text.skipToContent text.skipToNavigation

Troubleshooting printing issues with your network printer

Printing issues are normally caused by corrupted, incompatible or outdated drivers, wrong printer settings, and busted or non-working cables.  This article lists the common printing issues that you may encounter with your network printer and some solutions to resolve them.

Issue:  Display on the printer reads busy
Possible cause:  Printing jobs are stuck on queue
Solution:  Delete previous/stuck jobs before adding another print job

To delete a printing job, choose from any of the methods below:

Method 1:  Turning OFF and ON the printer

This method only works with certain models of printers.  If this does not cancel your printing job, try Method 2.

Method 2:  Through the Cancel option on the printer

Cancel the previous printing job through the Cancel button or option on the display.  If this feature is not available on your printer, you can proceed with Method 3.

Method 3:  Through the Control Panel
 
Step 1:
Open Devices and Printers.
 
Step 2:
Right-click on your network printer and select Open.
 
Step 3:
Right-click on the print job that you want to cancel then select Cancel.
 
NOTE:  You can click on Cancel All Documents if you want to cancel all the printing jobs on queue.  To ensure that the stuck jobs are cleared from the printer’s internal memory, it is recommended to power OFF the device for one (1) minute.
 
Issue:  Printer is connected to the network but still not printing
Possible cause:  The printer may be offline, has a paper jam or low on toner
Solution:  Check if the printer is online, remove paper jams or replace the toner.
 
To learn how to check if your printer is online, follow the steps below:
 
Step 1:
Open Devices and Printers.
 
Step 2:
Right-click on your printer and check if there is a checkmark next to Set as Default.  If there is none, left-click on the option to select it.
 
Step 3:
Print a Test page.
 
Issue:  The printer is not printing any print jobs
Possible cause:  No network connection (wired and wireless)
Solution:  Verify cable and wireless connections
 
For wired and USB connection
 
Step 1:
Make sure that the Ethernet cable connecting your printer and the router is not loose.
 
Step 2:
Check whether the LED corresponding to the port where the printer is connected on the router is lit up.  Otherwise, your printer cable may be busted and needs replacement.
 
Step 3:
Check the network settings of your printer.  They should be in range with the settings of the network so it will be able to communicate with the other devices.
 
For wireless connection
 
Try resolving the problem using the following tips:
  • Check if the printer is connected to the wireless network.  You can do this by checking the DHCP Client table of your router.  To learn how, click here.
  • If there is no wireless connectivity on the printer, connect it to the network using the wireless settings of your router.  To learn how to check or change your wireless network’s settings using the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, click here.  If your router has the Classic web-based setup page, click here.
  • Make sure that you are printing with the right printer.  If you have multiple printers at home, your print jobs may be sent to another printer.  Always check which printer you are sending your file to every time you send a print job to the printer.

You can also check Windows Update to see if there are new updates to the printer you are using to resolve the issue.  Out-of-date drivers are often resolved by reinstalling or updating the latest driver.  To learn how, follow the steps below: 

Step 1:
Click the Start menu, go to All Programs and select Windows Update.
 
Step 2:
Click Check for updates on the left pane.  Wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
 
Step 3:
Click Install updates if there are updates found. 
 
NOTE:  Enter your administrator password if you are prompted to continue the process.
 
Issue:  You are unable to print from selected computers
Possible cause:  The other computer is not connected to the network
Solution:  Check the network connectivity of the printer and update the drivers if needed
 
Try resolving the problems using the following tips:
 
  • Check the firewall of the computer and add exceptions for the printer
  • Update the driver of your printer
  • Check if the printer is connected to the same network where your other computers are linked to.
  • Try printing from different applications (i.e. Microsoft Office, Paint, Adobe®, and CorelDRAW®).
Issue:  The wireless printer is too slow
Possible Cause:  Intermittent wireless connection and distance
Solution:  Relocate the printer or update to the latest wireless technology
 
Obstructions and other interferences affect the wireless signals transmitted by your devices in the network.  If your network printer is not responding or is too slow, try placing the router in a different location.  Also, it is recommended that you upgrade your router to the Wireless-N or Wireless-AC technology to cover wider areas in your home.

Was this support article useful?

Additional Support Questions?

Search Again

CONTACT SUPPORT