error state

A Windows 11 “Printer in error state” message should first be addressed by power-cycling the printer and checking its connection, paper, ink or toner, covers, and paper path before reinstalling it.

1. Check the printer and connection

1. Turn off the printer and unplug its power cable.
2. Wait 30 seconds, reconnect it, and turn it on.
3. Check the printer itself for:
   • Low or empty paper, ink, or toner
   • An open cover or tray
   • Jammed paper
   • An error message or warning light
4. For a USB printer, reconnect the USB cable at both ends.
5. For a wireless printer:
   • Confirm its wireless connection is enabled.
   • Confirm the PC and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, particularly if the home has extenders or routers using different network names.
   • Run the printer’s wireless connection test from its control panel, if available.

These are Microsoft’s first checks for the specific Printer in error state status.^1^

2. Run the Windows 11 printer troubleshooter

Open Start, search for Get Help, open it, and search for printer troubleshooter. Run the automated diagnostics and apply any proposed correction.^1^

3. Remove and reinstall the printer

If the status remains in error:

1. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Select the affected printer.
3. Select Remove, and then confirm Yes.
4. Make sure the printer is powered on and connected.
5. Return to Printers & scanners and select Add device or Refresh.
6. Select Add device beside the printer.
7. If it is not found, select Add manually and choose the option appropriate to a USB or network printer.
8. After installation, select the printer, open Printer properties, and choose Print Test Page.

If Windows asks which driver to use while reinstalling manually, select Replace the current driver unless there is a specific reason to retain the installed one.^1^

4. If jobs remain stuck, reset the Print Spooler

The Print Spooler manages queued print jobs. Clearing its folder deletes pending jobs, but not your documents.

1. Search for Services and open it.
2. Double-click Print Spooler, select Stop, and then OK.
3. Search for and open: %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS
4. Delete the files inside that folder.
5. Return to Services, double-click Print Spooler, and select Start.
6. Try the test page again.^1^

5. If only one application fails

Try printing from another application, such as Notepad. If that works:

1. In the affected application, open File > Print.
2. Select the physical printer rather than Microsoft Print to PDF or another virtual printer.
3. Confirm its status shows Ready.
4. Check that Print to file is not selected.

A Windows test page distinguishes an application-specific problem from a printer or driver problem.^2^

If the test page still fails after these steps, install the latest Windows 11-compatible driver and software package supplied for the exact printer model, then test again.

References

1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printing-problems-in-word-excel-or-other-apps)