Printer Won't Print in Color And Black: How to Fix

A printer is a smart device that accepts text and graphics output from a computer and transfers the information to paper. However, at times it leads to unanticipated issues including my printer won’t print.

There could be multiple reasons that can lead to the same problem. But the good news is that the printer won’t print from computer issue is curable and can be fixed in a few simple and easy steps.

If you are also struggling with my printer won’t print issue, then there is no need to worry. In this, you will get a brief guide on how to fix the printer is not printing issue. Fixing this issue isn’t a complicated task, it is more simpler than you think.

Generally, the printer is used in daily life, which brings much comfort to our lives. However, it will always run properly is not guaranteed. You may encounter various printer issues such as the printer being offline, the printer not responding, and the printer won’t print as well.

It is quite a frustrating problem when a printer won’t print in color, and it also drives you crazy. Specifically, when you want to print an important document and you are in a hurry as well.

If you are unable to solve the problem on your own, then don’t get upset, as you are at the right destination. In this, you will get a brief guide on how to fix the printer won’t print from computer.

What are the Causes of Printer Won’t Print?

Before jumping to fixes, you should first get familiar with the root causes. Knowing what might cause your printer to stop will eliminate stress and get you back to printing. Below a list is provided of some common causes, that can lead to the printer not printing problems.

1. No Power Supply

If your printer is not getting enough power supply, then you will encounter the printer won’t print issue. A printer needs a power supply to convert alternating current power from the wall to the direct current power that the printer needs.

2. Outdated Printer Driver

A printer driver is a software that allows a computer to interact with a printer. If the driver is not updated to its latest version, then you may encounter not printing issue. So, you need to keep your printer driver updated, so that the printer works well.

3. Stuck Print Jobs

A stuck print job in the print queue can also cause my printer won’t print. This can happen when a device stops printing in the middle of a job. So, in this, you need to clear the printer jobs.

4. Printer Set as Offline

When the printer isn’t connected to a computer, either through a cable or WiFi, then it is considered offline. If your printer is offline, then it won’t be able to receive new print jobs and process them.

5. Improper Printer Connection

If your printer is connected through a wired connection, then ensure that both ends of the ethernet cable or connecting cables are plugged firmly from both ends. Also, make sure both the printer and computer are connected to the same network.

Steps to fix Why My Printer Won’t Print

Hope now you have understood why my printer won’t print. However, unfortunately, just knowing the root cause of the problem can be half the battle. The other half is finding fixes to resolve the problem to get the printer back working again. Here we have mentioned some tested troubleshooting methods to fix the printer won’t print.

1. Check your Cable Connection

The foremost thing you should check is your cable connection. Sometimes, a loose and damaged cable connection can also lead to the printer won’t print problem.

So, you need to check if the connection is loose when encountering the not printing problem. Also, check if the USB cable is plugged properly at both ends and power cable is plugged into the wall outlet as well.

2. Fiddle with an Ink Cartridge

The printer not printing issue can also occur because of ink issues. So, if your printer is running out of ink but it is actually not, then you can take some measures. You can clean the print head with a cleaning routine.

The printer won’t print from the computer probably can occur because it is unable to detect the new ink cartridge. So, in this, you need to reset the fill levels by yourself with the help of the printer manual.

3. Update the Printer Driver

As mentioned above, an outdated printer driver can also lead to the same problem. So, to fix you need to update the driver to its newest version. Below is how to update the printer driver.

On your device, click on the Start menu and enter Device Manager.
Next, in the search results, click on Device Manager.
Now expand the Printer Category section.
Then right-click on the printer you want to update driver software.
After this, choose the Update Driver option.
Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

4. Set the Printer as a Default Printer

If updating the printer driver doesn’t fix my printer won’t print, then try setting your printer as the default printer. If you don’t know how to set the printer as default, then go through the following steps.

Firstly, click on Start and go to the Settings section.
Then go to Devices and choose Printers & Scanners.
Next, choose the Printer you want to set as default.
After this, click on Manage and choose Set as Default.
Once the printer is set as default, check if the problem is solved or not.

5. Check the Status of the Printer

Another resolution for the printer won’t print issue, is to check the status of the printer. If you have set your printer status as offline, then you may encounter the same problem. Here is how to check the status of the printer.

Click on the Start menu and launch the Devices & Printers.
Now in the Devices & Printers window, right-click on the Printer.
Then choose See What’s Printing.
Next, click on Properties to see the general status.
After that, choose Troubleshoot to check if something is wrong with the printer.

How to Fix Printer Won’t Print in Color?

Everyone who utilizes a printer understands that the one-day printer creates vivid images or colorful graphs, and the next, it’s only stirring out black and white runners. Such problems can leave you scratching your head.

The primary reasons the printer won’t print are low or depleted ink level or toner in the cartridge, clogged print head nozzle, and outdated or corrupt printer driver. Well, this problem doesn’t mean that your printer is now inoperative.

This printer won’t print in color is curable and easily get fixed in a few simple steps. Go through the following troubleshooting resolutions to rectify the problem.

Steps to Resolve the Printer Won’t Print in Color

Once you have understood the root cause of the problem, now it is time to fix it as soon as possible. Below is how to rectify the printer not printing in color problem.

1. Check the Ink Level

If the problem is occurring due to a clogged print head nozzle, then you need to replace the cartridge or refill it. Here is how to check your ink or toner level in the printer.

Turn your printer on and access the interface of it.
Then go to Maintenance or Tools or a similarly labeled option.
After this, choose Ink or Toner to see the current status of the cartridge.
If any of the cartridges has a low ink level or is empty, then make a note that needs attention.
Next, open the printer lid and remove the cartridge that needs replacement or refilling.
Now replace or refill the cartridge, once done, close the printer lid or access panel.
At last, take a test print to ensure the colors are accurate and the cartridge is functioning correctly.

2. Perform Print Head Cleaning

To fix the printer won’t print in color issue, perform the print head cleaning function of the printer. Below is how clean the print head nozzle.

Turn your printer on and turn off the ink-out light.
Then access the Print or Page Setup dialog box.
After this, click on the Utility icon and then on Head Cleaning.
Now go through the on-screen instructions to finish the cleaning nozzle process.

3. Update the printer Driver

The driver helps the printer to communicate with the printer. If the printing is running on an outdated driver, then it will lead to the same problem.

So, you need to update or reinstall the printer driver. You can easily download or install it from the official website of the manufacturer.

4. Choose Correct Paper Type

To avoid such problems, you need to ensure that you choose the correct paper type. Because some printers might alter color printing based on the paper type selected. For instance, choosing photo paper when using standard paper could affect output.

Methods to Resolve Printer Won’t Print Black

As with other devices, the printer is also prone to issues. It also leads to unexpected problems including the printer won’t print black. This problem might be because of the low or empty ink cartridge.

However, you don’t have to worry, we have listed some common fixes to resolve the printer not printing black. Have a glance at the below-mentioned resolutions.

1. Check the Ink Level

If the ink level in the cartridge is low, then it can affect the print quality. So, you should check your ink level using the printer software and operating system.

2. Replace the Ink Cartridge

If the ink cartridge is faulty or damaged, then you need to replace the cartridge with a new one. So, if the problem is with the ink cartridge, the printer defect is on the Print Quality Diagnostic page.

3. Reconfigure the Printer

Inappropriate configuration of the printer can also lead to the printer won’t print black. So, to fix the problem, it is recommended to re-configure your printer.

Sum up

Certainly, the above easy-to-follow step-by-step guide will help you to solve the printer won’t print in color issue. If you find resolving this problem complicated, then all you need to do is follow the provided fixes as given.

If none of the above methods help you to solve the printer won’t print from computer. Then you should get in touch with printer experts or technicians. They will provide you with full assistance and also help you to solve my printer won’t print issue.

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How to Solved: Printer Won’t Print In Color and Black