Epson Printer Won’t Print from Computer: A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide
Last updated
Last updated
Epson printers are popular for their quality output, efficient performance, and reliability. However, like all devices, they can sometimes encounter issues that prevent them from printing, especially when trying to print directly from a computer. If your Epson printer won’t print from your computer, it can be frustrating, especially if you've ensured that the printer is properly set up. Fortunately, most of these problems can be easily diagnosed and fixed with the right approach. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving the issue of an Epson printer not printing from a computer.
The first step in resolving printing issues is ensuring that the printer is properly connected to your computer. Epson printers can be connected either via USB, wired network (Ethernet), or wirelessly. Depending on your printer model and the type of connection you're using, the steps to troubleshoot may vary.
1. USB Connection
If you are using a USB cable to connect your printer to your computer, follow these steps:
Check the USB Cable: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer. A loose or faulty cable can prevent communication between the two devices.
Try a Different USB Port: Sometimes the USB port on your computer may be malfunctioning. Try connecting the printer to a different USB port.
Test with Another Cable: If possible, try a different USB cable to rule out the possibility of a defective cable.
2. Network Connection (Ethernet)
For printers connected via Ethernet cable to a router or network switch, check the following:
Verify Physical Connection: Ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and the router.
Check Network Status: Ensure that the printer is connected to the same network as your computer. If your printer is not connected to the network, it won’t be able to receive print jobs.
3. Wireless Connection
If you're printing over a wireless network, connectivity can sometimes be disrupted. Here's what to check:
Wi-Fi Network: Ensure that both the printer and the computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If there are multiple networks, the devices may connect to different ones, causing issues with printing.
Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Poor signal strength or interference from other devices can affect the printer’s ability to connect to the network. Try moving the printer closer to the router or removing any obstructions that might weaken the signal.
Printer’s Wireless Status: Check the printer’s display screen to confirm that it is connected to the Wi-Fi network. If not, reconnect the printer to the network using the printer’s wireless setup menu.
Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as your Epson printer not being set as the default printer on your computer. If you have multiple printers installed on your computer, the print job may be sent to a different device.
For Windows:
Open the Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
Right-click on your Epson printer and select Set as default printer.
Try printing again to see if the issue is resolved.
For macOS:
Open System Preferences and select Printers & Scanners.
Select your Epson printer from the list on the left.
Click on Set as Default Printer.
Retry printing.
A common reason for printing issues is a clogged print queue. If there are too many jobs stuck in the queue or if a job is stuck, the printer may fail to print.
1. Open Print Queue
For Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click on your Epson printer, and select See what's printing. This will open the print queue.
For macOS: Open System Preferences, go to Printers & Scanners, select your Epson printer, and click Open Print Queue.
2. Cancel Stuck Jobs
If there are jobs stuck in the queue, right-click on them and select Cancel or Delete. Clear the entire queue to ensure that the printer can receive and process new print jobs.
3. Restart the Print Spooler
In some cases, restarting the print spooler service on your computer can help resolve queue-related issues. On Windows, press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. In the list of services, locate Print Spooler, right-click it, and choose Restart.
Sometimes, a printer will refuse to print due to issues with ink levels or paper availability.
1. Check Ink Levels
Ink Cartridges: Check the ink levels on your printer. If the ink levels are low, replace the cartridges with new ones. Most printers will display an ink warning on the screen when ink levels are running low.
Ink Tank (EcoTank Models): For printers with an ink tank system, such as the Epson EcoTank series, ensure that the ink tanks are filled correctly. You can check the ink levels on the printer’s LCD display or through the Epson printer software on your computer.
2. Paper Tray
Check Paper Supply: Ensure that there is paper loaded correctly in the paper tray. Sometimes, an empty or incorrectly loaded paper tray can prevent printing.
Paper Jam: Inspect the printer for any paper jams. Even a small piece of paper stuck in the paper path can stop the printer from functioning. Open the printer’s access panels and remove any jammed paper carefully.
Outdated, corrupted, or missing printer drivers can cause printing problems. If your Epson printer is not printing from your computer, it’s a good idea to check for driver updates or reinstall the drivers entirely.
1. Check for Driver Updates
Visit the Epson website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model and operating system. Installing updated drivers can often resolve communication issues between the printer and the computer.
2. Reinstall the Printer Drivers
If updating the drivers doesn’t solve the issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer drivers:
Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers on Windows (or System Preferences > Printers & Scanners on macOS).
Right-click on your Epson printer and select Remove Device (or click the minus sign on macOS).
Reboot your computer.
Reinstall the printer using the latest drivers downloaded from the Epson website.
Sometimes, a software or firmware update is necessary to resolve compatibility issues or bugs affecting the printer.
1. Check for Software Updates
Open the Epson printer utility on your computer (if installed) and check for any available software updates. If updates are available, install them and restart the printer.
2. Update Printer Firmware
Many Epson printers also receive firmware updates, which can help improve functionality and resolve known issues. You can check for firmware updates by visiting the printer’s settings menu or through the printer’s software on your computer.
If none of the previous steps have resolved the issue, try restarting both the printer and the computer. Sometimes, a simple restart can reset the connection and clear up minor software glitches that may be preventing the printer from printing.
If your Epson printer displays an error code or flashes warning lights, refer to the user manual or the Epson support website to identify the problem. Common issues may include paper jams, ink cartridge issues, or hardware malfunctions.
If you have followed all of the troubleshooting steps and your Epson printer still won’t print from your computer, it may be time to contact Epson’s customer support. There could be an underlying issue with the printer that requires professional assistance or repair. Epson’s customer service team can guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps or help you determine whether your printer requires servicing.
Having an Epson printer that won’t print from your computer can be frustrating, but most of the issues are solvable with a few troubleshooting steps. Start with the basics, such as checking the printer connection, clearing the print queue, and ensuring your printer is set as the default. Check for ink and paper issues, update drivers, and restart both the printer and your computer. If the issue persists, consider checking for software or firmware updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Epson support if needed. By following this guide, you should be able to resolve most common issues and get your Epson printer back to printing efficiently from your computer.