communication between desk computer and printer not working. printer will print from laptop.

Jane Heisley 0 Reputation points
2026-09-08T19:23:54.05+00:00

Use to be able to print from desk top computer to printer with no problem. Now it keeps giving an error message. It has ink, no paper jam. Have rebooted computer and printer still not working. Printer receives from my laptop no problem. Can copy no problem

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers
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  1. EmilyS_726 29,200 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-09T01:19:45.7233333+00:00

    Jane, what is your printer's brand and model?

    Is the desktop running Windows 11?

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-08T19:24:11.8966667+00:00

    Since the printer works from the laptop, the printer itself is likely OK and the issue is on the desktop PC side. Follow these checks in order:

    1. Check the desktop-to-printer connection
      • If the printer is wired to the desktop, make sure the USB cable is firmly connected.
      • If it is wireless, make sure the desktop is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. If there are multiple routers, extenders, or separate SSIDs, the desktop and printer must be on the same network.
    2. Check the printer status in Windows
      • Open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer and check whether it shows an error, offline state, or stopped state.
      • Open Printer properties > General tab and review the device status message for any error details.
    3. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter
      • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Select Run next to Printer.
    4. Remove and reinstall the printer on the desktop
      • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer > Remove.
      • Then select Add device and let Windows search for the printer again.
      • If Windows does not find it, select Add manually.
    5. If reinstalling does not help, install the printer manually
      • Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
      • Select Use an existing port and choose the correct port.
      • If connected by USB, select the USB port.
      • Install the driver using Have Disk if the printer came with a driver disc, or select Windows Update to refresh the printer list.
      • Print a test page at the end.
    6. Clear and reset the print spooler on the desktop
      • Warning: this clears pending print jobs on that PC.
      • In the taskbar search box, type services and open Services.
      • Double-click Print Spooler > select Stop > OK.
      • In the taskbar search box, enter %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers and delete all files in that folder.
      • Go back to Services, open Print Spooler, select Start, set Startup Type to Automatic, and select OK.
    7. Reinstall or update the printer driver
      • In Device Manager, right-click the printer and select Uninstall device.
      • Restart the desktop and reinstall the driver.
      • If the current OEM driver is already installed, try a generic in-box driver.

    If the printer appears in Windows but still shows offline or error state on the desktop only, that usually points to a desktop-side connection, driver, or spooler problem rather than a printer hardware problem.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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