Network Printer Prints from Some Devices but Not Others

Problem
A network printer works correctly for some computers but fails for others on the same network.

Symptoms

• Print jobs succeed from certain computers only.

• Other devices show the printer as offline or unavailable.

• Error messages vary by device.

Possible Causes

• Different driver versions installed across devices.

• Printer permissions restricting certain users or devices.

• Some devices have outdated or cached printer configurations.

• Network segmentation (VLANs) isolating certain devices from the printer.

Resolution

Step 1
Compare printer driver versions between working and non-working devices.

Step 2
Remove and re-add the printer on the affected devices.

Step 3
Check printer sharing and permission settings for restricted access.

Step 4
Verify all affected devices are on the same network segment/VLAN as the printer.

Step 5
Update printer drivers on the non-working devices.

Step 6
Restart the print spooler service on affected devices.

Prevention

• Standardize printer driver versions across all devices.

• Document printer permissions and access lists.

• Keep network segmentation documented for troubleshooting.

Related Articles

• Network Printer Not Accessible

• Printer Not Printing