Here’s a guide on how to solve Windows Cannot Connect To the Printer on Windows 11/10 PC. Windows has significantly improved its printer support over the years. Rarely does anyone need an installation disc to get the printer up and running.
Network printers may be a little more complicated to set up but are far from being the time-consuming work they were before Windows 7.
Setting up a new printer in Windows is easy; You turn it on, connect it to your laptop or desktop, and Windows 11/10 will install the drivers for it.
There is quite a bit of other stuff involved as far as the OS is concerned but your printer might have its own issues that you need to sort out before you can actually print.
If you have installed a printer, and it has been working fine for days but suddenly Windows says “Windows Cannot Connect To the Printer”, learn how to fix it by reading this article till the end.
Also read: How to Fix Printer Driver is unavailable on Windows 10/11
How to Solve Windows Cannot Connect To the Printer
Here are some ways to solve Windows cannot connect to printer on Windows 11/10 PC or laptop:
1. Check Printer
Printers are arguably the most difficult piece of hardware to use. Always make sure that your printer is set up properly.
- Check that the power cable is securely connected and not loose.
- Check that the data cable from the printer to the computer is properly connected at both ends.
- Make sure that no panels or drawers on the printer are open. Read your printer’s manual for anything that can help you.
- Make sure there are no paper jams.
- Check if the printer needs cleaning and read your printer’s manual to know the correct way to do it.
- Check the ink level; if one cartridge is empty or nearly empty, the printer may refuse to print.
- Try connecting the printer to a different USB port.
- Try swapping the data cable for a different/new one.
2. Run the printer troubleshooter
Windows 11/10 has a built-in troubleshooter for printers. If your printer is set up properly but Windows cannot connect, run the printer troubleshooter to fix the problem.
1. Open Settings App with keyboard shortcut Win+i.
2. Go to Updates & Security.
3. Select tab Troubleshoot.
4. Click Additional troubleshooters.
5. Run printer troubleshooter and apply all recommended fixes.
3. Remove print queue & service
If a print job is stuck in the queue, clean it. A jammed print job can cause all sorts of problems, all of which prevent other print jobs from being completed.
1. Open Settings App with keyboard shortcut Win+i.
2. Open Devices.
3. Select Printers & Scanners.
4. Select printer which you want to use.
5. Click Open Queue.
6. Select all items and wipe.
4. Reload Print Spooler Startup Service
1. Open a dialog box RUN with keyboard shortcut Win+r.
2. In the run box, type: services.msc and press enter.
3. Find Print Spooler Service.
4. Set Startup to Automatic
5. Then click Stop
6. After that click Start
5. Restart the computer and try printing.
5. Uninstall and reinstall the printer
If the printer encounters an error, whether it was because it was disconnected in the middle of printing or because you cleaned it, you may have to install it again to resolve the trouble.
1. Open Settings App with keyboard shortcut Win+i.
2. Open Devices.
3. Select Printers and scanners.
4. Select printer that you are using and click Remove.
5. Unplug the printer cable from the power source and your PC.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Wait 10-15 minutes.
8. Turn on the Printer.
9. Connect to your Windows 11/10 PC.
11. Windows 11/10 will detect and install the printer again.
Also read: How to install a wireless printer on Windows 11 PC/Laptop
6. Copy File mscms.dll
If your windows mscms file is not usable by printer? Perform file transfer as below.
1. Log in to C:Windowssystem32
2. Then find the file mscms.dll then Copy
3. Move the file to a folder according to your Windows type
- If you use windows 32 bitpaste it in C:windowssystem32spooldriversw32x863
- If you use windows 64 bitpaste it in C:windowssystem32spooldriversx643
Once moved, now Restart your computer then try the printer again.
Also read: How to Solve Printer Printing Half a Page in Windows 10
Printers are difficult to handle, even models designed for home use will experience errors that are difficult to resolve.
Cleaning it, checking paper jams, checking and refilling ink can avoid many problems with it.
That’s how to solve Windows Cannot Connect To the Printer. I hope this article helped you! Thank you for visiting and don’t forget if you find this article useful, please share it with your friends too.
