This article covers common printer problems in Windows, including printer not found, print jobs stuck in the queue, printer spooler crashes, and more, along with step-by-step troubleshooting solutions for each issue.

Security updates released on and after July 6, 2021 contain protections for a remote code execution vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler service (spoolsv.exe) known as “PrintNightmare”, documented in CVE-2021-34527.

Find out how to install the latest driver for your printer in Windows. Find out how to set a default printer in Windows. Find out how to view the print queue in Windows. Find out how to change a printer’s status from “offline” to “online” in Windows.

Learn how to update drivers in Windows using Device Manager to update or reinstall a driver.

If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track.

Symptom. New Windows 11, version 24H2 devices that are intended to be onboarded to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint might require customers to enable the prerequisite feature. This affects all supported architectures.

If the printer appears as Offline even though it is powered on and connected, follow the below troubleshooting steps to resolve. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter. If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app.

Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners . Next to Add a printer or scanner, select Add device. Wait for it to find nearby printers, then locate the one you want to use, and select Add device. If you want to remove the printer later, select it, and then select Remove.

To view a list of items waiting to print in Windows 11: Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners . Open Printers & scanners settings. Select your printer from the list and select Open print queue to see a list of what's printing and the upcoming print order.

When you connect a printer or scanner to your PC or add a new printer or all-in-one device to your home network, you can usually start printing right away. Windows 11 supports most printers, so you probably won't have to install special printer software.