Easy Fixes for Printer Not Printing in Color or Black

By hostingfordevelpment@gmail.com on April 11, 2025

A printer is a smart device that receives text and graphics from a computer and prints them on paper. However, sometimes you might face unexpected issues like “my printer won’t print.”

There are many reasons why this might happen, but the good news is that the “printer not printing” problem can usually be fixed with a few simple steps.

If you’re having trouble with your printer not printing, don’t worry. This guide will show you how to solve the problem easily. Fixing this issue is simpler than it might seem.

Printers are used every day to make life easier, but sometimes they don’t work as expected. Common problems include printers going offline, printers not responding, or printers not printing at all.

It can be frustrating when your printer won’t print in color, especially when you need to print something important and you’re in a hurry.

If you’re unable to solve this issue on your own, don’t stress — you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through how to fix the “printer not printing” problem.

Causes of Printer Not Printing

Before you jump into the fixes, it’s important to understand what might be causing the issue. Knowing the reasons behind the problem will help you fix it more easily. Here are some common causes of a printer not printing:

No Power Supply
If your printer isn’t receiving enough power, it won’t be able to print. Printers need a stable power supply to work correctly.
Outdated Printer Driver
A printer driver is the software that helps your computer communicate with your printer. If the driver is outdated, your printer may not work properly. Keeping your printer driver up-to-date is essential for smooth printing.
Stuck Print Jobs
A print job that gets stuck in the print queue can cause the printer to stop printing. This usually happens when a print job is interrupted. You may need to clear the print queue to fix this.
Printer Set as Offline
If your printer is not connected to your computer, either by cable or Wi-Fi, it will be offline. An offline printer can’t accept new print jobs, so it won’t print.
Improper Printer Connection
If your printer is connected with a cable, make sure both ends of the cable are securely plugged in. Also, check that both the printer and the computer are connected to the same network.

Steps to Fix Printer Not Printing

Now that you know the possible causes, let’s go over the steps to fix the problem.

Check the Cable Connection
The first thing to check is your cable connection. A loose or damaged cable can cause printing issues. Make sure the USB cable is plugged in properly on both ends, and check that the power cable is connected to the wall outlet.
Check the Ink Cartridge
Sometimes, the issue is with the ink cartridge. If your printer is low on ink, it might not print correctly. If the ink level is fine, try cleaning the print head. If the printer can’t detect a new ink cartridge, you might need to reset the ink levels.
Update the Printer Driver
If your printer driver is outdated, it can cause printing issues. To update the printer driver, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and search for Device Manager.
- In the search results, click on Device Manager.
- Expand the Printers section.
- Right-click on your printer and select Update Driver.
- Click Search automatically for updated driver software.
Set the Printer as Default
If your printer isn’t set as the default printer, it might not print. To set it as the default:
- Click on the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Select Devices and choose Printers & Scanners.
- Click on the printer you want to set as default, then click Manage and choose Set as Default.
Check Printer Status
If your printer is set to offline, it won’t print. To check the printer’s status:
- Open Devices & Printers from the Start menu.
- Right-click on your printer and choose See What’s Printing.
- Click on Properties to view the status.
- If needed, select Troubleshoot to check for problems.

How to Fix Printer Not Printing in Color

If your printer is only printing in black and white, you may be facing issues with ink or the print head. Here’s how to fix it:

Check the Ink Level
If your ink or toner is low, it can affect color printing. To check the ink level:
- Turn on the printer and open the interface.
- Look for an option like Maintenance or Tools.
- Select Ink or Toner to see the cartridge status.
- If any cartridges are low or empty, replace or refill them.
Clean the Print Head
A clogged print head nozzle can prevent color printing. To clean it:
- Turn on the printer and access the print settings.
- Click on Utility and select Head Cleaning.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to clean the print head.
Update the Printer Driver
An outdated printer driver can cause color printing issues. Make sure your driver is up-to-date by visiting the printer manufacturer’s website.
Choose the Correct Paper Type
Ensure that you’re selecting the correct paper type in your print settings. Some printers adjust color printing based on the selected paper type, so using photo paper when you need standard paper can affect the results.

How to Fix Printer Not Printing Black

If your printer is not printing black, this could also be caused by an empty ink cartridge or other issues. Here’s how to fix it:

Check the Ink Level
If the black ink cartridge is low or empty, it will affect the print quality. Check your ink levels using the printer software.
Replace the Ink Cartridge
If the black ink cartridge is faulty or empty, replace it with a new one.
Reconfigure the Printer
Sometimes, a misconfigured printer can cause it not to print black. Try reconfiguring the printer settings.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you should be able to fix the “printer not printing” issue. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a technician for further assistance. Don’t let printing problems slow you down — these easy fixes should get you back to printing in no time!