively, contact your printer manufacturer’s customer service or visit a local technician for hardware diagnostics.

Conclusion

Printer not printing errors on Windows 8 are usually fixable by following simple troubleshooting steps. Start by checking connections and printer status, then move on to restarting services and updating drivers. Using built-in Windows tools like the troubleshooter can save time. Keeping your system and drivers updated is key to avoiding future issues.

By being patient and methodical, you can get your printer working again without needing expert help. Remember, if all else fails, professional support is available to assist you.

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