Windows includes a printer troubleshooter that checks common print failures automatically. It can restart services, clear queue problems, and detect simple offline or connectivity states without making you dig through every setting manually.
Does this affect you?
Use this on Windows 10 or Windows 11 when a USB, Wi-Fi, or network printer will not print and you want the built-in repair tool before manual troubleshooting.
Run the troubleshooter from Settings
This is the normal path on current Windows versions.
- Open Start > Settings.
- On Windows 11, go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. On Windows 10, go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Find Printer and click Run.
- Select the problem printer if Windows asks.
- Apply any fix Windows offers.
- Print a test document afterward.
Run it from Control Panel
Use this on older Windows 10 builds where the Settings path is missing.
- Press Windows key + R, type control, and press Enter.
- Open Troubleshooting. Switch to Large icons or Small icons if needed.
- Click View all in the left sidebar.
- Open Printer.
- Follow the prompts and choose the affected printer.
More control
No problems found does not mean the printer is fine
It means Windows did not detect one of the issues it knows how to test. Move to a symptom-specific guide if the problem continues.
What it checks
The tool commonly checks the Print Spooler service, stuck jobs, offline mode, and basic printer connectivity.
What it cannot fix well
It usually cannot diagnose router-to-printer Wi-Fi problems, physical paper jams, empty ink or toner, or drivers that are installed but buggy.
Get Help may replace older troubleshooters
Microsoft has been moving some troubleshooters into the Get Help app. If the Printer troubleshooter is missing, open Get Help, search for printer, and follow the guided tool there.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Get help with printer issues in Windows (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Deprecation of MSDT Troubleshooters (2024)