How to Fix Printer Not Printing JPEGs on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Printing JPEG images on Windows 11 should be straightforward, but sometimes your printer might not print them as expected. This can be frustrating, especially when you need a quick physical copy of your photos or graphics.

There are several reasons why JPEG files might not print, ranging from simple software issues to printer driver problems. Fortunately, most of these problems can be fixed with a few easy steps.

This guide will walk you through clear, step-by-step solutions to get your printer back to printing JPEG files without hassle. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

Let’s start by checking some quick things before diving into detailed troubleshooting.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before attempting any fixes, make sure to check these basic points. Sometimes, the problem lies in simple mistakes or overlooked settings.

Check Printer Connection: Ensure your printer is properly connected to your PC via USB or network (Wi-Fi/Ethernet).
Printer Power and Status: Confirm the printer is turned on and shows no error lights or messages.
Paper and Ink Levels: Verify there is enough paper loaded and the ink or toner cartridges are not empty.
File Integrity: Open the JPEG file using a photo viewer to confirm it is not corrupted.
Printer Default: Make sure your desired printer is set as the default printer on Windows 11.

Step 1: Restart Your Devices

Often, restarting your computer and printer can solve temporary glitches.

Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source.
Restart your Windows 11 PC by clicking Start > Power > Restart.
Plug your printer back in and turn it on after your PC boots up.
Try printing the JPEG again.

Why do this? Restarting clears temporary files and resets the printer and PC communication.

Step 2: Use the Windows 11 Print Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in tool designed to detect and fix common printing problems.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Printer in the list and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Once done, try printing your JPEG file again.

Why use the troubleshooter? It automatically detects configuration issues and suggests fixes, saving time and effort.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can prevent JPEG files from printing correctly.

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Printers section.
Right-click your printer and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
If no update is found, or problems persist, visit your printer manufacturer’s website.
Download and install the latest driver for your specific printer model and Windows 11.
Restart your PC and try printing again.

Why update drivers? Drivers act as translators between your PC and printer. Updated drivers fix bugs and improve compatibility.

Step 4: Change the Default Photo Viewer and Print Method

Sometimes, the default photo viewer or print method may cause issues with JPEG printing.

Right-click the JPEG file and select Open with.
Choose a different application, such as Photos, Paint, or another image viewer.
Try printing the image from the new application by pressing Ctrl + P or using the print option.

If this works, the problem may be with the original photo viewer’s print settings.

Step 5: Print JPEG as a PDF

This is a useful workaround if the printer struggles to print JPEGs directly.

Open the JPEG file with any photo viewer or Paint.
Choose Print and select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
Save the resulting PDF file to your computer.
Open the saved PDF using a PDF viewer like Microsoft Edge or Adobe Acrobat.
Print the PDF file as you normally would.

Why try this? PDF format is often more printer-friendly and can bypass certain JPEG printing issues.

Step 6: Adjust Printer Preferences and Settings

Printer settings can sometimes block certain image types or affect print quality.

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Select your printer and click Printing preferences.
Check options like Color, Paper type, and Print quality.
Make sure you don’t have any unusual settings enabled that could prevent printing images.
Apply changes and test printing again.

Alternative and Advanced Options

If the above methods don’t resolve the issue, consider these advanced steps:

Reset the Printer Spooler Service: Sometimes the printing queue gets stuck. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, find Print Spooler, right-click and restart it.
Try a Different USB Cable or Port: Faulty cables or ports can interrupt data transfer.
Use Another JPEG File: Test printing a different JPEG to rule out file-specific issues.
Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes updates fix printer compatibility issues. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t my printer print only JPEG files but prints other formats?

This could be due to driver incompatibility, corruption in the JPEG file, or issues with the photo viewer application. Updating drivers and trying different viewers usually helps.

Is it necessary to update printer drivers regularly?

Yes. Updated drivers improve performance, add new features, and fix bugs that might cause printing errors.

Can printing as PDF always fix JPEG printing problems?

While not a permanent fix, converting JPEGs to PDFs often bypasses printing issues related to image format compatibility.

What if my printer is offline or not detected?

Check your printer’s connection, power, and network status. Restart devices and run the Windows printer troubleshooter.

Does Windows 11 support all printers?

Most printers supported on Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11, but it’s important to ensure you have the latest drivers for full functionality.

When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your printer still refuses to print JPEG files, here are some final suggestions:

Contact Printer Manufacturer Support: They can provide model-specific help or firmware updates.
Use Third-Party Printing Software: Some applications offer advanced printing features that might handle JPEGs better.
Reset Your Printer to Factory Settings: Consult your printer manual for instructions to perform a reset, which may clear persistent errors.
Consider a Windows System Restore: If printing issues started recently, restoring your system to an earlier point might help.
Check Microsoft’s Official Support: Visit support.microsoft.com for additional resources and updates.

Conclusion

Printing JPEG files on Windows 11 usually works without issues, but when problems arise, starting with simple checks and moving step-by-step through troubleshooting is the best approach. Restarting devices, using Windows tools, updating drivers, and adjusting settings cover most common causes.

Alternative methods like printing as PDF or changing photo viewers can provide quick workarounds. If all else fails, manufacturer support and advanced options are available to assist.

By following these detailed steps, you can resolve JPEG printing issues efficiently and get back to producing quality prints from your Windows 11 PC.