Below are the most common reasons and fixes for when a printer stops working.*

1.   Printer Connection

·        For printers using a wired connection, ensure both cable ends are plugged firmly into your printer and computer.

·        Wireless printers won’t print documents if connected to the wrong Wi-Fi network. Make sure your printer and computer are on the same wireless network.

2.      Paper Tray

·        Check the paper tray for paper; it may be out.

·        Check for a possible paper jam.

3.   Default Printer

·        Windows has a feature that dynamically changes your PC’s default printing device based on your location and other factors. The feature is near-perfect, but not failproof. If your PC doesn’t print documents, it might be that an inactive printer is the default printing device.

·        In Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and select the Set as default button.

·        On Mac computers, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners on Mac computers, right-click the printer, and select Set default printer. Alternatively, open the Default printer drop-down menu and select the printer as the default.

*See the Printer page for more help or Self Help page for in-depth assistance.

First, try checking your hardware

• Unplug USB cables and wait for a little while for the device driver to be unloaded by Windows, and then plug the device back in.

• Try using a different USB port on your PC.

• If you use a USB hub between the device and the PC, make sure the hub has power. If it’s still not working, try removing the USB hub and plugging the device directly into a USB port on the PC.

• Make sure that the cables on your device aren't damaged in any way.

• Check any battery-powered devices to see if they are fully charged or have fresh batteries.

• Make sure there’s no dirt blocking keys or sensors.

Check your wireless connections

• Look on the bottom of the wireless device for a Reset button. Resetting the device will disconnect and then reconnect the wireless connection. There might also be a Reset button on the USB receiver for your device.

• For USB wireless devices, this might be as simple as unplugging the USB wireless receiver, waiting for about 10 seconds, and then plugging the USB wireless receiver back into the USB port. The wireless connection should be reestablished.

• If your wireless device uses a Bluetooth connection, also see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows for possible solutions.

Monitor is not on

It may seem obvious, but first, make sure the monitor is turned on. If you don't see a power LED (blue, green, or orange light) on the monitor's front or bottom, press the power button again.

Computer is asleep

If you stepped away from the computer for a bit and returned to a black screen, the computer is likely asleep. Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, or pressing any key (e.g., spacebar) to wake it up. If none of those actions work, press the power button.

Loose or improper connections

Another reason for a black screen is the computer isn't communicating with the monitor properly because of loose or improper cable connections. The following steps help you ensure the monitor is connected correctly to the computer.

Check the data cable

• Ensure the monitor's data transfer cable is connected correctly to the computer. It should be inserted completely and firmly in place. Older monitors use a VGA cable, but most new displays utilize a DVI or HDMI cable and port.

Check the power cable

•  Verify the monitor has power by looking for a blue, green, or orange light. This light is found on the front or the bottom of the monitor's bezel.

• If you see no lights on the monitor, make sure it is connected to a working wall outlet. If the power cord is removable from the back of the monitor, try replacing it with another power cable. If you still cannot turn on the monitor after trying another wall outlet and cable, the monitor is broken and should be replaced.

Check the LED status

• If the monitor status light is orange or flashing, verify the monitor is not in Standby mode by moving the mouse or pressing Esc. If this doesn't help, reconnect the data cable to the computer and back of the monitor, and then restart your computer.

Try a different cable

• If your monitor is getting power, but no image appears, the data cable may be the issue. Try using a different DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable with your monitor.