Top 9 Proven Ways to Fix “Printer in Error State” Windows 10

You have completed your work, hit the “Print” option, sat back in a relaxing mode, and enjoyed your coffee with a satisfied sigh. It was supposed to be a quick print job – just two pages, nothing fancy. But instead of listening to the print sound, your eyes widen in shock as you see the horror message, “Printer in Error State.”

Now, your quick task of printing a few pages has turned out to be a worst nightmare. Without any warning, this error appears all of a sudden and leaves the user panicking and scrambling to troubleshoot the issue.

Whether you’re working on a tight deadline or simply trying to print some personal documents, dealing with a printer in an error state can be frustrating and time consuming.

This issue can disrupt your work and make you feel stuck. It usually happens because of connectivity issues, outdated drivers, paper jams, or hardware problems. Knowing why it’s happening is key to fixing it efficiently.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore expert-recommended solutions to resolve the printer error state issue efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with a home printer or managing office equipment, our step-by-step approach will help you diagnose and fix the problem.

No matter whether you’re using an HP, Brother, Canon, or Epson printer, facing the error state issue can be quite frustrating. It’s important to deal with this error as a priority to avoid further delays in printing important documents.

This guide includes the universal and relevant information that works perfectly for all the printers. Therefore, make sure to understand the possible causes behind the error, and also follow the steps outlined in this blog to quickly resolve the printer in error state issue and get your printer back up and running smoothly.

Table of Contents

Possible Causes Behind Printer in Error State Windows 10

Before you directly jump on to the troubleshooting steps to fix the error, it’s important to understand the underlying causes behind the error. By knowing the possible causes, you can prevent the error from occurring again in the future and can take proactive measures to ensure a smooth printing experience.

Below is the list of the possible causes and reasons for why you find your printer in an error state in Windows 10:

Running an outdated printer driver will lead to compatibility issues and miscommunication between the device and operating system.
Another reason could be a low ink or toner level.
Paper jams can trigger error states because they physically prevent normal printer operations. This happens due to improper paper loading, worn rollers, or debris in the paper path.
Incorrect printer settings, such as mismatched paper sizes or types, are also a common cause of printer error state issue.
Incompatibility with the operating system, particularly after major OS updates, can result in communication failures and subsequent error states.
Connectivity problems often arise from loose or faulty USB cables, unstable network connections, or incorrect IP address configurations. These issues disrupt communication between the computer and printer.

Also Read:- Resolve Printer Error in Windows 11

Easy Solutions to Fix “Printer in Error State” Windows 10 in Less than 5 Minutes

Hope reading the possible causes behind the error has given you a sense of knowledge and information regarding what makes you fall into the trap of facing printer error state issues in Windows 10.

In case your brain has hit on some points that you think may be possible causes behind the error with your printer, then implement the appropriate solutions to fix the cause. If not, then don’t worry; below we have listed out top-notch effective solutions that will definitely bring you positive results in resolving the error without any hassle.

No matter what company and printer model you’re using, these solutions will surely help you to troubleshoot the problem very effectively.

So, simply follow the solutions outlined below and say a permanent and forever goodbye to the printer in the error state issue with Windows 10.

Solution 1. Ensure Your Printer is Online

The most common reason due to why you may find your printer in an error state is when your printer is in offline mode. In the offline mode, your printer won’t be able to communicate with your computer, causing the error state to appear. Therefore, make sure to check your printer’s connection and switch it back to the offline mode.

Follow the steps mentioned below to do so:

First, move your cursor to the Search box and type Control Panel.
Now, hit the Control Panel option.
Select Devices and Printers and click on the View by Large icon.
Then you have to click on your printer to check whether it’s offline or online. (In case the printer is online, it will show Ready.)
On the opposite side, if you notice the printer is offline, then right-click on it and choose the Use Printer Online option.
Once the printer displays “Ready,” check the status of the error.

Solution 2. Verify the Printer’s Connection With Your Computer

An unstable connection between your printer and computer can lead to various errors with your printer, including the printer being in an error state. Hence, as a user, you’re strongly advised to check the connectivity between your printer and computer, and if you find any fault or loose connection, then fix them on the spot.

Given below are the steps that you can follow to ensure that your printer and computer are connected properly and are not giving any invitation to unexpected errors.

Type Control Panel into the search bar.
Now, select the best match according to your preference.
In the Control Panel, go to the Hardware and Solution options.
Select the View Devices and Printers option.
Then, you will see the installed devices on your PC.
In the list, search for your printer and click on it.
Move your cursor to the bottom bar, and you will see the printer’s status field which should say Ready.
Once you have completed the above process, your system will recognize the printer and communicate with it.

Solution 3. Update Your Printer Driver to the Latest Release

In a scenario, if you haven’t updated your printer driver for a long time, then it may start causing compatibility issues between the printer and computer and may result in the printer being in an error state. Hence, when it comes to dealing with such errors, we strongly recommend you update your printer driver to the latest release.

In order to help you out, below we have listed the step-by-step instructions that you can follow to do so:

First of all, press the Win + X keys together, and then select the Device Manager.
Now, expand the print queues, and then right-click on your printer and then select the Update Driver.
In order to update driver software, select the search automatically option.
Then, follow the instructions displayed on your screen to update the printer driver.
Once you’re done with the above steps, then search your printer in the Device Manager.
Right-click on the Uninstall device option.
Next, restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall your printer device.

Solution 4. Check the Paper Quantity & Ink Cartridge Level

Can you drive your car without fuel?

Obviously not at all.

In the same way, you can’t print a document if the printer doesn’t have sufficient paper and ink cartridge level. Unavailability of such may lead to various errors during the printing process, and a printer in an error state issue can be one of them.

Therefore, we recommend you open the back door of your printer and check the paper quantity and ink levels. If you observe any shortage, then refill or replace them immediately.

Once you have refilled them, then try to process a print command to check if the error state issue has been resolved or not.

Solution 5. Configure the Print Spooler Services

Another effective solution that we recommend you follow to deal with the printer in error state issue is to automate the print spooler services. Giving the automatic starting permissions to the print spooler services will ensure that the printer functions smoothly without any interruptions caused by the manual errors.

Don’t know how to do this? Don’t worry, follow the steps outlined below:

To begin the process, press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Now, in the search box, type Services.msc and hit the Enter tab.
From the list of Services, choose Print Spooler and right-click on it.
Choose the Properties option, and then click on the drop-down menu next to Startup type.
Click on the Automatic option and hit the Apply tab.
At last, hit the OK tab and reboot your System.

Solution 6. Download New Updates for Windows 10

Even after following the above-mentioned five solutions, if you’re still stuck with the printer in an error state, then there might be a huge possibility that there will be a major compatibility issue between your printer and computer.

The reason?

Most often, the problem stems from an outdated version of Windows. Outdated windows cause compatibility issues with newer devices and software, including your printer. Hence, updating your Windows 10 to the latest version available will help you prevent giving birth to such errors.

A few basic steps that you can undertake on your computer to get it done are as follows:

To begin, press the Windows + I key to open the Settings option.
Now, in the Settings section, click on the Update & Security tab.
Move your cursor to the left corner of the sidebar and choose Windows Update.
If the updates are available, click Check for Updates and install them.

Solution 7. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

For Windows 10/11, printer troubleshooting is a godsend for the users that helps them to fix all the printer-related errors and issues within less than a minute. It’s a miracle supported by technology, stored inside Windows 10, which can automatically detect and resolve common printer problems.

Without wasting a second of your precious time, let’s directly discuss the steps that you can follow to run the printer troubleshooter on your Windows 10 computer. (Yes, we guarantee that it’s a 2-min guide, just like instant noodles, so follow it without any delay.)

Move the mouse cursor to the search bar and then type “Settings,” and hit the Enter key.
From the Windows settings main page, select the System option from the Settings.
Following that, scroll down to the right side and then choose the Troubleshoot option.
Thereafter, choose the Other Troubleshooters option, and locate the Printer option.
Click on the Run option, and then the printer troubleshooter will guide you through the process. It will automatically detect and attempt to resolve the problems with your printer.

Once you’re done with the steps, then try to process a new print command to see if the printer in error state issue has been resolved or not.

Solution 8. Manually Clear the Print Queue

Imagine your car as the document that you want to print. Your car is stuck in long traffic congestion. Now, how will you reach your destination?

Obviously, as the cars next to you move ahead and clear the way for you.

Now, if multiple print queues are already pending, but still you’re trying to print a new document, then the fact is, you’re surely going to find yourself stuck with an error.

In case a print queue has been stuck and can’t be processed due to any glitch, then it will prevent any new print processes from being cleared successfully until the issue is resolved. Therefore, in order to deal with this situation, we recommend you manually clear the pending print queues.

Given below are the steps that you can follow to do so:

Launch the Windows Run Command on your PC by pressing the Windows + R keys together.
Thereon, type services.msc in the search bar and then hit the Enter key.
Following that, search for the Print Spooler option, then right-click on it and select the Stop option.
After that, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, and delete all the files stored there.
Now, navigate back to the Services, again right-click on the Print Spooler, and then click on the Start option.

If clearing the print queue doesn’t help you to resolve the error, then don’t panic; there is one more solution still left. Sometimes, the root causes lie deeper, and the next solution will surely help you to tackle it from a different angle.

Solution 9. Check & Reset Printer Port Settings

Imagine you write a letter for your girlfriend with all of your feelings and emotions but end up sending it to the address of your boss.

That same thing happens when the printer’s port settings are misconfigured. Your computer is shouting “Print,” but the message is not reaching the ears of the printer, leaving your printer unresponsive and in an error state.

In such cases, checking and resetting the printer port settings can help you to ensure that the computer’s print command and message are sent directly to the printer. Given below are the steps that you can follow to do so:

Navigate to the Windows Run Command and type Control Printers in the search bar.
Hit the enter key, right-click on your printer, and then select the Printer Properties option.
Once you’re done with the above steps, then navigate to the Ports tab, and then ensure that the correct port is selected for your printer.
In case you’re using a network printer, then you must ensure that the IP address matches the printer’s settings.

With the above fixes, printer-in-error-state issues in Windows 10 can be resolved quickly. You should now have your printer working smoothly without any messages.

Wrapping It Up: Printing Without the Panic

Dealing with the printer in an error state in Windows 10 can feel like hitting a brick wall with your own head, especially when you’re in a rush to print important documents. But with a clear understanding of the possible causes, in collaboration with the right approach, you can quickly turn the wrong tide to your side. Solutions mentioned in this guide will not only help you to fix the error for this time but will also equip you with the biggest asset of knowledge. Remember, keep yourself calm throughout the entire troubleshooting process and tackle all the printing issues that come your way—confidently and without frustration.