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Need help connecting my printer

Susan Spolsky 0 Reputation points
2026-06-16T13:33:49.06+00:00

I am having difficulty connecting to my printer. It will communicate with a scan but it will not print

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. DaveM121 891.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-16T14:09:53.8+00:00

    The best option is to completely uninstall the printer, then restart 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.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-16T13:34:06.31+00:00

    Follow these steps in order on the Windows 11 PC that won’t print:

    1. Power cycle the printer
      • Turn the printer off.
      • Unplug it from power for at least 30 seconds.
      • Plug it back in and turn it on again.
    2. Check the connection
      • If using USB: make sure the USB cable is firmly connected to both printer and PC.
      • If using Wi‑Fi: confirm the printer’s wireless is turned on and connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as the PC (use the printer’s wireless/status panel or its wireless test function).
      • If using Bluetooth: see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.
      • If the printer shows “Printer in error state”, check for paper jams, low ink/toner, open covers, or other error messages on the printer.
    3. Remove and reinstall the printer in Windows 11
      1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      2. Select the printer, choose Remove, and confirm.
      3. Make sure the printer is powered on and connected (USB or network).
      4. In Printers & scanners, select Add device (or Refresh).
      5. When the printer appears, select Add device.
      6. After it’s added, select the printer and print a Test page if available.
    4. If Windows doesn’t find the printer automatically
      • In Printers & scanners, select Add device > Add manually.
      • Choose the option that fits the setup. For a directly connected printer, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, then Next.
      • Select Use an existing port and choose the port the printer uses (USB, LPT, or COM), then Next.
      • Install the driver:
        • If there is a driver disc, select Have Disk; otherwise select Windows Update, wait for the list to refresh, then pick the manufacturer and model and select Next.
      • Name the printer, choose whether to share it, then Print a test page and Finish.
    5. Update or reinstall the printer driver
      • If printing still fails but scanning works, install the latest printer driver from the manufacturer’s website for Windows 11.
      • If the printer still doesn’t work after that, follow How to download and install the latest printer drivers and then try printing a test page again.

    If, after these steps, the printer continues to scan but not print, check the manufacturer’s support site for model‑specific troubleshooting or firmware updates.

    References:

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