Introduction

it is printing but nothing happens: We’ve all been there—you’re ready to print an important document, the printer says “ready,” the system shows that it’s printing, but… nothing happens! It can be frustrating when you’re all set to get your work done, only to be met with a malfunctioning printer. This is a common issue that can have several causes, ranging from software glitches to hardware malfunctions.

If you’ve encountered this problem, don’t worry! In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue where the printer says “ready,” the system shows it is printing, but nothing happens. Whether you’re using a wireless printer, USB-connected device, or networked printer, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the solutions!

Why it is printing but nothing happens?

Before you can fix the issue, it’s important to understand why it occurs. There are a few common reasons why your printer might say “ready,” but refuse to print:

Connectivity Issues: A weak or disconnected cable, or issues with the wireless network, can disrupt communication between your printer and computer.
Print Queue Problems: Sometimes, a stuck print job in the queue prevents the printer from printing.
Printer Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause malfunctioning print jobs.
Paper Jams or Low Ink/Toner: A physical issue with the printer, like a paper jam or empty ink/toner cartridges, could be preventing it from printing.
Incorrect Printer Settings: Occasionally, the settings on the printer or computer might be misconfigured, causing the print job to be ignored.

Let’s explore each of these potential issues and walk you through how to resolve them.

Step 1: Check for Printer Connectivity

When your printer says “ready,” but no printing occurs, the first step is to ensure your printer is properly connected.

For USB Printers:

Check the Cable: Make sure the USB cable is securely connected to both your printer and computer. Try using a different USB port or cable if necessary.
Restart Devices: Turn both your printer and computer off, then turn them back on to reset the connection.

For Wireless Printers:

Check Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If there’s an issue with the network, try rebooting your router.
Reconfigure Printer: Sometimes, you need to disconnect and reconnect the wireless printer to the network. Check the printer’s settings or use the manufacturer’s app to manage the network settings.

Step 2: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can cause your printer to show as “ready” but prevent any printing from occurring. Follow these steps to clear the print queue:

Open the Print Queue: On your computer, go to the “Devices and Printers” section or open the print queue from the system tray (Windows) or the printer menu (Mac).
Cancel All Jobs: Select and cancel any pending print jobs. If you have trouble canceling them, restart your computer and try again.
Reattempt the Print Job: Once the queue is cleared, try printing your document again.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers are one of the leading causes of printing issues. Here’s how to fix it:

Visit the Printer Manufacturer’s Website: Go to the website for your printer’s brand and search for the latest driver updates.
Download and Install Updates: Ensure you select the right driver version for your operating system. If updates are unavailable, try reinstalling the driver.
Reinstall the Printer: If updating the drivers doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the printer. You can do this from your computer’s “Devices and Printers” section.

Step 4: Check for Paper Jams or Low Ink/Toner

Physical issues with the printer can also stop printing:

Paper Jam: Open the printer’s paper tray and check for any stuck paper. Clear it carefully to avoid damaging the printer.
Low Ink or Toner: Check the printer’s display panel or print a test page to determine the ink or toner level. Replace any empty cartridges.

Step 5: Verify Printer Settings

Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as a misconfiguration in printer settings.

Set Default Printer: Ensure that the correct printer is set as the default on your computer.
Check Printer Mode: Some printers have a “Sleep Mode” or “Offline Mode” that could prevent printing. Check the printer’s display panel or settings to make sure it is in “Online Mode.”
Print a Test Page: Many printers have an option to print a test page from the control panel. This can help identify if there’s a deeper hardware issue.

Step 6: Restart Your Computer and Printer

Sometimes, a simple restart is all you need. Reboot your computer and restart the printer to refresh the system and resolve minor software glitches.

Step 7: Call for Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your printer is still not printing, it may be time to seek professional help. Contact your printer manufacturer’s support team or a local technician.

Conclusion

Having your printer say “ready” but not print can be a frustrating issue, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can usually get back on track quickly. Whether it’s checking connectivity, clearing the print queue, or updating drivers, following these solutions should resolve the problem.

If you need further assistance with your printer or IT systems, consider reaching out to Integral Systems, your go-to provider for IT solutions, including managed IT support. Our team of experts can help you troubleshoot not only printing issues but also other IT-related concerns.

10 Common Printer Problems and How to Fix Them 1920w

Need expert IT support? Contact Integral Systems today!

Visit our website: www.insystemtech.com
Address: 1201 West Esplanade Ave Apt. 303, LA, Kenner, United States 70065
Email: admin@integralsystems.us
Phone: +1 888 5065 226

We also offer Managed IT Support services powered by Argusdna. Visit Argusdna for more details.