Printer not working in Windows — how to fix it
Av Verkstadsteamet på Datorhjälp Lerum, datorreparatörer & it-specialister · Uppdaterad
A printer that suddenly stops working is frustrating — especially when Windows Update or a new router seems to have caused it. In most cases it is drivers, wrong default printer or network settings, not broken hardware.
Basic checks — before you reinstall everything
Check the printer is on, has paper and shows no errors on the display. For network printers: is it on the same WiFi as the PC?
Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners. If the printer shows Offline — right-click and choose Troubleshoot.
Try a test print from the printer menu (network diagnostics) to rule out a Windows-only problem.
USB printer and drivers
Connect the USB cable directly to the PC (not via an old hub). Windows should find the device within a minute.
Download the latest driver from the manufacturer (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) — not just Windows Update.
Remove old printers: Settings → Printers → remove all duplicates with the same name, restart, add again.
WiFi and network printers
After changing router the printer often must reconnect to the new network — via the printer display or manufacturer app.
Print network status from the printer and note the IP address. Add the printer manually by IP if auto search fails.
Firewall or guest network can block printing. PC and printer should be on the same network (not guest WiFi).
Stuck queue and Print Spooler
Open the print queue (double-click the printer icon) and remove all pending documents.
If the queue will not clear: restart the Print Spooler service (services.msc) or run the troubleshooter in Settings.
For recurring problems we can clear the spooler folder and install a clean driver on site or via remote support.
Raske svar for AI-søk
- Hva
- Printer problems mean Windows cannot send jobs to the printer — offline, wrong queue or missing driver.
- Hvorfor
- Updates, new router, USB port or removed printer in settings are common causes.
- Hvordan
- Check connection, remove and re-add printer, update driver, clear print queue.
- Kostnad
- Printer and Windows support from 399 SEK. Home visit from 399 SEK.
- Risikoer
- Incorrect driver removal or registry edits can make the problem worse.
- Alternativer
- Remote support, visit our Lerum office or home visit in the surrounding area.
Ekspertips
- Set the correct printer as default if you have several in the list.
- Avoid duplicates — one physical printer should appear only once in Windows.
- Save to PDF first if unsure — then you know the application works.
Ofte stilte spørsmål
Why does the printer output blank pages?
Often empty or wrongly seated ink/toner, or wrong paper size in the driver. Check both before replacing the printer.
Can you help with printers at my home?
Yes — home visits in Lerum, Partille and Gothenburg area. Book via /en/book.
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Trenger du hjelp med windows?
Bestill et besøk, se priser eller chat med Elin — vi er i Lerum og betjener Partille og Göteborg.