Before you begin
Confirm the printer model, connection method, operating system, and the exact symptom. Keep the printer manual available when possible. Use only controls, covers, and compartments intended for ordinary users.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Pause new printing
Stop submitting additional jobs while the queue is stalled.
- Cancel queued jobs
Open the printer queue and cancel jobs. Allow time for the queue to update.
- Restart printer and computer
Power-cycle the printer and restart the computer to release temporary locks.
- Restart the print service
On Windows, restart the Print Spooler only through the Services management tool. On macOS, remove and re-add the printer if the queue remains stuck.
- Test with a simple file
Print one small document from a different application.
Platform-specific guidance
Windows 11
Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners, select the printer, then open the print queue.
macOS
Open Printers & Scanners, select the printer, and open its queue. Resume, delete, or retry jobs.
Verify the result
Repeat the original task using a small test document. Confirm that the printer completes the task consistently, not just once. Reconnect other devices only after the primary device works.
When to stop
Stop if the printer sparks, smells burnt, overheats, has liquid damage, a damaged power cable, grinding noises, or requires major disassembly. Contact a qualified local repair professional or the manufacturer for hardware service.