The error is a common one and occurs to users all the time. Sometimes, just restarting the printer fixes the problem while sometimes you have to completely reinstall the printer drivers. The error may have different solutions depending on the hardware configuration of each computer. We have listed down a number of different workarounds available. Start with the first one and work your way down.
Solution 1: Checking Hardware
Before we move on to troubleshooting, it is wise to perform all the hardware checks. Make sure that the printer is properly connected to your computer via a wired connection or through the wireless network. Try changing cables or resetting the wireless network to see if they make any difference Restart your printer, router, and computer and let them power down completely. Remove the cables and keep them like this for a couple of minutes before plugging everything back in. Try printing something using another computer and see if printing is successful there. If it is, it means that there is a problem in your computer connecting to the printer. You can move on to the other solutions listed.
Solution 2: Restarting Spooler Service
The spooler service is a software program which is responsible for managing all print jobs being sent to the computer printer. The print spooler service is usually visible to users and they can also cancel a print job which is being processed. It also allows them to manage jobs which are currently on the waitlist. We can try restarting this service and check if this solves the problem.
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS Permission might be needed to access the following folder. If prompted, press Continue.
Solution 3: Running the Printer Troubleshooter
It is worth a shot running the Printer Troubleshooter. Windows has an inbuilt collection of troubleshooters meant to troubleshoot problems in various categories. We can try running the printer troubleshooter and check if it detects any problems and fixes them.
Solution 4: Configuring to Correct Port
It is possible that your printer isn’t connected to the correct port on your computer hence it is going into an unresponsive state again and again. We can try configuring the printer ports using the control panel and see if it makes any difference. You can always revert the changes if this solution doesn’t work for you.
Solution 5: Updating Printer Drivers
If all the above solutions don’t work, we can try updating the printer drivers. You should navigate to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest printer drivers available. Make sure to download the exact drivers meant for your printer. You can look for the model number present on the front of your printer or in its box. Note: There are few cases where a newer driver doesn’t work. In that case, download an older version of the driver and install it using the same method described below.
Select the driver file you downloaded using the browse button when it appears and update it accordingly.
Note: If you can’t update the drivers manually, you can also select the first option “Search automatically for updated driver software”. This option will make Windows search the web automatically and select the best driver out there.
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