All basic skills have something in common. Without them, you’re lost when using Windows. Windows 8 brought some big changes to the way you print documents and photos, and printing is a pretty basic skill. We may print less than usual, but not being able to get your printer up and running when time is limited can be stressful. The changes Microsoft has made to printing in Windows 8 and Windows 10 make trying to fix printers in Windows 10 a bit confusing.
Part of the problem seems to have to do with the rise and fall of the printing press itself. Twenty years ago we printed everything from book reports to maps and birthday messages. If you wanted to share a picture you would take, you would print it out and make copies for your family.
This is not true today. We share images via cloud storage services. Managing invitations is easier than ever with Facebook Events. Instead of sending birthday cards, we wish the people we care about well on their Facebook wall. It seems printers are the last thing on Microsoft’s list to be improved with updates. You’ve probably never had to troubleshoot a printer.
Here’s how to fix printers in Windows 10.
Preparing Your Printer
Before diving into the printer-dedicated areas of Windows 10, it’s important to take a look at your printer.
Check the power cord going from your printer to the wall. Make sure all connectors are tight.
Also, check the buttons on your printer to see if there are any flashing or warning lights that indicate a problem with your printer.
Finally, make sure your printer has some paper and the tray holding what you’re printing is fully open. It doesn’t hurt to look inside with the printer cover open to make sure there is no paper already jamming the machine.
Fix Printers in Windows 10 from the Settings App
You want to go to the Settings app to fix printers in Windows 10. Look for it in your list of installed apps and programs.
Click .
Then click on it. It’s the second option at the top of the menu on the left side of the app.
If your printer is listed in the Printers & Scanners area, it is because Windows 10 has not yet detected the printer. Check all your connections again. Windows 10 will immediately start installing any printer that is turned on and connected to your PC via USB, so make sure these connections are tight and your printer is getting power.
If your printer is listed and you’re having trouble, the real work begins. Click on it in the list.
Click .
Here are all the key areas you need to fix printers in Windows 10.
First, keep in mind that Canon made an app to manage their printers. If you see this button, tap or click on it for a detailed look at how your printer is configured. These apps usually notify you of ink problems, jams, and paper shortages. They also provide a direct link for support for your printer. Don’t panic if there is no app for your printer. You may need to download a software download from your printer manufacturer’s support site.
The queue is where you will use it to manage the different documents and images you are trying to print. Go there to add and cancel any print jobs you have.
Printing Preferences lets you make changes to the way you print documents.
Select a diagnostic run of Windows and the printer. This diagnostic will usually tell you why your printer is not working.
The troubleshooter will scan your hardware and software combination and then get you the fixes you need.
If the problem persists, you’d better contact the company that made your printer. You may have a faulty printer or a printer that is no longer supported in Windows 10. To be clear, this second issue is pretty rare. Windows 10 supports a large number of printers and scanners.
Good luck trying to fix printers in Windows 10.