Typically, printing documents is a straightforward process without any complications. However, there are occasions when a computer faces issues in communication with the printer. One potential error that might occur is the PCL XL error.
This article discusses what the PCI XL error is, what causes it, and four methods to help you fix the PCI XL error.
Below we have discussed:
What is the PCL XL error?
PCL 6, also called PCL XL, is a robust driver for your printing needs. It’s designed for efficient printing through the graphical user interface (GUI) on Windows and is compressed for optimisation.
The occurrence of a PCL XL error is often linked to printing multiple documents at once. For instance, a corrupted printer driver can potentially cause this problem. Additionally, incorrect printer settings might also lead to encountering this error.
Also read: HP Printer error codes explained
What causes the PCL XL error?
The PCL XL error on the print might be caused by characters in the print data stream that the printer can’t understand. The following reasons can cause these characters:
- Mismatched font.
- Interference by other applications.
- Outdated or corrupt printer drivers.
Also read: How to fix the RTC connecting Discord error?
How to fix the issue?
Here are four methods that might help you fix the PCL XL error:
Reboot Print spooler service
When you use the printer and initiate a print command, the spooler service may get stuck, causing the PCL XL error in the printer. To fix it, you can restart the spooler service. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialogue box, type service.msc and hit Enter.
Step 2: In the services, find the Print spooler, right-click on it and then in the dropdown menu, click on the Restart option.
Perform a Cold Restart
A temporary communication glitch between the computer and the printer might cause the PCL XL error. Trying a cold restart of the system, networking equipment, and the printer in question could resolve the issue.
- Step 1: Switch off your computer, printer, and network devices like routers or extenders.
- Step 2: Unplug the power cords from all these devices and wait for about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Reconnect the devices and switch on the router.
- Step 4: Wait for the router lights to stabilise before restarting your computer.
- Step 5: Once your computer is up and running, turn on the printer and wait for it to be ready.
- Step 6: Check if the printer is working properly now.
Rename the files associated with your Printer
Many users resolved the PCL XL error by renaming the files related to their printers. You might want to try renaming these files to solve the PCL XL error on your printer. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Press the Windows + E key on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
- Step 2: Go to this location: C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3
- Step 3: Filter the files to show only those with the .gpd extension. Click the arrow next to Type and choose GPD File.
- Step 4: You can change the names of these files to whatever you like, but it’s a good idea to create backups before renaming them.
- Step 5: Save the changes you made and then restart your computer.
Also read: Can Chromebooks get viruses?
Update Printer drivers
A corrupted or outdated printer can also cause a PCL XL error. Updating it might resolve the issue; here are the steps to update the printer driver:
Step 1: Press the Windows+X and tap on the Device Manager option in the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Double-click on the Network adaptors to expand it.
Step 3: Right-click on your printer driver, then click on the Update driver in the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Select Search automatically for drivers, and Windows will automatically find and install available updates.
Also read: How to fix HP printer error 59.f0?
