Computer won't send print jobs

Symptoms

• Print job stays 'pending' or 'queued' forever
• Nothing happens when you click print
• Error saying printer is offline though it's on
• Print works from one app but not another

Likely causes

• CommonStuck print queueA jammed prior job can block all jobs behind it.
• CommonWrong or outdated printer driverDrivers translate documents into printer commands and can become mismatched after updates.
• CommonPrinter set to offline in settingsThe OS can mark a printer offline after a lost connection, even if it's back online.
• PossiblePrint spooler service stoppedThe background service that manages printing can crash or stop.
• PossibleWrong printer selected as defaultJobs may be sent to a different or disconnected printer.

What to do

1. Open the print queue and cancel all pending jobs.
2. Check the printer isn't marked offline in your system's printer settings and set it as the default.
3. Restart both the computer and the printer.
4. Restart the print spooler service (Windows) or reset the printing system (Mac) from settings.
5. Remove the printer from your device and re-add it, letting the system reinstall the driver.
6. Update the printer driver from the manufacturer's website if problems continue.

When to call a pro

For detailed printer hardware issues like jams or print quality, see printer-specific troubleshooting instead.

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