Printer Not Working after Windows 11 Update? Here is How to Fix it

Printing documents should be a simple and easy task. You hit ‘Print,’ and a moment later, your physical copy is ready. However, sometimes you may notice “Printer Not Responding” when you send a print job on your Windows 11 computer. Users report the printer not printing documents after a recent Windows update. It’s just stuck printing. There can be several reasons why Printer Not Working on Windows 11, connectivity issues, outdated drivers, software glitches, or even simple paper jams are common. Whatever the reason, if the printer is connected but not printing documents or photos, here are the most effective solutions to fix and get your printer working again on Windows 11.

Why Printer Not Working on Windows 11?

Printer problems after a Windows 11 update are common due to changes in system settings, outdated drivers, or compatibility issues. Some other reasons include Power and Connectivity Issues, paper jams, or even ink/toner problems, print spooler service might not running, and more.

• Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Windows 11 updates may overwrite or conflict with existing printer drivers, causing the printer to stop functioning.
• Print Spooler Issues: The print spooler service, which manages print jobs, can become corrupted or not started.
• Connectivity Problems: Wireless or USB printers may lose connection due to network issues or improper configuration.
• Firewall or Software Conflicts: Strict firewall settings or third-party software may block printer communication.

Before You Start: The Basics

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, let’s check the basic things first.

Check Physical Connections

• Ensure your printer is properly plugged into a power outlet and that the USB cable (if using a wired connection) is securely connected to both the printer and your computer. If it’s a network printer, ensure it’s connected to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network

Power Cycle Everything

• Turn off your printer, your computer, and your Wi-Fi router (For wireless printer). Wait for a minute or two, then turn them back on in the following order: router, printer, then computer. This can clear temporary glitches and fix common problems.

Check Ink/Toner and Paper

• It sounds obvious, but a lack of ink/toner or paper is a common reason for a printer refusing to print. Also, check for any paper jams.

Restart the Print Spooler Service

• Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Scroll down and locate “Print Spooler.”
• Right-click on it and select “Restart.” If it’s not running, select “Start.”

Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in printer troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix common issues. The troubleshooter checks for misconfigurations, driver errors, and service problems. It’s a quick and effective way to fix common printer problems on Windows 11 PC.

• Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Step 2: Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Step 3: Locate the Printer section and click Run.
• Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows detect and resolve issues.

This tool automatically identifies and attempts to fix problems like spooler errors, printer queue problems, or corrupted drivers, and more. Once the diagnosis is complete, reboot Windows and try printing again.

Clear the Print Spooler Files

Sometimes, simply restarting the Print Spooler isn’t enough. Old or corrupt print job files stored in the spool folder can continue to block new print jobs. Clearing these files manually gives the print system a completely clean slate, which often resolves printers that won’t print even though they appear connected and active.

• Step 1: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Step 2: Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click, and select Stop.
• Step 3: Open File Explorer (Windows + E) and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
• Step 4: Delete all files inside the folder (These are temporary print job files).

• Step 5: Return to Services, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.
• Step 6: Restart your PC and try printing again.

This would fix if the printer is stuck printing documents, the printer is pending but not printing documents, or clear the print queue if a document is stuck

Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

If you’re still having problems, your printer may need a new driver. A faulty, outdated, or incompatible printer driver is one of the most common causes of printers not working in Windows 11. Updating or reinstalling ensures your system has the correct driver to communicate with the printer.

• Press Windows + X  and select Device Manager.
• Expand Print queues, right-click your printer, and select Update driver.
• Choose the ‘Search automatically for updated driver software option.
• It will start looking for the latest drivers on the internet and ask you to install them.

If no updates are found, visit the printer manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP, Canon, Brother) and download the latest drivers for Windows 11.

Reinstall Printer Driver

• If problems persist, right-click the printer and select Uninstall device then restart your PC.
• Then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device to reinstall the printer.
• Alternatively, download the driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

Also, you can use a third-party driver updater tool to scan and update drivers automatically with minimal effort.

Set the Correct Default Printer

If Windows is sending print jobs to a virtual printer or the wrong device, nothing will print, even if your printer is connected. Setting your printer as the default ensures jobs are sent to the right place.

• Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Click your printer from the list and Select Set as default.
• Also, uncheck Let Windows manage my default printer to avoid automatic changes.

Remove and Reinstall the Printer

Again, reinstalling your printer refreshes its connection settings and clears up issues related to misconfigured installations or outdated info that Windows might be storing.

• Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Click your printer and choose Remove device. Restart your PC.
• Go back to the same settings page and click Add device to reinstall your printer.

Also, you can reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website. For example, HP users can use the HP Print and Scan Doctor to diagnose and fix issues.

Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, firewalls or antivirus programs may block your printer connection, especially if you’re using a network printer. Temporarily disabling them can reveal if they’re causing the issue.

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
• Select Turn off for your active network (public, private, or domain).
• Try printing. If successful, reconfigure the firewall to allow printer communication or consider a third-party firewall alternative.

If the printer works but doesn’t print from a specific app (e.g., Microsoft Word), the issue may be app-specific. Open WordPad, type “This is a test,” and try printing. If it prints, check the app’s print settings (e.g., margins, paper size) or reinstall the app.

Microsoft regularly releases bug fixes and driver updates that improve printer compatibility. Installing the latest Windows updates ensures you’re not running into issues that have already been resolved.