• If you want to use a Wi-Fi printer you’ve never used before on a Windows 11 machine, you’ll have to install or connect the printer.
  • Many Wi-Fi printers have their own app or utility center to help you connect.
  • Windows 11 will also allow you to add multiple printers via the Settings menu.

Setting up a printer should be straightforward, but it’s not always as intuitive as it seems. If you’ve been fruitlessly searching how to install Wi-Fi printer on Windows 11, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re linking an existing printer to a new laptop or you’ve got a new printer you need to install, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Use the manual for your printer to connect the device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Windows 11 computer. Every printer is different so if you don’t have the manual, download it from the manufacturer’s website. The screenshot below is for a Canon PIXMA series printer.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 1 - 1

Step 2: Once the printer shows an active Wi-Fi connection, boot up your Windows 11 computer. Click Start, then Settings.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 2 - 2

Step 3: Click Bluetooth & Devices on the left-hand side then click Printers & Scanners.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 3 - 3

Step 4: Click Add device in the top right corner.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 4 - 4

Step 5: Wait for the correct printer to appear under the Add a printer or scanner section.

Note: If your printer is an older model, you may need to click Add manually and follow the onscreen prompts.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 5 - 5

Step 6: Click Add device to install Wi-Fi printer on Windows 11, and you should see that it now says Connecting under the correct printer details.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 6 - 6

Step 7: Wait a few seconds and you’ll see that the printer has been added and is ready to use. If you have multiple printers and scanners, your new device should appear at the top of the device list.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 7 - 7

Install Wi-Fi Printer on Windows 11 with the Printer’s Utility Software

Some printers have their own utility software that carries all the drivers you need to connect to the device. If the paperwork or packaging you got with your new printer or scanner includes a link to download software, definitely use it. This software will often include apps to help modify scans, save images, and improve your printing experience.

Printer brands and manufacturers that commonly provide full utility packages include:

  • Canon, particularly for their PIXMA range
  • Epson – usually a version of Epson Connect
  • HP – HP Smart App is always downloadable directly from the brand’s website

Other printer brands offer apps to help you set up printers on smart devices. For example, Brother has the Brother Mobile Connect App for iOS and Android devices. For all other printers, following the steps above should easily connect you to any printers on the same Wi-Fi network as your Windows 11 machine.

Was this helpful?

  • If you want to use a Wi-Fi printer you’ve never used before on a Windows 11 machine, you’ll have to install or connect the printer.
  • Many Wi-Fi printers have their own app or utility center to help you connect.
  • Windows 11 will also allow you to add multiple printers via the Settings menu.

Setting up a printer should be straightforward, but it’s not always as intuitive as it seems. If you’ve been fruitlessly searching how to install Wi-Fi printer on Windows 11, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re linking an existing printer to a new laptop or you’ve got a new printer you need to install, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Use the manual for your printer to connect the device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Windows 11 computer. Every printer is different so if you don’t have the manual, download it from the manufacturer’s website. The screenshot below is for a Canon PIXMA series printer.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 1 - 8

Step 2: Once the printer shows an active Wi-Fi connection, boot up your Windows 11 computer. Click Start, then Settings.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 2 - 9

Step 3: Click Bluetooth & Devices on the left-hand side then click Printers & Scanners.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 3 - 10

Step 4: Click Add device in the top right corner.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 4 - 11

Step 5: Wait for the correct printer to appear under the Add a printer or scanner section.

Note: If your printer is an older model, you may need to click Add manually and follow the onscreen prompts.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 5 - 12

Step 6: Click Add device to install Wi-Fi printer on Windows 11, and you should see that it now says Connecting under the correct printer details.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 6 - 13

Step 7: Wait a few seconds and you’ll see that the printer has been added and is ready to use. If you have multiple printers and scanners, your new device should appear at the top of the device list.

How to Install a Wi Fi Printer on Windows 11 7 - 14

Install Wi-Fi Printer on Windows 11 with the Printer’s Utility Software

Some printers have their own utility software that carries all the drivers you need to connect to the device. If the paperwork or packaging you got with your new printer or scanner includes a link to download software, definitely use it. This software will often include apps to help modify scans, save images, and improve your printing experience.

Printer brands and manufacturers that commonly provide full utility packages include:

  • Canon, particularly for their PIXMA range
  • Epson – usually a version of Epson Connect
  • HP – HP Smart App is always downloadable directly from the brand’s website

Other printer brands offer apps to help you set up printers on smart devices. For example, Brother has the Brother Mobile Connect App for iOS and Android devices. For all other printers, following the steps above should easily connect you to any printers on the same Wi-Fi network as your Windows 11 machine.

Was this helpful?

  • Running the printer troubleshooter in Windows is an effective method for fixing such issues.
  • Temporarily stopping the Print Spooler service can help you remove printers without encountering errors.
  • If the printer still won’t remove, try uninstalling the printer driver and software.

Fix 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Start by running Windows’ built-in printer troubleshooter to see if it can detect and resolve any pending printing errors.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type printers & scanners , and press Enter .

How to Install a Wi - 15

Step 2: Select your printer.

How to Install a Wi - 16

Step 3: Click on Run the troubleshooter .

How to Install a Wi - 17

Windows should automatically detect any issues with the printer and fix them. Following that, you should be able to get rid of the printer.

Fix 2: Remove the Printer From the Print Server Properties

There are several ways to remove a printer in Windows 11. So, if you can’t remove the printer from the Settings app or Control Panel, remove it from the Print Server Properties in Windows.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu. Type printers & scanners and press Enter .

How to Install a Wi - 18

Step 2: Under Related settings, click on Print server properties .

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Step 3: Go to the Drivers tab, select your printer, and click Remove .

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Step 4: Select Remove driver and driver package and hit OK to confirm.

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Fix 3: Stop Print Spooler Service

Print Spooler is a critical service that handles printer interactions on Windows. If that service interferes with the removal process, disable it temporarily to see if it helps.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type services.msc in the box next to the Open field and press Enter .

Step 2: In the Services window, scroll down to locate Print Spooler . Right-click on it and select Stop .

How to Install a Wi - 22

After stopping the Print Spooler service, remove the printer again.

Fix 4: Uninstall Printer Driver

Device Manager is a useful tool that lets you manage and troubleshoot all your hardware devices from one place. You can also use it to delete an old printer from your PC. Here’s how.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager from the menu.

How to Install a Wi - 23

Step 2: Open the View menu at the top and select Show hidden devices .

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Step 3: Double-click on Print queues to expand it. Right-click on your printer and select Uninstall device .

How to Install a Wi - 25

Fix 5: Remove Printer Software

If you’ve installed a dedicated app or software for your printer, it could also obstruct the removal process. To avoid this, first uninstall that app or software before trying again.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.

How to Install a Wi - 26

Step 2: Locate the printer app on the list. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Uninstall .

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After removing the app, you can remove the printer from the Settings app or Device Manager.

Fix 6: Use the Registry Editor

Windows may not remove the printer due to corrupt registry keys associated with it. To fix it, remove those corrupted registry keys by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog. Type regedit and press Enter .

Step 2: Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and press Enter .

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers

Step 3: Locate the printer you wish to remove and click on Delete . Then, select Yes to confirm.

How to Install a Wi - 28

Restart your PC after this, and you should be able to remove your printer without a problem.

Was this helpful?

I tried all those suggestions they didn’t work.

  • Troubleshoot your HP printer from Windows 11 settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  • Restart the Print Spooler and Printer Extensions and Notifications services manually from the Windows Services app.

Basic Fixes

  • Check the printer cable : Ensure the connected cable isn’t loose. If it has major cuts on either end, grab a replacement cable.
  • Connect your wireless printer and PC to the same network: If you have an HP printer with in-built Wi-Fi, connect it to the same network as your PC. If it fails to connect, restore the printer’s Wi-Fi setup mode .
  • Use the HP Smart app : Install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store and follow its on-screen instructions to pair the HP printer to your Windows 11 PC.
  • Download Optional Windows Update : Press the Windows + I shortcut to open the Settings app, select Windows Update from the sidebar, and click Advanced options. Select Optional updates and click Download & install.
  • Update Windows 11 : Open the Settings app , select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.

Fix 1: Use Windows Settings to Troubleshoot the HP Printer

Windows 11 comes with an in-built troubleshooter to fix HP printer issues. Here’s how to access and use it:

Step 1: Press the Windows + I shortcut to open the Settings app, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar, and click Printers & scanners .

1 open printers and scanners setting - 29

Step 2: Scroll down and select your HP printer .

2 select HP printer - 30

Step 3: Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to fix it.

3 run the HP troubleshooter - 31

Fix 2: Fix the HP Printer Using the HP Smart App

If the Windows troubleshooter doesn’t help, use the HP Smart App to diagnose and troubleshoot the HP printer that is not working on Windows 11.

Step 1: Install the HP Smart App from the Microsoft Store and follow its on-screen instructions to set up your printer.

Step 2: Select the hamburger menu from the top left and click Diagnose & Fix .

4 HP smart app - 32

Step 3: Click Start and wait a few seconds to let the app troubleshoot your HP printer issue.

5 start the troubleshooter - 33

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers

An obsolete printer driver is a common underlying cause of HP printers not working on Windows 11. Use the Device Manager app to update or reinstall it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Device Manager , and click to open it.

6 device manager - 34

Step 2: Expand Printers , select your HP printer , and right-click to Update driver . If it doesn’t resolve the issue, select Uninstall device , and restart PC to automatically install compatible drivers.

update printer driver 2 - 35

Fix 4: Restart the HP Printer Services

The Print Spooler and Printer Extensions and Notifications services control the functioning of the connected printer on Windows 11. If they stop abruptly , your HP printer might not work. Use the Services app to restart them manually.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Services , and click Run as administrator .

8 run Windows services app - 36

Step 2: Locate Print Spooler , right-click the service , and select Restart .

9 restart Print spooler - 37

Step 3: Finally, right-click the Printer Extensions and Notifications service to restart it.

restart printer and extensions service - 38

Was this helpful?

  • Use Task Manager to restart the Print Spooler service.
  • Remove recent Windows updates if the error began after an update.
  • Modify the Windows Registry to disable Print Spooler RPC Encryption.

1. Restart the Printer Spooler From the Task Manager

Step 1 : Press the Windows key, type Task Manager , and click Open .

Step 2 : Under Process Name, scroll down, find Spooler SubSytem App , and expand the process by clicking the chevron (arrow) icon .

find 'Spooler SubSytem App' - 39

Step 3 : Right-click on the Print Spooler , and choose Open Services .

After opening the Services, return to the Task Manager.

Step 4 : Right-click on the Print Spooler once more and select Stop to end the process.

right-click on the Print Spooler - 40

Once it has been stopped, it will be removed from the Task Manager. Finally, go back to the Services tab .

Step 5 : In the Services tab, scroll down, find Print Spooler , and right-click on it.

Step 6 : From the context menu, choose Start .

choose Start - 41

After that, you should be able to connect your Windows machine to the Printer without problems. If this method didn’t fix the error, move on to the next one.

Also Read : How to fix printer driver is unavailable error on Windows 11

2. Update your Windows Machine

Step 1 : Press the Windows key, type Settings , and click Open .

Step 2 : In the Settings window, go to Windows Update .

Step 3 : On the right pane, click the Check for updates button.

click the 'Check for updates' button - 42

You may receive a prompt to download the Windows update. After downloading, the update will install automatically, and you’ll receive a prompt to restart your Windows PC.

3. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Step 1 : Press the Windows key, type Control Panel , and click Open .

Step 2 : In the Control Panel window, click Programs and Features .

Step 3 : Under Uninstall or change a program, click on View installed updates .

click on 'View installed updates' - 43

You will be taken to Windows Settings, where you can uninstall the updates.

Step 4 : View and click on the Windows Update you want to uninstall.

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Using the latest security updates should resolve any issues relating to errors on shared printers or any other problems associated with being unable to access the Printer. If this method doesn’t work, maybe the next one will.

Also Read : Ways to fix printer not showing up on Mac

4. Manually Add the Printer Using Its IP Address

Step 1 : Press the Windows key, type Settings , and click Open .

Step 2 : In the Settings window, navigate to Bluetooth & devices .

navigate to 'Bluetooth & devices' - 45

Step 3 : Under Bluetooth & devices, scroll down and click on Printer & scanners .

Step 4 : Click on the Printer that is causing the issue.

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Step 5 : On the next screen, remove the Printer from your Windows machine.

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With this, the issue causing your Printer will be removed from your PC, and you will be returned to the Printers & scanners page. Now, it’s time to add it back. Continue with the below steps.

Step 6 : Click Add device .

Step 7 : Windows searches for the Printer connected via the intranet or locally. If Windows is unable to find it, click Add manually .

click Add manually - 48

Step 8 : In the Add Printer window, select any one of the options you prefer.

For demonstration, we go with Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next .

Step 9 : Now, choose the device type, type the Printer’s hostname or IP address , and click Next .

type the Printer's hostname or IP address - 49

That’s it. Windows will look for the Printer with the IP or hostname in your local network and add it to your machine. This should resolve the errors if it doesn’t check out the next and final method.

5. Disable Print Spooler RPC Encryption Using Windows Registry

Step 1 : Open the Start menu, type Registry Editor , and click Run as administrator .

In the prompt, select Yes .

Step 2 : In the top address bar, enter the mentioned address and hit Enter .

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
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Step 3 : Under the Print folder, right-click, select New , and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value .

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Step 4 : Type RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled in the name field.

Step 5 : Double-click the new value, type 0 in the Value Data field, and press OK .

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Finally, reboot the system to implement the changes. And that’s it! Any issues relating to the printer error should be resolved upon booting up your PC again.

Yes, corrupted or outdated printer drivers are a common cause of this error. It’s recommended to update or reinstall the printer drivers to resolve the issue.

If the error continues to occur, you may need to seek help from the printer manufacturer’s support or a professional technician who can diagnose and resolve the issue.

Now that you know how to fix printer error 0x0000011b on Windows, you can easily tackle printer errors related to a problematic printer driver, printer spooler service, or connectivity problems.

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  • Be sure to print in portrait mode instead of landscape mode by updating the printing preference.
  • Paper size selection is important and should match the size of the physical paper.
  • Adding the printer back to Windows can resolve the issue that prevented the printer from using the proper orientation.

1. Change the Default Orientation on the Printer Properties

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to launch the Settings app.

Step 2: On the left pane, click Bluetooth & devices , and on the right, click Printers & scanners and select the printer you want to fix.

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Step 3: Click Printing preferences to open the printer’s configuration window.

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Step 4: Select Portrait from the Orientation drop-down list, then click Apply and OK .

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2. Change Orientation in Page Setup

You can make specific changes to the application or document you want to print from. For example, if you are trying to print from Microsoft Word, change the page orientation before printing, which will reflect when you print the page.

Step 1: Click the Layout section in the Word document, expand Orientation , and select Portrait .

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Step 2: Proceed to print the document. It should automatically choose the orientation based on the document layout.

3. Change Layout in Print Setup

If you cannot change the orientation from the app as you would on a word processor, switch to Portrait on the print setup page before printing the document, as shown below.

Step 1: Press the Control + P keyboard shortcut to initiate the print process. This should open the print setup page.

Step 2: Under the Layout section, select Portrait > Print .

Select layout When pritning Browser - 57

4. Check for and Correct Page Size Mismatch

One reason your printer prints landscape instead of portrait is a page mismatch. That means the printer may expect A4 paper even though you have loaded A5 sheets.

Go to Print Setup > expand More settings > select a matching Paper size > click Print .

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5. Confirm Network Printer Settings Are Not Overriding Local Settings

This solution will apply if you are connected to a network printer. If the network printer has a set of print preferences different from what you want, you may need to contact the administrator to resolve the issue. Alternatively, switch to a local printer to perform the print job.

6. Re-Add the Printer to Windows

You can fix this problem by removing the printer from your computer and re-adding it. This is a valid fix because when the computer is re-added, it comes with a default set of configurations, and any misconfiguration that caused the problem would be removed.

Step 1: Go to the Printers & scanners in the Windows Settings app.

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Step 2: Select the problematic printer and click on Remove .

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Step 3: Restart the computer and return to Printers & scanners .

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Step 4: Click Add Device and follow the wizard to complete the process. The issue should be resolved.

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7. Factory Reset the Printer

If your printer keeps printing sideways or landscape, resetting it to factory settings can resolve the problem. A factory reset reconfigures all printer settings and restores them to default. The procedures for performing a factory reset vary depending on the printer brand. For instructions on properly executing this operation on your printer, consult your user manual.

Was this helpful?

  • Set the connected printer as default from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Set as default, and retry printing your file.
  • Rollback the recently installed Windows Update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

Basic Fixes

  • Reconnect printer : If you’re using a wired printer, its loose USB connection to your PC may result in ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’. Replug the printer and replace its cable if it is worn out.
  • Update the USB drivers : Obsolete USB drivers can create printer connectivity issues. Head to the Device Manager app, expand ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’, right-click the buggy USB port, and select Update driver.
  • Use the HP Smart app to connect the printer : If your Windows 11 PC doesn’t detect your HP printer , install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store, and use it to configure printer settings.
  • Update Windows : Press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.

Fix 1: Set the Connected Printer as Default

If your preferred printer isn’t set as default, you may run into the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ issue on Windows. Ensure your printer has adequate paper and ink and use the following steps to set it as a default printer:

Step 1: Open Windows Settings using the Windows + I shortcut, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar, and click Printers & scanners .

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Step 2: Select your preferred office or home printer.

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Step 3: Ensure the Printer status isn’t Offline and click Set as default to assign it as a default printer for all printing operations.

Tip: If the Printer status is labeled ‘Offline’, check its power source and try reconnecting it to your PC.

3 click set as default - 65

Fix 2: Reinstall Printer Drivers

Corrupt printer drivers can cause unusual printing errors. To fix this, first remove the printer from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, and re-plug the printer. Then, reinstall the printer drivers using the Device Manager app to restore normalcy.

Step 1: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu, and select Device Manager .

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Step 2: Expand Software devices , right-click your printer, and select Uninstall device . Restart your PC and let Windows 11 automatically install compatible printer drivers.

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Fix 3: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Do you still face the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while printing a PDF on Windows 11? Running the in-built printer troubleshooter should fix it in no time.

Step 1: Select Printers & scanners under Windows settings (check the above steps), and click your connected printer.

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Step 2: Select Run the troubleshooter and wait a few seconds to let it resolve the issue.

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Fix 4: Tweak Permission Settings on a Program

If you face the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ in a specific app, give it full control over your PC to print files and documents seamlessly.

Step 1: Right-click the app icon and select Show more options .

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Step 2: Select Properties from the right-click context menu to open it.

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Step 3: Open the Security tab and click Edit .

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Step 4: Enable the Allow checkmark beside Full control and click Apply followed by OK to save changes.

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Fix 5: Rollback the Recent Windows Update

Lastly, a buggy Windows Update can malfunction your connected printer showing the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while initiating a new print. To fix it, rollback the recent Windows Update using these easy steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Uninstall updates , and click it to open the system settings.

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Step 2: Locate the recently installed Windows Update using the ‘Installed on’ timestamp, and click Uninstall to remove it. Select Uninstall when prompted to confirm the action.

13 roll back the windows update - 75

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  • Access the print queue on your computer and manually clear any stuck print jobs that might be causing the issue.
  • Ensure you have the latest printer drivers installed. If not, update them or reinstall the drivers to resolve compatibility issues.
  • Use your computer’s built-in printer troubleshooter tool to detect and fix common printer problems.

Preliminary Fixes

  • Check Printer Connection : You should first try power cycling both your computer and printer. Refreshing the connection between your devices may solve this problem much quicker than you had anticipated.
  • Check Pages and Ink : If your printer has run out of pages or ink, you may receive the ‘documents are waiting’ error. You should refill the ink or add more pages to your printer for a smooth operation.
  • Check your Printer Status : Ensure your printer’s status is not set to offline. This will make the printer undetectable for your computer. As a result, your PC won’t be able to communicate with the printer.

Fix 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Step 1: Navigate to Settings . Then, open the System and select Troubleshooters .

Printer Says Documents Are Waiting 4 - 76

Step 2: Select Other troubleshooter . Now, Run the printer troubleshooter from the following menu and follow the on-screen instructions.

Printer Says Documents Are Waiting 5 - 77

If the troubleshooter cannot solve your problem, try restarting the Print Spooler service.

Fix 2: Restart the Print Spooler

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open a new Run window.

Step 2: Then, type services.msc and press Enter .

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It opens the services menu.

Step 3: Scroll down to Print Spooler .

Step 4: Right-click on the service and select Stop .

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The service should no longer be running now.

Step 5: Now, launch File Explorer and go to the following path.

C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers

Step 6: Delete the content of the folder. By doing that, you’ll delete the printing queue.

Note : Don’t delete the folder itself.

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Step 7: Restart your computer.

Step 8: Go back to Print Spooler and restart the service.

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Step 9: Set the Startup Type to Automatic .

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If the steps above are too complicated, complete the same task from the Command Prompt menu.

Step 1: Launch the Command Prompt as admin.

Step 2: Run these commands and press Enter after each one.

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net stop spooler
del /Q %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers\*.*
net start spooler

Check if the error is gone. If this doesn’t resolve, check out the next fix.

Fix 3: Reinstall the Printer Drivers

If your print drivers got corrupted, are missing, or are running outdated drivers, you may not print your documents. That’s why you need to update your drivers. Or reinstall them if they get corrupted.

Step 1: Launch the Device Manager . Then, go to Print Queues and expand the list.

Step 2: Select Update driver and check if the problem is gone.

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If it persists, select Uninstall device to remove your current print drivers. Restart your computer. Your device will automatically install the latest print drivers.

Check if your printer still says documents are waiting to be printed.

Fix 4: Remove and Add Your Printer

If nothing worked, maybe re-adding your printer to your computer will do the trick. It’s a handy way to fix the printer ‘documents waiting’ error.

Step 1: Head to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners menu.

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Step 2: Select your preferred printer.

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You can check the printer’s details. You can run the troubleshooter from the same menu too.

Step 3: Click Remove .

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Now, go back and select Add device . Once Windows detects your printer, click Add device .

Printer Says Documents Are Waiting 14 - 88

You may need to cancel documents waiting to print and try again.

If the printing error only appears while using Google Chrome , check our dedicated guide to troubleshoot it. Before you rush to the nearest store to print your documents and files, use the tricks above to fix the problem.

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  • Check the cable connection and restart your printer.
  • Update the macOS version and your printer software.
  • If nothing works, reset the printing system.

Fix 1: Add Your Printer via IP Address and Set It to Default

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the menu bar and select System Settings .

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Step 2: Click Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax button from the right pane.

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Step 3: It will open the Add Printer dialog box. Click on the Host menu icon in the center at the top.

Step 4: Enter your printer’s hostname or IP address to let your Mac detect your printer. Next, click the Add button at the bottom right corner.

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Step 5: Go back and click on your printer name. Then, click on Set As Default and select Done to confirm.

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Fix 2: Enable Print Sharing on Local Network

Print sharing is useful for non-wireless printers that are connected to your Mac with a cable. For a wireless or AirPrint-compatible printer, you don’t need to share it on the local network.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings .

Step 2: Click on Printers and Scanners from the left menu. Then, click on your printer name from the right pane.

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Fix 3: Disable Wi-Fi Isolation or Segregation on Router

AP Isolation is a great way to prevent unwanted hacking of your wirelessly connected devices. But this also means that it can prevent wireless devices connected to the same Wi-Fi from communicating with each other.

Step 1: Open your web browser and enter the IP address for your router.

You can find the IP address by going to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details and you will see the router IP address.

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Step 2: Sign in to the admin panel of the router and find the option of AP isolation .

Step 3: If the setting is enabled, disable it and restart your router.

Once done, connect your printer again to the network and check if the problem is solved.

Fix 4: Reset the Printing System

Does your printer show on your Mac but can’t print a document? It’s time to reset the printer system for your preferred printer.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner and select System Settings .

Step 2: Click Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar. Then, select your printer from the right pane.

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Step 3: Press the Control key and select the default printer. Select Reset Printing System and try again.

How to Install a Wi - 96

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