How To Fix Printer Problems On A Windows Machine Oct 17, 2011 15:33 by Matt Bird

Experiencing printer troubles on a windows machine? Having trouble with printer spoolers or your printer not being found?

Microsoft have provided a helpful page for windows-users to go to as a quick-fix. Involving 3 steps to find what is wrong, it is a great way to quickly find the problem and get it fixed hassle-free.

What Can I Find On This Printer Help Page?

Step 1 -> A Basic Hardware Check

This might sound painful / insulting to some users, but you’d be amazed how many issues come from a cable being loose or USB not properly connected. Granted it might not be worth it’s own entire Step, but double check those cables are in and connected before proceeding to step 2.

Step 2 -> A Troubleshooting Button

This is the real goldmine of the windows help page. Allowing the download a quick Fix it programme, you are able to automatically find (and fix) problems you’re encountering with your printer. Covering the vast amount of simple printer problems, you can easily get back up and running with the minimum of fuss.

If you don’t trust automated fixing, then don’t worry you’re safe. Simply select the “Detect problems and let me select the fixes to apply” option instead, and you’ll be provided with a list of issues and remedies.

Step 3 -> Updating Drivers

The majority of remaining issues will be driver related, so Microsoft have handily bought a hub of driver-browsing links into one place. Covering operating systems up to Windows XP, odds on you will be able to find your driver easily and quickly.

So if you’ve got an issue using a printer or troubles installing etc, go take a look at the help page here and see if Windows can help you fix it!

If the windows printer help section doesn’t manage to resolve your issue then comment below and we’ll see if we can help. If you find it’s a print spooler option that the Fix Ya doesn’t resolve, click here to head to our dedicated guide on how to fix a printer spooler issue.