[Easy solution] Causes and solutions for not being able to print on a computer

This time, we will explain the causes and solutions when you cannot print from your computer.

The printer may not be able to print because it is not properly connected to the computer or the cable is not connected securely.

We hope you find this helpful as we explain various causes and solutions for the problem of not being able to print on your computer.

Causes and solutions for errors in which you cannot print because your computer is not configured properly

If you are unable to print from your computer, the following may be the case:

• printer is offline
• Printer print data remains interrupted
• Printer driver is not compatible
• Another printer is the output destination

printer is offline

If you cannot print from your computer, the printer may be offline. This is a common problem when there are multiple routers.

If you receive a message stating that the printer is offline when printing, please follow the steps below to check the status and see if you can get it online.

[How to change the printer from offline to online]

1. Select "Start (Windows mark)"
2. Select "Settings (gear mark)"
3. Select "Device"
4. Select "Printers and Scanners"
5. Select the appropriate printer
6. Select "Open Queue"
7. Select "Printer"
8. If "Use the printer offline" is checked, uncheck it.

If you are unable to print even though "Use printer offline" is not checked, please refer to the other solutions described below.

Printer print data remains interrupted

If you cannot print from your computer, the printer's print data may be interrupted.

Specifically, if there is data that has been interrupted during printing in the past, printing may not be possible or printing may not start.

If printing does not start easily, you may want to delete previously interrupted job data from the print job using the method below.

[How to delete past print data from print jobs]

1. Select "Start (Windows mark)"
2. Select "Settings (gear mark)"
3. Select "Device"
4. Select "Printers and Scanners"
5. Select the appropriate printer
6. Select "Open Queue"
7. If there are any jobs left in the displayed window, right-click on the job.
8. Select "Cancel"
9. Select “Yes” when asked “Do you want to cancel the document?”

Printer driver is not compatible

If you are unable to print from your computer, the printer driver may not be compatible.

If you were able to print until now, but suddenly one day you can no longer print, it is also possible that the printer driver is no longer compatible with updates to the operating system such as Windows.

In such cases, searching for a compatible driver or updating the driver may resolve the issue.

Another printer is the output destination

If you cannot print from your computer, the printer you are trying to output to may be different.

The problem may be resolved by changing the output destination to the desired printer using the steps below.

[How to change the printer's output destination settings]             

1. Enter "control panel" in the search box (the part that says "Type here to search")
2. Select "Devices and Printers"
3. Right-click the printer in question and select "Set as default printer"

Additionally, the last printer you used may be set as your default printer.

If you print with a printer other than the one you normally use, that printer will become the default. Of course, it's a useful feature, but it can sometimes be inconvenient.

In this case, try changing the settings as follows.

[How to prevent the last used printer from becoming the default printer]

1. Select "Start (Windows mark)"
2. Select "Settings (gear mark)"
3. Select "Device"
4. Select "Printers and Scanners"
5. Uncheck "Let Windows manage my default printer"

Causes and solutions for errors in which the computer and printer are not connected properly

If you are unable to print from your computer, it is possible that the computer and printer are not connected properly.

In such a case, please check the following points.

• USB cable or wired LAN is not connected
• In the case of wireless LAN, it is connected to another network.
• Printer not detected on network

USB cable or wired LAN is not connected

If you cannot print from your computer, the USB cable or wired LAN may not be connected securely.

Check the cable connection and make sure it is firmly inserted.

Also, if the cable is disconnected or damaged, connection problems will occur, so we recommend replacing it.

In the case of wireless LAN, it is connected to another network.

If you are using wireless LAN and cannot print from your computer, it may be connected to another network.

Since the printer is connected to Wi-Fi and the settings are made on the computer connected to that Wi-Fi, it is usually not possible to print with a printer connected to a different network.

Therefore, it is a good idea to check whether the printer and computer are connected to the same network.

If you follow the steps below on your computer and the printer cannot be found in step 6, please check the network settings on the printer.

[How to set up the printer via wireless LAN]

1. Select "Start (Windows mark)"
2. Select "Settings (gear mark)"
3. Select "Device"
4. Select "Printers and Scanners"
5. Select "Add a printer or scanner"
6. Select printer
7. Select "Add device"

Printer not detected on network

If you cannot print on your computer, the printer may not be detected.

Since the computer cannot find the printer, specifying the IP address directly may solve the problem.

[How to connect by directly specifying the IP address of the printer]

1. Check the printer's IP address on the printer itself or on a computer connected to the printer.
2. Download the printer driver from the manufacturer's website and unzip it.
3. Enter "control panel" in the search box (the part that says "Type here to search")
4. Select "Devices and Printers"
5. Select "Add Printer"
6. Select "If your printer is not in the list"
7. Select "Add a printer using TCP/IP address or host name"
8. Set "Device type" to "Automatic detection"
9. The printer's IP address in "Host name or IP address"
10. Uncheck "Query printers and automatically select the printer driver to use"
11. Select "Next"
12. Select "Use Disk"
13. Select the printer driver folder that you downloaded and unzipped from the manufacturer's website.
14. Select a file with the extension ".inf"
15. Select "Open"

Causes and solutions for errors that appear on the printer body

In addition to not being able to print from your computer, if you are experiencing problems with your printer, please refer to the information below.

• Printer power error
• Printer ink errors
• printer paper jam error
• Printer failure error

Printer power error

If you cannot print from your computer, the printer may not be turned on.

If you haven't checked the status of the printer yet, it's a good idea to check once to see if it's turned on.

Printer ink errors

If you cannot print from your computer, the ink in your printer may be clogged.

Cleaning is required if the ink is clogged.

Some models have cleaning functions, so try running them once and see if you can print normally.

printer paper jam error

If you cannot print from your computer, paper may be jammed in the printer.

Some printers will notify you of paper jam errors, so follow the instructions to remove the jammed paper.

After removing the paper, put the printer back in and if there are no problems it should start working again.

Printer failure error

If you cannot print from your computer, the printer may be malfunctioning.

If the problem is not resolved even after trying various solutions, there is a possibility that the printer itself is malfunctioning, and in that case, repair is required.

If you are experiencing problems not only when printing from a computer, but also when copying from the printer itself, you should check the printer itself.

How to resolve errors caused by printer waiting to print

If you cannot print from your computer, the printer may be waiting to print.

For example, if print data that was interrupted remains.

In this case, you may be able to print what you want to print by canceling the unnecessary print job.

→Printer print data remains interrupted

In addition, you may want to check if there are any remaining print jobs on the printer side.

Causes and solutions when the printer suddenly stops printing

This article explains the causes and solutions when the printer suddenly stops printing.

• For Canon
• For EPSON

For Canon

If your Canon printer suddenly stops printing, please check the following points.

• Ink level, tank
• print head error
• Printer communication trouble

Ink level, tank

Printing may not be possible due to insufficient ink remaining.

If the remaining amount is insufficient, please replace it.

Also, if "Ink tank is not installed" is displayed, the ink tank may not be installed or may not be recognized.

In this case, try reinserting the correct ink tank.

print head error

If an error related to the print head is displayed, head cleaning may be necessary.

This seems to be caused by a clogged nozzle or a dirty sensor.

After cleaning the head, check to see if it prints properly.

Printer communication trouble

If the printer settings are not configured correctly, a message such as "Unable to communicate with the printer" may be displayed.

In this case, please make the settings as shown below.

1. Type "control panel" in the search box
2. Select "Control Panel"
3. Select "Printer"
4. Right click on the relevant printer
5. Select "Printer properties"
6. "Port" selection
7. Select "Enable bidirectional support"
8. Restart the printer and computer

For EPSON

If your EPSON printer suddenly stops printing, please check the following points.

• Ink cartridge/remaining amount
• printer lifespan
• System error
• Nozzle clogging
• Scanner lock
• A paper jam

Ink cartridge/remaining amount

There are cases where the ink cartridge is not recognized properly and printing is not possible.

If this happens, try reinserting the ink cartridge.

Also, you may not be able to print if there is not enough remaining capacity, so please check before replacing the cartridge.

printer lifespan

If your printer suddenly stops printing, it may be at the end of its lifespan.

A message such as "The printer's internal parts are about to be adjusted" may be displayed, so check with the manufacturer and consider repair/maintenance or replacement if necessary.

System error

If a system error occurs and you are unable to print, refilling the ink and restarting may resolve the issue.

Also, check to see if there are any paper jams when the power is turned off.

Nozzle clogging

If your printer suddenly stops printing, the cause may be a clogged nozzle.

If a nozzle clogging error occurs, the nozzle must be cleaned.

Some models have a cleaning function, so give it a try.

Scanner lock

If your printer is making strange noises, the scanner may be locked.

If the main unit has a "transportation locking lever", try unlocking it.

A paper jam

This is true for any printer, but if a paper jam occurs, you will not be able to print.

If this happens, check to see if there is a paper jam error and try removing the jammed paper.

How to fix the printer going offline

If the printer is offline and you cannot print, →printer is offlinePlease refer to the contents.

Additionally, reinstalling the printer driver may resolve the issue.

[How to reinstall the printer driver]

1. Select "Start (Windows mark)"
2. Select "Settings (gear mark)"
3. Select "Device"
4. Select "Printers and Scanners"
5. Select the appropriate printer
6. Select "Manage"
7. Select "Printer properties"
8. Select the "Advanced Settings" tab
9. Select "New Driver"
10. Select "Next"
11. Select the appropriate printer
12. Select "Next"
13. Select "Done"

Summary of causes and solutions for not being able to print on a computer

This time, we explained the causes and solutions when you cannot print on your computer.

If the printer cannot print, first check the power supply and cable, and then check the print job.

Also, the printer may be offline or connected to a different network from your computer.

If the problem is not resolved no matter what you do, the printer itself may be malfunctioning, but first try various solutions.