Printer Error State Issue 

Paper jams

Empty paper tray

Low ink or toner

Open covers

Cartridge problems

Other hardware warnings

Fix any physical problem shown by the printer before trying to print again.

Restart the Printer and Computer

A simple restart can clear temporary communication problems.

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet. Wait for about a minute, then plug it back in and turn it on.

Restart your computer as well. Once both devices are ready, send a small document to the printer.

Check the Printer Connection

A loose or unstable connection can put the printer into an error state.

If you use a USB printer, disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it. Try another USB port if available.

For a wireless printer, check that the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your router if the connection is unstable.

Check If the Printer Is Offline

Windows may show the printer as offline even when it is turned on.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select your printer.

Check its status. If it is offline, make sure the printer is properly connected and ready.

You can also remove and add the printer again if Windows cannot communicate with it.

Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can cause an error state.

Open your printer's print queue and check for documents that are waiting to print. Cancel the stuck jobs and try printing again.

If the queue does not clear, restart the printer and computer.

Restart the Print Spooler

The Windows Print Spooler manages documents sent to your printer. If it stops working, the printer may show an error state.

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.

After restarting the service, try printing again.

Update the Printer Driver

A damaged or outdated printer driver can prevent your computer from communicating correctly with the printer.

Find your printer manufacturer's official website and search for the latest driver for your exact printer model.

Download and install the correct driver for your operating system. Restart your computer after the installation and test the printer.

Set the Correct Printer as Default

If multiple printers are installed, Windows may send documents to the wrong printer.

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Select the printer you want to use and set it as the default printer.

Then try printing again.

Remove and Reinstall the Printer

If the error state remains, remove the printer from Windows and add it again.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Select the affected printer and choose Remove.

Restart your computer, then add the printer again. Install the correct driver if Windows does not automatically find one.

Check for Windows Updates

An outdated Windows installation can sometimes cause compatibility problems with printer drivers.

Update the Printer Driver

A damaged or outdated printer driver can prevent your computer from communicating correctly with the printer.

Find your printer manufacturer's official website and search for the latest driver for your exact printer model.

Download and install the correct driver for your operating system. Restart your computer after the installation and test the printer.

Set the Correct Printer as Default

If multiple printers are installed, Windows may send documents to the wrong printer.

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Select the printer you want to use and set it as the default printer.

Then try printing again.

Remove and Reinstall the Printer

If the error state remains, remove the printer from Windows and add it again.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Select the affected printer and choose Remove.

Restart your computer, then add the printer again. Install the correct driver if Windows does not automatically find one.

Check for Windows Updates

An outdated Windows installation can sometimes cause compatibility problems with printer drivers.

Open Windows Update and check for available updates. Install any pending updates and restart your computer.

After restarting, check whether the printer has returned to a ready state.

Try a Test Page

After completing the troubleshooting steps, print a test page.

If the test page prints successfully, the printer is communicating correctly with your computer.

If the printer still shows an error state, check whether the printer itself displays an error. A hardware, cartridge, or network problem may require additional troubleshooting.

FAQs

Why does my printer say Error State?

Your printer may show an error state because of a connection problem, paper jam, low ink or toner, stuck print job, driver issue, or printer hardware problem.

How do I get my printer out of an error state?

Restart the printer and computer, check the connection, clear the print queue, restart the Print Spooler, and update the printer driver.

Can a printer driver cause an error state?

Yes. A damaged, outdated, or incompatible driver can prevent Windows from communicating correctly with the printer.

Why is my printer connected but still showing an error?

The printer may have a stuck queue, incorrect settings, communication problem, or physical error. Check the printer display and Windows printer settings.

Conclusion

A printer error state does not always mean that your printer has a serious hardware problem. Start by checking the printer for physical errors and confirming its connection. Then restart the devices, clear the print queue, and restart the Print Spooler.

If the problem continues, update the printer driver or remove and reinstall the printer. These steps can resolve many common printer error state problems and get your printer working again.