Methods to Fix ‘Printer in Error State’ Issues in Windows 10

Encountering a “Printer in Error State” message in Windows 10 can be frustrating. This common issue often prevents you from printing important documents when you need them most. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to fix printer in error state windows 10 problem. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 15 proven techniques to get your printer back in working order. By following these steps, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and fix most error state issues quickly. Let’s dive in and restore your printer’s functionality.

Check Physical Connections

First and foremost, ensure all physical connections are secure. Follow these steps:

1. Examine the USB cable connecting your printer to the computer.
2. If using a wireless printer, verify it’s connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
3. Check that the power cable is firmly plugged into both the printer and outlet.
4. Inspect for any visible damage to the cables or ports.

Sometimes, a loose connection is the culprit behind the error state message. Therefore, double-checking these physical elements can often resolve the issue quickly.

Restart Your Printer

A simple restart can work wonders for many electronic devices, including printers. Here’s how:

1. Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Wait for at least 60 seconds to ensure all residual power is drained.
3. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
4. Allow the printer to fully initialize before attempting to print.

This process can clear temporary glitches causing the error state. After restarting, try printing a test page to see if the issue is resolved.

Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix common printer problems. To use it:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Click on “Devices,” then select “Printers & scanners” on the left sidebar.
3. Find your printer in the list and click on it.
4. Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.

The troubleshooter will attempt to detect and automatically fix any issues it finds. If successful, your printer should exit the error state and function normally again.

Clear the Print Queue

Sometimes, a stuck print job can cause the printer to enter an error state. To clear the queue:

1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Devices and Printers.”
2. Right-click your printer and select “See what’s printing.”
3. In the new window, click “Printer” in the menu bar.
4. Select “Cancel All Documents.”

If you can’t cancel the jobs through this method, try these additional steps:

1. Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R).
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
3. Find “Print Spooler” in the list and right-click it.
4. Select “Stop.”
5. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
6. Delete all files in this folder.
7. Go back to Services and start the Print Spooler service.

After clearing the queue, attempt to print again. This often resolves error state issues caused by corrupted print jobs.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause various printer problems, including error states. Here’s how to update them:

1. Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Printers” category and find your printer.
3. Right-click your printer and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

If updating doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver:

1. In Device Manager, right-click your printer and select “Uninstall device.”
2. Restart your computer.
3. Windows should automatically reinstall the driver upon restart.

If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver, visit the printer manufacturer’s website. Download and install the latest driver for your specific printer model.

Set Printer as Default

Sometimes, Windows may not recognize your preferred printer as the default. To fix this:

1. Open Settings and go to “Devices” > “Printers & scanners.”
2. Select your printer from the list.
3. Click “Manage.”
4. Click “Set as default.”

Setting your printer as the default can resolve communication issues causing the error state. After making this change, try printing a test page to verify the problem is solved.

Check Printer Status

Your printer’s control panel can provide valuable information about its status. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the control panel on your printer.
2. Look for any error messages or warning lights.
3. If you see specific error codes, consult your printer’s manual for their meanings.
4. Clear any paper jams or low ink warnings if present.

Addressing issues directly on the printer can often clear the error state. Be sure to follow any on-screen instructions provided by your printer’s interface.

Verify Printer Port Settings

Incorrect port settings can lead to communication errors. Here’s how to check and correct them:

1. Open Control Panel and go to “Devices and Printers.”
2. Right-click your printer and select “Printer properties.”
3. Click the “Ports” tab.
4. Ensure the correct port is selected (usually USB or TCP/IP for network printers).
5. If unsure, try selecting “USB001” or the highest-numbered USB port.

After making any changes, click “Apply” and “OK.” Then attempt to print again to see if the error state is resolved.

Disable Windows Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, Windows Firewall can interfere with printer communications. To test this:

1. Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start menu search bar.
2. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” on the left.
3. Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both private and public networks.
4. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Try printing after disabling the firewall. If successful, you’ll need to add an exception for your printer in the firewall settings.

Update Windows

Keeping Windows 10 up to date can resolve many system-level issues, including printer problems. To update:

1. Open Settings and click on “Update & Security.”
2. Click “Check for updates.”
3. If updates are available, allow Windows to download and install them.
4. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

After updating, check if your printer is still in an error state. Often, system updates include fixes for common device issues.

Check for Printer Firmware Updates

Like your computer, printers have firmware that may need updating. To check for updates:

1. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website.
2. Look for a “Support” or “Downloads” section.
3. Enter your printer model and download any available firmware updates.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the update.

Updating firmware can resolve various printer issues, including persistent error states. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your printer.

Reinstall the Printer

If previous steps haven’t worked, try removing and reinstalling your printer:

1. Open Settings and go to “Devices” > “Printers & scanners.”
2. Select your printer and click “Remove device.”
3. Click “Add a printer or scanner” at the top of the page.
4. Wait for Windows to detect your printer and follow the prompts to reinstall it.

This process can resolve issues caused by corrupted printer installations. After reinstalling, attempt to print a test page.

Check Printer Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages all print jobs. Ensure it’s running correctly:

1. Press Windows key + R, type “services.msc,” and press Enter.
2. Locate “Print Spooler” in the list.
3. Ensure its status is “Running” and Startup type is “Automatic.”
4. If not, right-click it, select “Properties,” and make these changes.

Restart your computer after making any changes to the Print Spooler service. This can often resolve persistent error state issues.

Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including printer errors. Run System File Checker:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer if prompted.

This tool will scan for and attempt to repair any corrupted system files. After running it, check if your printer is still in an error state.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the printer error:

1. Type “msconfig” in the Start menu search bar and open System Configuration.
2. Go to the “Services” tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services.”
3. Click “Disable all.”
4. Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
5. Disable all startup items.
6. Restart your computer.

If your printer works in a clean boot state, gradually re-enable services and startup items to identify the conflicting program.

Conclusion

Dealing with a printer in an error state can be challenging, but these 15 methods provide a comprehensive approach to resolving the issue. Start with simple steps like checking connections and restarting your printer. If those don’t work, move on to more advanced techniques like updating drivers and checking system files. Remember to be patient and methodical in your troubleshooting. By following these steps, you can often restore your printer to working condition without professional help. However, if you’ve tried all these methods and still face issues, consider contacting your printer manufacturer’s support team for further assistance. With persistence and the right approach, you’ll have your printer up and running again in no time.—kinkedpress