printer not working

Follow these steps in order on the Windows 11 laptop to troubleshoot the printer connection and error 0x000003e3:

1. Power cycle the printer
   1. Turn the printer off and unplug it from power.
   2. Wait at least 30 seconds.
   3. Plug it back in and turn it on.
2. Check how the printer is connected
   • For USB printers:
     1. Make sure the USB cable is firmly connected to both printer and PC.
     2. Try a different USB port on the PC.
     3. If USB still is not recognized, see Automatically diagnose and fix Windows USB problems in the linked article.
   • For wireless printers:
     1. Ensure the printer’s wireless option is turned on.
     2. Confirm the printer is connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as the laptop.
     3. Run the printer’s built‑in wireless connectivity test from its menu, if available.
     4. If the PC has Wi‑Fi issues, use the steps under Fix network connection issues in Windows from the linked article.
   • For Bluetooth printers:
     1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the printer and the laptop.
     2. Make sure the printer is within range.
     3. If there are still issues, use Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows from the linked article.
3. Restart the Print Spooler service
   1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.
   3. Right‑click Print Spooler and select Restart.
   4. After it restarts, try printing again.
4. Remove and reinstall the printer in Windows
   1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
   2. If the printer is listed, select it and remove/uninstall it.
   3. Back in Printers & scanners, select Add a printer or scanner.
   4. Wait for Windows to find the printer, select it, then choose Add device.
   5. After installation, print a test page to confirm it works.
5. Manually reinstall the printer (if automatic add fails)
   1. In Printers & scanners, choose Add a printer or scanner → Add manually.
   2. Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings → Next.
   3. Choose Use an existing port and select the correct port (USB for USB printers, or the appropriate network port) → Next.
   4. When prompted for a driver:
      • If there is a driver disc, select Have Disk; or
      • Select Windows Update, wait for the list to refresh, then choose the printer manufacturer and model → Next.
   5. If asked about driver versions, normally select Replace the current driver.
   6. Give the printer a name → Next.
   7. Choose Do not share this printer (or Share this printer if sharing is needed) → Next.
   8. Select Print a test page to verify printing, then Finish.
6. Install the latest printer driver
   1. If the printer still does not work, install the latest driver.
   2. Follow the guidance in Download and install the latest printer drivers from the linked article.
   3. After updating the driver, try printing again.

If, after these steps, the printer still fails with 0x000003e3, check the printer manufacturer’s support site for any model‑specific troubleshooting or updated drivers/firmware.

References:

• Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows
• Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows

Error 0x000003e3 is usually a driver or print spooler issue, restart the Print Spooler, then remove and re-add the printer, and reinstall or update the driver.

Error code: 0x000003e3 does indicate a connection error between your PC and the printer.

The best option is to completely uninstall the printer, then restart (not shut down) your PC and go to the support page for your printer on the manufacturers website to download and install the version of printer drivers, firmware and associated software they provide for your printer model.