Printers are great devices, no doubt. However, if you’ve ever owned a printer for any duration of time, you’ll know that they can be big headaches to deal with as well.
In this article, we’re taking a look at the “Printer in Error State” error in Windows and what you can do to get rid of the problem.
Restart your printer
Power cycling your printer, PC and even router if you’re using a WiFi printer can help resolve seemingly random issues that might be causing printing conflicts. This should be the first item on your troubleshooting list.
Also read: How to fix Red Screen of Death in Windows 10?
Check the Printer
The error can also indicate a problem with your printer instead. Check to see if everything’s in place, that the printer has enough ink, paper and is properly connected to your printing device. If you’re using a WiFi printer, check to make sure that the printer is connected to the network and that you have internet access.
Resetting the print spooler service
The print spooler is a service on your computer that manages all printers, print ques and print jobs. Resetting this service can resolve any printer conflicts you’re facing.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to launch the Run prompt. Type in services.msc and hit enter.
Step 2: Locate the Print Spooler service and double click it to open the properties.
Step 3: Click the Stop button to stop the service. Click OK after that.
Step 4: Now open Windows Explorer and head over to the following directory.
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
Once there, delete all the files in the PRINTERS folder. Restart your computer to check if the printer works properly now.
Also read: Getting Windows Ready stuck: 5 Fixes
Check your drivers
Make sure your drivers are properly installed and up to date can resolve a lot of printer issues.
Step 1: Press Windows key + X to open the quick access menu and click on Device Manager.
Step 2: Double click Print Queues to show all installed printers.
Step 3: Right-click on the problematic printer and click on Update drivers.
Step 4: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will automatically look for driver updates and install them.
Now restart your PC and try again.
Run the Windows troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with an excellent set of troubleshooters that can resolve a bunch of issues on your PC, including the ones with printers.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Windows settings and click on Update & Security.
Step 2: Head over to the Troubleshoot tab.
Step 3: Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Step 4: Click on Printer and then Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
Restart your computer and try again. This should fix the Printer in error state issue.
Also read: How to fix System Service Exception in Windows 10?
