I ran out of paper then when I reloaded paper printer wouldn't work

Glenn Davis 40 Reputation points
2026-10-10T02:43:16.63+00:00

I ran out of paper reloaded but then printer wouldn't work

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Answer accepted by question author
EmilyS726 272.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-10T03:48:52+00:00

Hello,

Sometimes when a printer runs out of paper, the print job gets stuck even after you reload the paper.

Does the printer's LCD screen indicate any error? Sometimes you have to press the OK or continue button, depending on the model, to resume the print job.

Otherwise, please try turning off the printer, unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If that doesn't help, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, and open the print queue. Cancel any stuck print jobs, then try printing again.

If the issue persists, please let me know the brand and model of your printer. Also, are you seeing any error messages or blinking lights?

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AI answer

2026-10-10T02:43:30.4+00:00

This usually means the printer is still reporting a paper-jam, out-of-paper, or error state after the tray was refilled. On Windows 11, try these steps in order:

  1. Turn off and unplug the printer
    • Press the Power button to turn it off.
    • Disconnect the power cable and any USB or network cables.
  2. Check for stuck paper or scraps
    • Remove loose sheets from the input tray.
    • Check the input tray, rear access door, and cartridge or toner area.
    • Remove any jammed paper slowly.
    • Look carefully for small torn pieces left inside, because even tiny scraps can keep the error active.
  3. Inspect the printer itself
    • Make sure the cover is fully closed.
    • Check for low paper or ink.
    • If the printer has a display, look for messages such as Offline, Out of paper, or another printer error.
  4. Reload the paper correctly
    • Fan the paper stack.
    • Reload it with the paper guides snug against the edges.
    • Make sure the paper size and type match what the printer expects.
  5. Restart the printer
    • Reconnect power.
    • Turn the printer back on.
    • Wait for it to fully reinitialize.
  6. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter
    • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
    • Select Run next to Printer.
  7. If Windows still shows the printer in an error state, remove and add it again
    • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
    • Select the printer.
    • Select Remove.
    • Then go back to Printers & scanners and select Add device.

If the printer is wireless, also make sure the PC and printer are connected to the same network.


General troubleshooting](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)

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2 additional answers

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  1. Glenn Davis 40 Reputation points
    2026-10-11T03:30:00.2133333+00:00

    Yes Tx Emily- that worked

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  2. Glenn Davis 40 Reputation points
    2026-10-11T03:27:06.2633333+00:00

    Yes that worked Tx

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