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How Do You Troubleshoot an All-In-One Printer That’s Not Printing?

20 minutes read

When troubleshooting an all-in-one printer that's not printing, start by checking the basics, like ensuring the printer is plugged in, turned on, and connected to your computer via USB or network. Verify that there’s paper in the tray and check for any paper jams, removing any stuck paper if necessary. Confirm that the ink or toner cartridges are properly installed and have sufficient ink levels. Next, ensure that the printer is set as the default printer in your computer’s settings. Check if there are any error messages on the printer’s display panel or your computer, and refer to the printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for guidance. Make sure the printer drivers and software are up-to-date, as outdated drivers can cause issues. You should also verify that all cables are securely connected and consider trying a different cable or port if you suspect a connection problem. Restarting both the printer and computer can sometimes resolve issues, as can running the printer’s diagnostic or troubleshooting tools if available. If the problem persists, consulting the manufacturer's support resources or contacting customer support may provide additional solutions.

Best All-In-One Printers of February 2025

1
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, ADF and Ethernet – Ideal-for Your Home Office, White

Rating is 5 out of 5

Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, ADF and Ethernet – Ideal-for Your Home Office, White

  • Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges
  • Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (2), equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges (3)
  • Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
  • Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
  • Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics – on virtually any paper type
  • Built-in Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
Buy It Now
2
HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Office (499Q3F)

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Office (499Q3F)

  • PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY – Proficiency with every print—next-generation TerraJet toner brings your business to life with more vivid colors.
  • ORIGINAL HP TONER CARTRIDGES – This HP printer uses Original HP 218A standard and 218X high yield LaserJet toner cartridges.
  • UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 250-sheet input tray.
  • AWARD-WINNING RELIABILITY – Performance you can count on page after page, and always ready for the high demands of business.
Buy It Now
3
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer, Color, Printer-for-Small Medium Business, Print, Copy, scan, fax,Touchscreen; Smart Advance Scan, 3 months of Instant Ink included

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer, Color, Printer-for-Small Medium Business, Print, Copy, scan, fax,Touchscreen; Smart Advance Scan, 3 months of Instant Ink included

  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The OfficeJet Pro 9125e is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like presentations, brochures and flyers. Print speeds up to 18 ppm color, 22 ppm black.
  • UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, copy, fax, auto 2-sided printing and scanning, auto document feeder, and a 250-sheet input tray
  • WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
  • HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone with the easiest-to-use print app
Buy It Now
4
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black, Medium

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black, Medium

  • Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
  • Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (3)
  • Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
  • High-Capacity Ink Tanks — Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
  • Zero Cartridge Waste — By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
  • Built-In Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
Buy It Now
5
HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer, 6 months of Instant Ink included

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer, 6 months of Instant Ink included

  • 6 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED WITH HP+ – Print up to 700 pages a month and get ink delivered only when you need it. After 6 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled, and you'll save up to 50% on ink
  • INCLUDES HP+ SMART FEATURES – Activate HP+ to get advanced features for mobile printing, security, automatic updates and more. HP+ only works with an HP account, internet connection and Original HP Ink for the life of the printer
  • BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND HOME OFFICES – Print professional-quality color documents like forms, reports, brochures and presentations
  • KEY FEATURES – Fast color print, copy and scan, plus 2-sided printing, mobile and wireless printing, and an auto document feeder
  • FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Print up to 18 pages per minute in black and 10 pages per minute in color
Buy It Now
6
HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, Scan, Copy, Fax, ADF, Duplex Printing, Best-for-Home Office, 3 Months of Instant Ink Included (40Q35A)

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, Scan, Copy, Fax, ADF, Duplex Printing, Best-for-Home Office, 3 Months of Instant Ink Included (40Q35A)

  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The OfficeJet Pro 8135e is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black.
  • UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, fax, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tray.
  • WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues.
  • HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone with the easiest-to-use print app.
Buy It Now
7
HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home, 3 Months of Instant Ink Included (714L5A)

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home, 3 Months of Instant Ink Included (714L5A)

  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Envy 6155e is perfect for homes printing everyday color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 7 ppm color, 10 ppm black.
  • KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy and scan, plus auto 2-sided printing and a 100-sheet input tray.
  • HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen.
  • WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues.
  • TRUE-TO-SCREEN TECH – Print documents and photos that look as vibrant as they do on your screen with HP's P3 technology.
  • HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone with the easiest-to-use print app.
Buy It Now


What is a spooler service, and how does it affect printing?

A spooler service, specifically the print spooler, is a software program responsible for managing and directing the print jobs sent from a computer to a printer. It acts as an intermediary that handles all the tasks required to print documents effectively. Here's a breakdown of its functions and impact on printing:

  1. Queue Management: The spooler maintains a queue of print jobs. When multiple documents are sent to the printer simultaneously, the spooler organizes these jobs in the order they arrived or based on priority settings. This queue ensures that the printer processes one job at a time in an orderly fashion.
  2. Job Scheduling: The spooler schedules each print job and manages the sequence in which jobs are sent to the printer, thereby preventing conflicts and ensuring that the printer does not become overloaded with data.
  3. Data Buffering: Print spoolers store print job data temporarily on the computer's hard drive until the printer is ready to process it. This buffering allows users to send large or numerous print jobs without waiting for the printer to become free.
  4. Error Handling: The print spooler detects and reports errors that may occur during the printing process, such as paper jams, low ink, or connectivity issues. It can pause the queue and notify the user to resolve the problem before resuming printing.
  5. Resource Optimization: By handling print jobs efficiently, the spooler optimizes the use of resources, such as printer time and computer processing power, allowing users to continue with other tasks without significant downtime.


The print spooler is critical to smooth and efficient printing operations. If the spooler service stops or encounters an issue, it can lead to various printing problems, such as print jobs not being processed or the printer becoming unresponsive. Restarting the spooler service or addressing specific errors can often resolve these issues and restore normal printing functionality.


How to back up and restore printer settings?

Backing up and restoring printer settings can be useful for maintaining configuration consistency, especially in office environments. Here's a general guide on how to do it, though the exact steps may vary depending on the printer model and software:

For Windows

Backing Up Printer Settings:

  1. Control Panel Method: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click on your printer and select Printer properties. Navigate to the Ports or Advanced tab and record any necessary settings.
  2. Print Management: Open the Print Management console by entering printmanagement.msc in the Run dialog (Windows + R). Under Custom Filters, select All Printers or find your specific printer. Right-click on the printer and choose Export Printer Queues and Drivers to a File. Save the file to a secure location.
  3. Printer Utility Software: Some printer manufacturers provide dedicated software for backup. Check the manufacturer's website for utilities that might help export settings.

Restoring Printer Settings:

  1. Via Control Panel: Reinstall your printer through Devices and Printers if necessary. Use the previously recorded settings to configure the printer manually.
  2. Print Management: Open the Print Management console. Right-click on Print Management and select Import Printer Queues and Drivers from a File. Locate your saved file and follow the prompts to restore.
  3. Printer Utility Software: Use the manufacturer's software to import settings if available.

For macOS

Backing Up Printer Settings:

  1. System Preferences: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Select your printer and record the configuration settings, such as installed options and paper sizes.
  2. CUPS Web Interface: Navigate to http://localhost:631/ in your web browser (enable CUPS interface if needed via Terminal). Click on Printers and then the respective printer link. Review and record detailed settings from the Administration tab.

Restoring Printer Settings:

  1. System Preferences: Reinstall the printer via Printers & Scanners. Manually configure using the recorded details.
  2. CUPS Web Interface: Use the CUPS web interface to manually reconfigure settings as needed.

Printer-Specific Methods

  1. Embedded Web Server (EWS): Many network printers offer an EWS. Access it by entering the printer's IP address in a web browser. Navigate to backup/export options for settings and follow the prompts. To restore, use the EWS to import or manually set up the configuration.
  2. USB or Network Export: Some printers allow exporting configurations to a USB drive or network location directly from their onboard menus.

General Tips

  • Always create a document or a file listing all current settings before making significant changes.
  • Keep the backup file in a secure and easily accessible location.
  • Consult the printer's manual or manufacturer support page for model-specific instructions.


Given the wide variety of printers and drivers, the above methods may vary slightly. Always refer to your printer's user manual or official support for detailed instructions.


How to configure printer settings for optimal performance?

Configuring your printer settings for optimal performance involves adjusting several settings to suit your specific printing needs. Here are some general steps and tips to help you achieve the best results:

  1. Install the Latest Drivers: Ensure that your printer has the latest driver version installed. Check the manufacturer’s website for any updates as these often include performance enhancements.
  2. Select the Correct Paper Type: Set the paper type in the printer settings to match the paper you are using (e.g., photo paper, plain paper, glossy paper). This can affect print quality.
  3. Adjust Print Quality Settings: Navigate to the 'Print Quality' settings in your printer preferences. For most printers, you can select between options like Draft, Normal, and High/Best quality. Choose 'Draft' for quicker prints and 'High/Best' for important documents if quality is a priority.
  4. Choose Appropriate DPI Settings: Higher DPI (dots per inch) settings generally result in better print quality but take longer to print and use more ink. Select a DPI that balances quality with speed.
  5. Use Efficient Printing Modes: Enable duplex printing (double-sided) if your printer supports it, which saves paper. Use grayscale printing for documents that don’t require color to conserve color ink.
  6. Set Default Printer Settings: Access 'Devices and Printers' from your control panel, right-click your printer, and set the desired default settings for everyday use.
  7. Maintenance and Calibration: Regularly clean print heads and run calibration tools available on your printer software. Many printers have built-in maintenance utilities that can help keep the printer in top condition.
  8. Optimize for Network Performance: If your printer is networked, ensure it is connected via the most reliable method (usually ethernet over Wi-Fi for speed and stability). Update firmware for improved network performance and security.
  9. Adjust Power Settings: Set your printer to enter sleep mode when not in use to reduce power consumption without impacting performance when needed.
  10. Utilize Printer Software: Some manufacturers offer their own software that can help you tailor the printer performance to your specific needs. Explore these options for additional features.
  11. Consider Environmental Conditions: Place the printer in a location with adequate ventilation and stable temperature, as extreme conditions can affect performance.
  12. Regularly Check and Replace Consumables: Monitor ink or toner levels and replace cartridges when necessary. Also, check if the drum and other parts need attention.


Always refer to your printer’s specific user manual for detailed instructions related to your specific model, as these can provide guidance tailored to your printer’s capabilities.


How to update printer drivers?

Updating printer drivers is important to ensure your printer functions properly and can help resolve various issues. Here’s a general guide to updating printer drivers:

Windows:

  1. Check Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click on Check for updates. Windows might find and install updated drivers automatically.
  2. Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager. Locate your printer under the Printers or Print queues section. Right-click on your printer and choose Update driver. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  3. Manufacturer's Website: Visit the official website of your printer's manufacturer. Navigate to their support or drivers section. Enter your printer model and operating system to find the correct driver. Download and install the driver by following their instructions.
  4. Use Manufacturer’s Software: Some printers come with software that can automatically update drivers. Check if your printer has such application installed and use it to check for updates.

Mac:

  1. Software Update: Click on the Apple menu and choose System Preferences. Select Software Update to check for updates; macOS can update your drivers.
  2. Printer & Scanners: Go to System Preferences and select Printers & Scanners. Choose your printer and click on Options & Supplies. Click General and then Update Software.
  3. Manufacturer’s Website: Visit the printer manufacturer's website. Look for the appropriate driver for your printer model and macOS version. Download and install following the manufacturer's instructions.

General Tips:

  • Unplug and Reconnect: Sometimes unplugging your printer and plugging it back in can prompt a driver update.
  • Remove and Re-add Printer: Remove the printer from your computer’s settings and add it again; this can sometimes trigger a driver download.
  • Follow Instructions: Always follow the instructions provided by the printer manufacturer for the best results.


If you encounter any issues, consult the user manual or the support section of the printer manufacturer's website for additional guidance.


What is the significance of using original ink cartridges?

Using original ink cartridges, also known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridges, carries several significant benefits:

  1. Quality Assurance: Original cartridges are designed specifically for your printer model. This compatibility ensures high print quality, with vibrant colors and sharp text, as they are formulated to work with the printer’s technology.
  2. Reliability and Consistency: OEM cartridges undergo rigorous testing to meet manufacturer standards, ensuring reliable performance and consistent output without frequent issues.
  3. Printer Longevity: Using original cartridges can help maintain your printer’s health. They are designed to minimize wear on the printer and often contain components that prevent clogging and other issues that can arise with third-party cartridges.
  4. Warranty Protection: Many printer manufacturers stipulate the use of OEM cartridges as a warranty condition. Using non-original cartridges could void your warranty, which means repair costs wouldn’t be covered for damages caused by third-party products.
  5. Technical Support: If you encounter any printing issues, technical support from the printer manufacturer is typically available only if you are using their original cartridges. This support can be crucial in identifying and resolving issues quickly.
  6. Environmental Considerations: Many manufacturers have recycling programs for their original cartridges, allowing you to dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way.
  7. Firmware Compatibility: Printer manufacturers frequently update the software and firmware of their devices. Original cartridges are always compatible with these updates, reducing chances of incompatibility that could disrupt printing or lower quality.


While original cartridges can be more expensive, their advantages in terms of quality, reliability, and support often make them a preferred choice for many users and businesses.

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