Printer Not Found — Troubleshooting Guide

Before You Start

Printer problems are almost always one of four things: power/connection, driver, print queue, or network. Work through each section below.

Step 1 — Check the Basics

• Is the printer powered on? Check the power button light.
• Is the USB cable plugged in, or is the printer on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer?
• Does the printer have paper and ink / toner?
• Are there any error lights or messages on the printer's display?

Restart the printer (power off, wait 30 seconds, power on) before continuing.

Step 2 — Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job blocks everything behind it.

Windows:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners
2. Click your printer → Open Print Queue
3. Right-click each job → Cancel
4. If jobs won't cancel, open Services (search in Start), find Print Spooler, right-click → Restart

Mac:

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners
2. Click your printer → Open Print Queue
3. Click the X next to any stuck jobs

Step 3 — Remove and Re-Add the Printer

1. Windows: Settings → Printers & Scanners → click printer → Remove Device
2. Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → select printer → click –
3. Re-add by clicking Add Printer and selecting your printer from the list

Step 4 — Update or Reinstall the Driver

Outdated drivers are a very common cause of printing problems after Windows updates.

1. Visit your printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark)
2. Search for your exact printer model
3. Download the latest driver for your operating system
4. Run the installer — it will remove the old driver and install the new one
5. Restart your computer and try printing again

Step 5 — Network Printer Not Showing Up

If the printer is connected to Wi-Fi or your office network:

• Make sure the printer and computer are on the same network (not one on guest Wi-Fi and the other on the main network)
• Print a configuration page from the printer (usually hold the OK/info button) — it will show the printer's IP address
• Try adding the printer manually using its IP address: Printers & Scanners → Add → enter IP address
• Check that your firewall is not blocking printer traffic on port 9100 or 631