Printer Not Working on Windows 11 How to Fix It

Printer Not Working on Windows 11:

Microsoft may have overreached with Windows 11, which debuted with a slew of bugs and flaws. Some of these issues were addressed in later versions, but others remain, such as printer errors.

Even after months of tinkering by the Microsoft team, if this issue is preventing you from printing important documents, you might want to take a look at this collection of tried and tested methods for fixing it.

1. Launch the Printer Troubleshooter application.

Troubleshooting is most likely to solve general software issues after you have ensured that the printer is properly plugged in, that there is paper in the printer tray, and that your printer has not run out of ink or toner cartridges.

To begin, navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Among the list of Windows troubleshooters, you will find the Printer troubleshooter. To activate it, click on the Run button next to it. If there are any issues preventing your printing, the troubleshooter will show you how to resolve them.

2. Refresh the Drivers

When an error or issue arises, running the troubleshooter should be your first step. However, diagnosing, let alone resolving, the problem is extremely rare. As a result, the next logical step would be to check for driver updates.

3. Relaunch the Print Spooler

Printer problems are sometimes caused by unresponsive devices and driver settings rather than by outdated drivers.

To address this:

Step 1: To open the Run dialogue box, press Win + R.

Step 2: Find Print spooler in Services and double-click it.

Step 3: Continue by selecting Stop.

Step 4: Then navigate to C:Windowssystem32spoolsv.exe and delete all of the files in the folder.

Step 5: All you have to do now is return to Services and manually restart the print spooler service.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

4. Examine Your Default Printer

Incorrect printer and scanner setup is frequently the root cause of printing problems. The most common cause of printer problems is that you did not set your PDF printer as your default printing device or that you set it to the incorrect port. It is easily resolved by:

Step 1: To locate Control Panel, should use Windows search bar.

Step 2: Select View equipment and printers from the Hardware and Sound menu.

Step 3: Right-click on your PDF printer in the Printers panel and select Set as default.

Step 4: Then navigate to Properties > Ports.

Step 5: Scroll through the list and choose the port type that corresponds to your connection.

Step 6: Choose Configure Port, then Apply and OK.

5. Turn off the Firewall

If your problem has not been resolved, the most likely cause is your Windows Defender Firewall. It's possible that your firewall is set too strictly, preventing the printer from communicating properly. As a result, disabling the Firewall is an option.

You can even disable your firewall permanently and switch to another firewall.

Step 1: Navigate to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network security.

Step 2: Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.

Step 3: Return to the previous step and repeat for the Private and Public networks.

6. Examine for New Windows Updates

A newly released Windows update may be the key to resolving printer issues and errors on Windows 11. It's possible you weren't notified about the most recent Windows update, so it's worth manually checking to see if a new version is available.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and then select the Settings icon.

Step 2: Navigate to Windows Update.

Step 3: Select Check for Updates.

Step 4: Windows will automatically check for updates and install any new versions that are available, resolving your printer error.

Follow these steps when your Printer Not Working on Windows 11.

7. Uninstall the most Recent Windows 11 Update.

In an ironic twist, a new Windows update may also introduce bugs that render your printer inoperable. If your printer stopped working after a recent Windows update, you must remove the update from your computer.

8. Execute System Restore

If the problem began after you upgraded to Windows 11, and you've exhausted all other options, there is one last option: Windows System Restore. Using this method returns Windows to a previous restore point where you know your printer was working properly.

Consider Your Ink Cost

You might be tempted to print everything rather than buy it once you've discovered the endless possibilities of cool and useful printable downloads. However, while paper is inexpensive, printer ink is not.

Unless you have a laser printer, ink cartridge refills can quickly add up. So, save these free printables for one-time use, an emergency, or when what you want isn't available for purchase. Hope above mentioned steps will help you when Printer Not Working on Windows 11.