How to Fix a Wireless Printer That Is Connected but Not Printing

Step-by-Step

1. 1

   Step 1: Check the printer itself

   Confirm it is powered on and has no paper, ink, cover-open, or jam error.

2. 2

   Step 2: Restart the printer

   Turn it off, unplug it for about 30 seconds, reconnect it, and turn it back on.

3. 3

   Step 3: Confirm the Wi‑Fi network

   Make sure the printer and Windows PC are on the same home network, especially if you use extenders or multiple network names.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check the Windows print queue

   Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, choose the printer, and inspect the queue. Cancel obviously stuck jobs.

5. 5

   Step 5: Confirm the correct printer

   Make sure the document is being sent to the intended printer and not an old, offline, or virtual printer.

6. 6

   Step 6: Run Windows printer troubleshooting

   Use the Windows printer troubleshooting options to check common connection and configuration problems.

7. 7

   Step 7: Restart the spooler or update the driver

   If needed, restart the Print Spooler service and check the printer manufacturer for the current Windows 11 driver/software.

Tips

• Print a test page after each major fix rather than sending a large document.
• If you have multiple Wi‑Fi networks or extenders, confirm the PC and printer are actually on the same network.

Common Mistakes

• Reinstalling drivers before checking for a simple paper, ink, jam, or offline error.
• Sending the same job repeatedly and creating a larger stuck print queue.

Frequently Asked Questions

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