How do you Fix Printer That Won’t Print - ij.start.canon
Printers experience several forms of malfunctions, some of which are easy to fix. Fixing ij start canon printer issues can be a headache—especially on Windows devices—because there’s a wide range of things that could be wrong.
The problem could stem from your PC, the printer, or the connection between both devices. But don’t worry. Here are some solutions you can try. You may not have to try them all. Just work your way down the list until you find the one that works.
Solution 1: Check Paper Tray and Printer Connection
Many ij start printer models won’t print if there’s a loose USB connection or if they’re out of ink or paper on canon printer. Verify your printer’s ink levels, clean the printhead, fill the paper tray, and avoid using substandard paper. Low-quality paper can cause “Ghost Paper Jams” and other issues that stop your printer from printing documents.
For printers using a wired connection, ensure both cable ends are plugged firmly into your printer and computer. Go through the printer’s manual for instructions on connecting the device to your Windows or Mac computer.
Wireless printers won’t print documents if connected to the wrong Wi-Fi network. Make sure your printer and computer are on the same wireless network. Likewise, check your router settings, disable VPN connections, and make the printer’s IP address static. Refer to our tutorial on troubleshooting Wi-Fi (wireless) printers for more fixes.
Solution 2: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Windows has a suite of troubleshooting tools that diagnoses and resolves hardware and software problems. We recommend running the Printer Troubleshooter before trying other more complex measures.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > and select Printers & scanners.
In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Select the problem printer from the list of connected devices.
Select Run the troubleshooter in the “Printer settings” tab.
There’s another way to access the printer troubleshooter in Windows 11. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to “Printer.”
In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and select Additional troubleshooters > Printer > and select Run the troubleshooter.
Solution 3: Set the Printer As Default
Windows has a feature that dynamically changes your PC’s default printing device based on your location and other factors. The feature is near-perfect but not failproof. If your PC doesn’t print documents, it might be that an inactive printer is the default printing device.
macOS also sets the last ij start printer connected as your Mac’s default canon printer. Check your computer settings and ensure the active printer is the default device.
In Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and select the Set as default button.
On Mac computers, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners on Mac computers, right-click the printer, and select Set default printer. Alternatively, open the Default printer drop-down menu and select the printer as the default.
Solution 4: Clear Your Computer’s Print Queue
When you send a document for printing, your computer first sends the “print job” to the print queue. The print job is immediately removed from the print queue when the printer prints the document. It’s usually a seamless process, but there are times when completed print jobs remain in the queue.
If that happens, subsequent print jobs will also get stuck in the queue and prevent your printer from printing files. Clearing your computer’s print queue might resolve the problem.
Clear Print Queue in Windows
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & scanners > Printers & scanners and select your printer.
Select Open print queue.
Select Printer on the menu bar and select Cancel All Documents.
Select Yes on the confirmation prompt.
Try printing any document or a test page and check if clearing the queue fixed the problem. Open the printer menu and select Print test page.
Clear Print Queue in macOS
Go to System Preferences > Printers & scanners, select the printer on the sidebar, and select Open Print Queue.
Select the x icon next to the pending print jobs to remove them from the queue.
Solution 5: Update Printer Driver
Your printer might not receive print jobs from your PC if its driver is corrupt or outdated. Although Windows automatically installs driver updates, some factors (e.g., a metered internet connection) may prevent that from happening. Here’s how to manually install a driver from your computer or the internet.
Check the printer’s manufacturer website and download the latest driver updates for your printer model. Plug the printer into your computer and follow the steps below.
Right-click the Start Menu or press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access Menu. Select Device Manager to proceed.
Expand the “Printers” category, right-click the printer’s driver, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to search for the best driver available for the printer. The process requires an internet connection, so ensure your PC is connected to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
Alternatively, select Browser my computer for drivers to manually install a driver you downloaded from the printer manufacturer’s website. Afterward, choose Browse, navigate to the driver’s location on your PC, and select Next to install the update.
Solution 4: Reboot Your Devices
Power-cycling your printer and computer can help both devices re-establish a connection. Unplug your printer’s power cord and shut down your computer. Remember to close any open apps or documents so you don’t lose unsaved changes.
Restart both devices, connect your printer to your PC, and check if you can now print documents.