Fix Printer Connection Error Windows 10 Issue

How to Fix Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Issue

If, of late, you have come across an issue where your printer is not connecting to the computer, hang loose and you don’t need to be worried sick. Using some easy troubleshooting methods, you can often resolve the problem.

We have prepared an exhaustive list of solutions for Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Issue in this article. So, without any further ado, let us get it started.

Table of Contents –

General Troubleshooting
Reboot and Update Windows
Temporarily disable your antivirus security software
Check the printer connection
Update your printer driver
Troubleshoot printer issues
Restart Print Spooler service
Set Your Printer As The Default Printer

Solution One – General Troubleshooting

When it comes to diagnosing and fixing printers, often the most common and simplest methods tend to prove most effective. First, you need to ensure whether the USB cable is properly connected to your laptop or computer and printer.

Confirm that the printer is turned on and it is all set to print. Once the printer is on and all the necessary cables are rightly fastened, Windows should display a message and automatically initiate the installation of the printer.

If this does not happen, it is obvious that the printer is already installed.

To ensure whether your computer has installed the printer, go towards the right side of your screen and hit Search.

Go to the Devices in the search box, hit Settings, and then hit Devices. You should see your printer in the list towards the right side of your screen.

If it does not, hit Add Device and you will have a list in front of you, choose your printer from the list and install it.

Solution Two – Reboot and Update Windows

One simple solution for many printer-related issues in Windows can be easily resolved by downloading updates for the operating system.

You need to go towards the right side of your screen and hit Settings followed by entering Windows Update in the search box.

Hit Check for Updates, you have to accept all the updates and then restart your computer. When your computer has restarted, connect your printer and check if you can print.

Solution Three – Provisionally disable your antivirus security software

You need to remove third-party software from your computer such as antivirus or computer cleaner.

Be Mindful – Make sure you disable the antivirus temporarily because you need it to protect your computer from security threats. Once you are done fixing the connection error, you can re-enable your antivirus.

If you find out that the antivirus is causing the issue, make sure you consider opting for another antivirus software.

There are many things you need to keep in mind while choosing a good antivirus software such as – quick loading, easy to use, reliable and all-inclusive protection, and much more.

Solution Four – Check the printer connection
Restart your printer

First, switch off and then switch on your printer to restart it. You need to wait for a while for it to be fully ready.

Check the connection problem

In case, your printer is connected via USB cable, make sure that the cable is not damaged and it connects correctly.

Check the USB port carefully, if you find anything inside the port that is preventing your USB from connecting, make sure you clean the ports thoroughly.

If you have a printer that connects through a wireless network or Bluetooth, make sure you go through the manual provided with your device to connect your printer to WiFi or Bluetooth as it should be.

As this entirely varies as per the manufacturer and printer for instance, the operations vary from HP printers or Brothers printers, so it is recommended to follow the product manual provided with the printer.

Examine the network connection

There might be network issues owing to which you have come across printer not connected issue. Besides, you also have to ensure that your internet is in proper working order while using the printer.

Solution Five – Update your printer driver

You can also face the printer not connected issue if the drivers of your printer are not updated or outdated. So, have to ensure that your printer drivers are up to date.

When you update your printer driver to the latest version, it will not only fix the printer issues such as – printer error, printer not printing error, etc. but also enhance your overall experience as well.

Generally, there are two methods to update your drivers – manually and automatically.

Manually – You can manually download the drivers of the printer from the manufacturer’s website and then install it on your computer. You have to ensure that you download the latest correct version of the driver and should be compatible with your windows system.
Automatically – If you don’t have the time or proficiency to do it, you can do it automatically with FixBit.

FixBit will automatically identify your system and will find the correct drivers for it. There is no need to know what system your computer is running on, you don’t have to risk the wrong drivers being downloaded and installed, and you don’t have to commit a mistake while installing.

Solution Six – Troubleshoot printer problems

If you have encountered a printer not connected issue, you can also try the troubleshooting tool to diagnose and fix the issue. Here is how you can do it –

Firstly, 0pen the Control Panel and set the settings to View by large icons or small icons.
Click Devices and Printers.

Locate your printer (at times, it may be displayed as Unspecified) and right-click on it and select Troubleshoot.
Allow your computer or laptop to troubleshoot the problem and follow the instructions given on the screen to fix it.
Solution Seven – Restart Print Spooler service

The printing process is managed by a print spooler. In case the service is not working, you won’t be able to see your printers and your printers won’t be connected. Therefore, you can restart the Print Spooler service to fix the problem.

First, you need to press the Windows key along with R simultaneously to open the run box.
You need to type services.msc and click Ok.

At this stage, you need to scroll down to locate the Print Spooler service.

In case the service is running, you need to click on the service and select Stop. Then, you need to right-click on the service and click on Start to restart the service.

In case, the service is not running properly, you need to right-click on the service, followed by clicking Start to run the service.

Lastly, restart your computer or laptop to check and see if your printer is connected.
Solution Eight – Set Your Printer As The Default Printer

Your WiFi printer might have set itself as the default, owing to which you are facing issues while connecting it.

There are instances where a printer may install software with a virtual printer so that whenever you press the Print command, the file is saved by the virtual printer rather than the actual document you have sent to the virtual printer.

Click Start –> then Control Panel -> then Hardware and Sound

Click Devices and Printers

You need to right-click on your printer and select Set a default printer.

Wrap Up

We hope that the above-discussed information comes in handy in resolving your printer not connected issue. If you are still not able to fix the issue, you can consult the manufacturer.

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How to Fix Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Issue

Solution One – General Troubleshooting

Solution Two – Reboot and Update Windows

Solution Three – Provisionally disable your antivirus security software

Solution Four – Check the printer connection

Solution Five – Update your printer driver

Solution Six – Troubleshoot printer problems

Solution Seven – Restart Print Spooler service

Solution Eight – Set Your Printer As The Default Printer