How to Troubleshoot Printer Problems with 5 Best Solutions

There is nothing worse typing up a document, only coming to find out your printer doesn't work. This only seems to happen right when y...

There is nothing worse typing up a document, only coming to find out your printer doesn't work. This only seems to happen right when you depend on your printer to kick out a final draft of a report. It can set you back several hours if the problem isn't solved.

How to Troubleshoot Printer Problems with 5 Best Solutions

Many of us may have never set up the printer or even know how to do so. We assume if it's plugged into the wall, it should work. With high-tech printers arriving on the market, it takes more than plugging it in an outlet to work. However, when a printer quits, you are left with a list of questions. Consider some of these solutions as to why your printer has shutdown.

1. Check Ink

Check your ink cartridges as they might be empty. This is a common problem why most printers won't work. If the ink space is empty, then you never had ink in the first place. Many of us purchase a printer and assume the ink comes along with the machine. You have to buy your ink separately from the printer.

2. Paper and Toner

There are many issues where paper gets jammed, and it halts your printer's operation. It's possible there isn't any paper in the machine at all. This is another big issue many computer users encounter. Lack of paper to print on will always stop it from working. Depending on what type of printer you have, you might need toner. For those who own an inkjet printer, toner is not required, only the ink. If you have a laser printer, then you'll need to keep a stock toner and a drum unit.

3. Connection

Check to make sure the printer is connected to the wall or your smart device. Don't assume because you bought a new printer and put it in your office that you've set it up correctly. Several things go wrong, and not having a proper connection is one of them. Some printers are wireless. If the WiFi shuts off, so does the printer.

4. Software

There are cases where older printers won't work with newer gadgets you may have. The software could be out-dated to where there aren't any new drivers to download. You'll have to consider selling the old printer or buying a new one. Consider this story about the aging of our printers and what to do next.

5. Drivers

Most times, a printer will give you some indication that your drivers need updating. This notification can come to your email, a text, or directly to the printer itself. It all depends on how you set up your printer. Either way, you need to download and install new drivers to keep your printer working.

Best Alternate Printer Solutions

If you still can't get your printer working, then contact in-home computer repair service providers. There's no sense in trying to make things worse by poking around your printer's inside controls. It's best to leave it to an expert who can arrive at your house with the appropriate tools. They often can pinpoint the problem within a few minutes. Computer repair needs an expert eye and someone familiar with the operating system.

These are some of the reasons why your printer may not work. Consider whether there is ink in the machine in order for it to print out a page. Ink is essential to a printer, and you should always have a good stock of it. Paper and toner are huge elements for a printer. Keep enough paper in the tray, so the printer has something to pull from. With no paper, you'll be waiting a long time for a printed document.

Find out what kind of printer you have. Today, there's the high to middle tech printers that keep us on our toes. Toner is needed for laser printers and not for inkjet machines. Is the printer connected to the wall? Connection issues always through us off. If you use smart devices, then make sure they're synced. The older the software on your printer, the more likely it won't work with new software. Keep your print drivers up to date, or the printer will continue not to work.