How to Fix Common Windows 10 Printer Issues? Three Solutions
Jul. 30, 2023 / Updated by Cathy to Windows Driver Solutions
Windows updates are very important as they bring many bug fixes and new features. Although, sometimes they can end up breaking something that was working fine before. New OS updates often cause some issues with external peripherals, especially printers. Some of the common printer-related issues that you might encounter after updating Windows 10 are printer not showing up in connected devices, unable to print, print spooler not running, etc.
Problems with your printer could be due to a number of reasons. The most common culprits are outdated or corrupt printer drivers, problems with the print spooler service, new Windows updates that don't support your printer, etc.
Fortunately, all of your printer problems can be resolved by implementing some simple and quick solutions. We've listed 3 different solutions to common Windows 10 printer problems that you can try to get your printer to print again.
Solution 1: Delete the temporary files associated with your printer (Print Spooler)
Solution 2: Set as default printer
Solution 3: Update the printer driver
Solution 1: Delete the temporary files associated with your printer (Print Spooler)
Solutions to common Windows 10 printer problems: A print spooler is an intermediary file/tool that coordinates between your computer and your printer. The spooler manages all the print jobs you send to the printer and allows you to delete print jobs that are still processing. You may experience problems if the spooler service is corrupted or if the spooler's temporary files are corrupted. Restarting the service and deleting these temporary files should help resolve printer issues on your computer.
1. Before we delete the spool file, we need to stop the spool service that is running continuously in the background. To do this, type services.msc into the Run (Windows key + R ) command box or the Windows search bar and press Enter. This will open the Windows Services application.
2. Scan the list of local services for the print spooler service. Press the P on your keyboard to jump to services starting with the letter P.
3. Once located, right-click the Print Spooler service and select Properties from the context menu (or double-click the service to access its properties).
4. Click the Stop button to stop the service. Minimize the service window instead of closing, because we need to restart the service after deleting the temporary files.
5. Now, open Windows File Explorer (Windows key + E) and navigate to the following path - C:WINDOWSsystem32spoolprinters or start the Run command box, type %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers and press OK to go directly to the desired destination.
6. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files in the Printers folder, then press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete them.
7. Maximize/switch back to the Services application window and click the Start button to restart the Print Spooler service.
Solution 2: Set as default printer
It's also likely that your printer is working fine, but you've been sending print requests to the wrong printer. This can happen if you have more than one printer installed on your computer. Set the printer you are trying to use as the default printer to resolve the issue.
1. Press the Windows and start typing control panel to find the same one. Click Open when the search results return.
2. Select Devices and Printers.
3. The following window will contain a list of all the printers you have connected to your computer. Right-click the printer you want to use and select Set as Default Printer.
Solution 3: Update the printer driver
Solutions to common Windows 10 printer problems: Every computer peripheral has a set of software files associated with it to effectively communicate with your computer and operating system. These files are called device drivers. These drivers are unique to each device and manufacturer. Also, it is important to install the correct set of drivers to use the external device without facing any issues. Drivers are also constantly updated to remain compatible with new Windows versions.
Older printer drivers may not be supported by the new Windows update you just installed, so you'll need to update them to the latest available versions. You can choose to download a driver update software, scan your computer comprehensively, and click the latest version of the corresponding printer driver to update it according to your needs.
1. Click the button below to download Driver Talent
2. Scan all the printer drivers of your computer and select yours
3. Select the corresponding printer driver and click update. Then you can use your printer as usual. You can view this if you have printer connection errors on Windows 10.
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