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Before you start
- The printer model and its manual
- One harmless single-page document
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Check a printer that will not print
Step 1 of 5: Read the printer display
Check that the printer is on, has paper and reports no jam or cartridge problem. Follow its manual to clear warnings. Try its own test page if available; failure suggests a printer issue rather than an app issue.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Check the connection
For USB, check the cable is firmly attached. For Wi-Fi, ensure the computer and printer use the same home network. A guest network can stop discovery. Restart the printer using its power button and allow it to settle.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Select the correct destination
Open the document and choose Print or press Ctrl + P. Select the physical printer by name, rather than Microsoft Print to PDF. Check that the page range is valid and begin with one page.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Review queued jobs
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer and open its queue. Cancel your own stalled or duplicate jobs if necessary. Do not delete another person’s work on a shared printer.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Use supported troubleshooting
If it still fails, use Windows Get Help for printer troubleshooting and the manufacturer’s official help for your model. Note any error code. Driver or hardware problems may require further help rather than repeated printing.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Locate the printer in Windows settings and check whether jobs are waiting.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
Why did Print create a file instead of paper?
You probably selected a PDF destination. Choose the physical printer in the print window when you want a paper copy.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.