Printer issues

Anna Davis 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T18:53:19.86+00:00

How to get my printer to print, it's idle in the queue

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 86,980 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-10T19:32:22.6366667+00:00

    Hi, @Anna Davis

    What is the exact make and model of the printer?

    If the printer shows as idle, first try clearing the print queue and restarting the printer connection.

    • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    • Select your printer > Open print queue.
    • Cancel any documents that are stuck there.
    • Turn the printer off, wait about 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
    • Restart the PC and try printing again.

    If the issue still persists, to help narrow down the issue:

    1. Is the printer connected by USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet?
    2. Does Windows show the printer as "Ready," "Offline," or only "Idle"?
    3. Are you able to print a test page from Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > your printer > Printer properties?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-10T18:53:35.3733333+00:00

    If the printer is idle in the queue, use this order:

    1. Cancel stuck print jobs
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer.
      • Select Open print queue.
      • Right-click each job and select Cancel.
    2. Restart the Print Spooler service
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Type services.msc and press Enter.
      • Find Print Spooler.
      • Right-click it and select Restart.
    3. If the queue still does not clear, manually clear the spool folder
      • Warning: this deletes pending print jobs.
      • Open services.msc again.
      • Right-click Print Spooler and select Stop.
      • In File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
      • Delete all files in that folder.
      • Go back to Print Spooler and select Start.
    4. Restart the printer and PC
      • Turn off the printer.
      • Wait at least 60 seconds.
      • Turn the printer back on.
      • Restart the PC from Start > Power > Restart.
      • Try printing again.
    5. If the printer still stays idle, check printer status
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer.
      • Select Set as default.
      • Open the queue and cancel any remaining jobs.
    6. If needed, remove and reinstall the printer
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer and choose Remove.
      • Then select Add a printer or scanner > Add device and reinstall it.

    For Windows 11, running the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app is also a supported step.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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