The mystery has been solved: The USB cable was plugged into the wrong opening on the printer.
printer is not working
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Erwin Dreessen
0
Reputation points
Until yesterday the printer worked. Now it doesn't. I didn't change anything.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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John Jefferson Doyon 65,415 Reputation points Independent Advisor2026-03-31T20:15:30.09+00:00 Hi, I'm John!
To help narrow down the issue:
- What exactly happens when you try to print? (any error message?)
- Does the printer show as Offline or Ready in Settings?
- Are you using a USB cable or Wi-Fi connection?
- Can you print a test page from Settings > Printers & scanners?
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MUSTAFA SALAH 1,275 Reputation points2026-04-01T04:58:11.77+00:00 Look at the printer screen? Any error lights blinking? Paper jam / no paper / low ink?
Probable Cause:
- Restart everything: Turn off the printer --> Restart your computer --> Turn the printer back on
- Go to Settings --> Devices --> Printers & Scanners
- If it's Wi-Fi: (Router restarted / Printer lost connection - because IP address changed) --> Is the printer still connected to your Wi-Fi network?
- Check that you have installed the software driver for that printer & is in (Online or Offline)?
- If it's a cable printer (Reset Connections)
- Restart (Print Spooler) Service.
Otherwise, please share more details!
Regards,
M
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Answer recommended by moderator
Answer recommended by moderator
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Erwin Dreessen 0 Reputation points
2026-04-09T00:36:47.25+00:00 -
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Norah-L 5,350 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator2026-04-09T00:46:01.3166667+00:00 Thank you for the update, Erwin!
I’m so glad to hear you got it sorted out.
Wishing you a great day ahead!
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2 additional answers
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Norah-L 5,350 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-04-02T02:22:38.8433333+00:00 Good day Erwin Dreessen!
Thank you for reaching out. Based on what you shared, your printer stopped working suddenly even though it was working fine yesterday. Please try the following steps to resolve this issue:
- 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 linked in this article: Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows
It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most printer problems.
- 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.
- Uninstall and reinstall your printer
- Remove printer: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, and click Remove.
- Reboot to clear old drivers.
- Reinstall printer: Return to Printers & scanners, click Add device, and let Windows detect and install it.
- 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 you run into any issues while going through those steps or need additional help, feel free to post the results back here and I’ll be happy to assist further!
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Norah-L 5,350 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-04-09T00:30:02.64+00:00 Hello Erwin Dreessen!
I just wanted to follow up to know how things are going. Please share an update when convenient.
Best regards.
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