Troubleshoot your printer issue on your Windows 10 computer.
2. Reboot
The following illustrations are a general representation of what your printer's power button/switch may look like. Your power button/switch will vary depending on the manufacturer and model printer you have.
Press the Power button on the front panel to turn the printer off. Wait a few moments, and then press the Power button again. This should restart the printer.
If the power button will not turn the printer off, turn off the printer by using the power switch at the rear of the printer, if your printer has one.
Remove the power cords from the power sockets.
Wait for 10 seconds.
Reinsert the power cords into the power sockets and turn on the power switch if necessary.
Press the Power button to turn on the printer on again.
3. Restart Your PC
Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.
Using the Mouse
Select the Start menu.
By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
Select Power, then select Restart.
Using the Keyboard
Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Select Restart, then OK.
4. Check Connection
This only applies if you have a USB, or Wired printer. It is safe to skip this step if you are using a Wi-Fi connected printer.
The following illustrations are a general representation of what your USB ports may look like. The location of your USB ports will vary depending on the manufacturer and model printer and computer you have.
If your printer does not connect via Wi-Fi, it will connect directly to a computer with a USB cable. One end (1) goes into the computer and the other end (2) goes into the printer.
Locate the USB cable that connects the printer to the computer. Ensure the flat end is plugged into the computer correctly and securely.
Locate the USB port on the side or back of the printer. Make sure not to confuse it with the any other ports that might be next to it. Look for the USB symbol next to the port. The number and layout of the ports varies by printer. Ensure this end of the USB cable is plugged into the printer correctly and securely.
5. Re-Install
In the following steps we are going to uninstall your printer from your system and reinstall it. A generic printer may be pictured as a reference.
6. Uninstall Drivers
Click Start then Settings.
Next, Select Apps.
Scroll down and click on the program with your printer name listed.
Click on Uninstall.
Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
7. Install Printer Software
To proceed, you should now install the software that came with your printer onto your PC or Mac computer, following the prompts accordingly.
If you are unable to locate your original disc, you may be able to download the installer from the manufacturer's website.
During the installation, you will be prompted to connect the USB and allow the computer to detect the printer.
Answer the decision point after your computer has failed to detect the printer or when you are prompted to review available networks.
8. What's next?
9. Check Wireless Connection
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. Normally you do this by tapping the wireless icon. It will give you an option to print out the test.
If those check out and you’re still having problems, your PC may not be connecting to your wireless network.