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This article covers common printer problems in Windows, including printer not found, print jobs stuck in the queue, printer spooler crashes, and more, along with step-by-step troubleshooting solutions for each issue. Microsoft is aware of some ARM PCs not being able to add or install a printer when using an installer provided by the printer manufacturer. To fix this issue, follow the instructions in the article Add or install a printer in Windows instead of using the manufacturer's installer. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most printer problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to Most common printer problems section. Run the troubleshooter in Get Help If the printer troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your printer issue, click on the specific printer problem you are experiencing in the Most common printer problems section below and follow the steps to fix them. If your problem is not listed, go to the General troubleshooting section and follow the steps listed in there. General troubleshooting Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the problem. Step 1. Unplug and restart your printer: Sometimes power cycling your printer can resolve the issue. Turn off your printer and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug your printer back in, and then turn the printer back on. Step 2. Check cables or wireless connection: Check the cables (for wired printers). Make sure that the printer's USB cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC. If your USB isn’t recognized, see Automatically diagnose and fix Windows USB problems . Check the wireless connection (for wireless printers) . Do one of the following: Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when a wireless connection option for the printer is available. To learn where this button is located on your printer and to find instructions about how to turn it on, see the instructions that came with the printer or check the manufacturer's website for instructions. Run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Many printers have a menu option to test the printer’s wireless connectivity. Read the instructions that came with the printer or check the printer manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to do this. If those check out and you’re still having problems, your PC may not be connecting to your wireless network. To learn more, see Why can't I get online? For more advanced help, see Fix network connection issues in Windows . If you're having trouble connecting to a Bluetooth printer, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows . If you use wireless access points, extenders, or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, make sure you're connected to the same network as the printer for your PC. If your printer's status displays "Printer in error state," there may be a problem with the printer itself. If these first two steps did not resolve the error, check the printer for low paper or ink, and be sure the cover isn't open and the paper isn't jammed. Step 3. Uninstall and reinstall your printer: Try removing and reinstalling the printer. Remove your printer: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Select the Start button, then select Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Select the printer you want to uninstall. Select the printer you want to uninstall. Select the Remove button. Then confirm you're sure you want to remove this device by selecting Yes . Select the Remove button. Then confirm you're sure you want to remove this device by selecting Yes . Reinstall your printer: If your printer is turned on and connected to the network, Windows should find it easily. Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers, or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers. To reinstall your printer, follow these steps: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Select the Start button, then select Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Make sure your printer is turned on and connected. Then select the Add device (or Refresh ) button. Make sure your printer is turned on and connected. Then select the Add device (or Refresh ) button. Please wait a moment while Windows searches for the printers that are connected to the device (locally or wirelessly). Windows will then display a list of printers connected to your device. If you see your printer listed, select the Add device button for your printer. If you don't see your device listed, select Add manually . Please wait a moment while Windows searches for the printers that are connected to the device (locally or wirelessly). Windows will then display a list of printers connected to your device. If you see your printer listed, select the Add device button for your printer. If you don't see your device listed, select Add manually . If you use wireless access points, extenders, or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, make sure you're connected to the same network as the printer for your PC to find and install it. If you have a new wireless printer that hasn’t been added to your home network, read the instructions that came with the printer and check the printer manufacturer’s website to learn more and to get up-to-date software for your printer. You can print a test page to make sure the printer is working correctly. If you've installed the printer but it doesn't work, check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting information or driver updates. Reinstall your printer manually: If the system cannot install the printer automatically, you can reinstall it manually. When you select Add manually , you will then see five options to Find a printer by other options . Select the option that applies best for your situation and then follow the steps provided. All of the options can apply for a printer that is connected wirelessly or through your network. However, if your printer is connected directly to your computer locally, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and then select Next . Reinstall a local printer manually: After selecting Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings , follow these steps: Select Use an existing port and then select the port the printer is connected to. Then select Next. If the printer is connected via USB, select it from the list. There are also options for parallel (LPT) and serial (COM) ports. Select Use an existing port and then select the port the printer is connected to. Then select Next. If the printer is connected via USB, select it from the list. There are also options for parallel (LPT) and serial (COM) ports. You will now see options to install the printer driver. If the printer came with a disc that includes the driver, select Have Disk . Otherwise, select Windows Update . You will now see options to install the printer driver. If the printer came with a disc that includes the driver, select Have Disk . Otherwise, select Windows Update . Please wait while Windows updates the list of printers. Then select the printer manufacturer from the left column, and the printer model from the right column. Then select Next . Note If there are multiple versions of a driver for your device, you might be asked which version of the driver to use. In most cases, you should select Replace the current driver . However, if you're confident the installed driver is correct, select Use the driver that is currently installed . Please wait while Windows updates the list of printers. Then select the printer manufacturer from the left column, and the printer model from the right column. Then select Next . If there are multiple versions of a driver for your device, you might be asked which version of the driver to use. In most cases, you should select Replace the current driver . However, if you're confident the installed driver is correct, select Use the driver that is currently installed . Type a name for your printer, and then select Next . This name is only for your personal reference, so you can choose any name you prefer. Type a name for your printer, and then select Next . This name is only for your personal reference, so you can choose any name you prefer. Select Do not share this printer. (If you want to share your printer with other devices on your network, select Share this printer and enter the name and location.) Select Next . Select Do not share this printer. (If you want to share your printer with other devices on your network, select Share this printer and enter the name and location.) Select Next . Select Print a test page to confirm that the printer is working and then select Finish . Select Print a test page to confirm that the printer is working and then select Finish . Step 4. Install the latest driver for your printer: Most printers require the latest driver to work well. To learn more, read How to download and install the latest printer drivers . If your printer still doesn’t work after you install the latest driver for your printer, continue to step 5. Step 5. Clear and reset the print spooler

If the previous troubleshooting step is not successful, you may need to clear spooler files and restart the spooler service. The print spooler is a file that manages the printing process. To clear and reset the print spooler: In the search box on the taskbar, type services , and then select Services in the list of results. Select the Standards tab, and then double-click Print Spooler in the list of services. Select Stop , and then select OK . In the search box on the taskbar, enter %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers , select %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS in the list of results, and then delete all files in the folder. In the search box on the taskbar, search for services , and then select Services in the list of results. Select the Standards tab, and the double-click Print Spooler in the list of services. Select Start , select Automatic in the Startup Type box, and then select OK . Step 6. Change a printer's status to "online" If your printer displays an "offline" status, check out Troubleshooting offline printer problems . Most common printer problems The following list describes the most common Printer problems in Windows 11. Select a link to view the troubleshooting steps for each issue. Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows Fix print job stuck in queue errors in Windows Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows Fix printer stopped due to paper jam errors in Windows Troubleshoot slow printing issues in Windows Fix print spooler service not running errors in Windows Fix poor print quality in Windows (Blurry, faded, or streaked prints) Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps Fix printer driver compatibility issues in Windows Fix shared printer connection problems in Windows Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025 After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Printers are essential devices in many homes and workplaces, but they can sometimes run into problems when used with Windows operating systems. This article covers common printer problems in Windows, including printer not found, print jobs stuck in the queue, printer spooler crashes, and more, along with step-by-step troubleshooting solutions for each issue. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most printer problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to Most common printer problems section. Run the troubleshooter in Get Help If the printer troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your printer issue, click on the specific printer problem you are experiencing in the Most common printer problems section below and follow the steps to fix them. If your problem is not listed, go to the General troubleshooting section and follow the steps listed in there. General troubleshooting Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the problem. If you need help installing your printer in Windows 10, see Install a printer in Windows 10 . If your PC is running Windows 10 S, some printers might not work with it, or they might have limited functionality. For more info, see Device support on Windows 10 S . If a USB printer port is missing, see USB printer port missing after disconnecting printer while Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) is shut down . If you're looking for help with a scanner, see Install and use a scanner in Windows 10 . Step 1. Unplug and restart your printer Sometimes power cycling your printer can resolve the issue. Turn off your printer and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug your printer back in, and then turn the printer back on. If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 2. Step 2. Check cables or wireless connection Check the cables (for wired printers). Make sure that the printer's USB cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC. If your USB isn’t recognized, see Automatically diagnose and fix Windows USB problems . Check the wireless connection (for wireless printers) . Do one of the following: Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when a wireless connection option for the printer is available. To learn where this button is located on your printer and to find instructions about how to turn it on, see the instructions that came with the printer or check the manufacturer's website for instructions. Run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Many printers have a menu option to test the printer’s wireless connectivity. Read the instructions that came with the printer or check the printer manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to do this. If those check out and you’re still having problems, your PC may not be connecting to your wireless network. To learn more, see Why can't I get online? For more advanced help, see Fix network connection issues in Windows . If you're having trouble connecting to a Bluetooth printer, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10: FAQ . If you use wireless access points, extenders, or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, make sure you're connected to the same network as the printer for your PC. If your printer's status displays "Printer in error state," there may be a problem with the printer itself. If these first two steps did not resolve the error, check the printer for low paper or ink, and be sure the cover isn't open and the paper isn't jammed. If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 3. Step 3. Uninstall and reinstall your printer Try removing and reinstalling the printer. Remove your printer Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Under Printers & scanners , find the printer, select it, and then select Remove device . Under Printers & scanners , find the printer, select it, and then select Remove device . Reinstall your printer You'll need to follow different steps to reinstall or add a wireless or local printer. Here's how. Reinstall a wireless printer Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Select Add a printer or scanner . Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device . Select Add a printer or scanner . Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device . If your printer is turned on and connected to the network, Windows should find it easily. Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers, or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers. If you use wireless access points, extenders, or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, make sure you're connected to the same network as the printer for your PC to find and install it. If you have a new wireless printer that hasn’t been added to your home network, read the instructions that came with the printer and check the printer manufacturer’s website to learn more and to get up-to-date software for your printer. You can print a test page to make sure the printer is working correctly. If you've installed the printer but it doesn't work, check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting information or driver updates. Reinstall a local printer If you want to reinstall or add a local printer, plug the USB cable from your printer into an available USB port on your PC, and then turn on the printer. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings Under Printers & scanners , look for your printer. If you see your printer listed, you'll know it's installed. If you don't see your printer listed, select Add a printer or scanner . Wait for your device to find available printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device . Under Printers & scanners , look for your printer. If you see your printer listed, you'll know it's installed. If you don't see your printer listed, select Add a printer or scanner . Wait for your device to find available printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device . You can confirm the printer is working by printing a test page. If you've installed the printer but it doesn't work, check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting information or driver updates. If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 4. Step 4. Install the latest driver for your printer Most printers require the latest driver to work well. To learn more, read How to download and install the latest printer drivers . If your printer still doesn’t work after you install the latest driver for your printer, continue to step 5. Step 5. Clear and reset the print spooler If the previous troubleshooting step is not successful, you may need to clear spooler files and restart the spooler service. The print spooler is a file that manages the printing process. To clear and reset the print spooler: In the search box on the taskbar, type services , and then select Services in the list of results. Select the Standards tab, and then double-click Print Spooler in the list of services. Select Stop , and then select OK . In the search box on the taskbar, enter %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers , select %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS in the list of results, and then delete all files in the folder. In the search box on the taskbar, search for services , and then select Services in the list of results. Select the Standards tab, and the double-click Print Spooler in the list of services. Select Start , select Automatic in the Startup Type box, and then select OK . If your printer still doesn’t work, continue on to step 6. Step 6. Change a printer's status to "online" If your printer displays an "offline" status, check out Troubleshooting offline printer problems . Most common printer problems The following list describes the most common Printer problems in Windows 10. Select a link to view the troubleshooting steps for each issue. Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows Fix print job stuck in queue errors in Windows Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows Fix printer stopped due to paper jam errors in Windows Troubleshoot slow printing issues in Windows Fix print spooler service not running errors in Windows Fix poor print quality in Windows (Blurry, faded, or streaked prints) Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps Fix printer driver compatibility issues in Windows Fix shared printer connection problems in Windows Thank you for your feedback!