my printer quit connecting wirelessly

Question

After Microsoft update, my printer no longer prints wirelessly. Computer develops queue.

Answer 1

Follow these steps in order on the Windows 11 PC that is building the print queue:

1. Confirm the printer is on the same Wi‑Fi network
   • On the printer, use its built‑in menu to check Wi‑Fi status and network name.
   • If needed, follow the printer manual to reconnect it to the correct Wi‑Fi network.
2. Set the correct default printer
   • Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the wireless printer and choose Set as default.
   • If Set as default is missing, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer first, then set it manually.
3. Clear stuck print jobs
   • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the printer, then Open print queue.
   • Select ... (ellipsis) and choose Cancel all to clear the queue.
4. Restart the Print Spooler service
   • In the taskbar search, type services and open Services.
   • Scroll to Print Spooler, right‑click it, and select Restart.
5. Remove and reinstall the printer
   • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the printer, choose Remove device, then Yes.
   • Make sure the printer is powered on and connected to Wi‑Fi.
   • In Printers & scanners, select Add a printer or scanner and follow the prompts to reinstall.
6. If Windows does not find the printer automatically
   • In Add a printer or scanner, choose Add manually.
   • Select the option that best matches how the printer is connected (for a network/wireless printer, choose the appropriate network option and follow the wizard).
7. Restart the PC
   • After the above steps, restart the PC to refresh services and components, then try printing again.

If problems persist, run the Windows printer troubleshooter from the Get Help app for additional automated diagnostics.

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References:

• Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows
• Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows

Answer 2

Hi James Clackum,

Can you try Q&A Assist suggestions to see if the problem can be resolved?

Otherwise, you may try uninstalling that update following this article: How to uninstall a Windows Update.

If you have any updated information, please feel free to let me know.

Answer 3

Hi,

What is the printer model?

Thanks