Most of the time, this happens because the print spooler (the tool that manages print jobs) is stuck, there are leftover print jobs, or a printer driver problem is locking the printer. Old spooler data, shutting down the computer the wrong way, or fast startup settings can also cause this error—especially if you’re using a shared or wireless printer.
1. Reset the Print Spooler
The print spooler service is a software program responsible for managing all print jobs sent to your printer. The print spooler is accessible to users, and you can cancel or manage print jobs that are being processed or waiting in line. Let’s try restarting this service to see if it solves the problem.
1.1 Using Service
You may be asked for permission to access this folder. If prompted, click Continue.
1.2. Using Batch File
2. Perform a Full Power Cycle
Another solution that works for many users is to power cycle your computer, printer, and Wi-Fi router. Power cycling means turning off a device completely and then turning it back on. This process can help reset the network and reinitialize the devices, which often fixes unresponsive states or network conflicts. Turn off your printer, Wi-Fi router, and computer. Then, unplug their main power cables and let them sit for about five minutes. After that, plug the cables back in, turn everything on, and try connecting your printer again.
3. Conenct to the Printer Without “—WS”
Canon printers, in particular, sometimes show two printer names instead of one. One is the regular printer, and the other has ‘WS’ at the end. If you are using the ‘WS’ version, it may cause the issue where your printer isn’t printing. The ‘WS’ generally stands for Web Services. Here are examples of the different printer names you might see: Canon MG5300 series Printer Canon MG5300 series Printer WS Canon MG5300 series Printer XPS Cancel all print jobs and restart the print spooler service as described earlier. Then, select the regular printer option (the one without WS or XPS in its name) and try printing again.
4. Install the Latest Drivers for Your Printer
If none of the solutions above work, the issue may be with your printer drivers. Outdated drivers can create compatibility issues and prevent your printer from working properly. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers specific to your printer model. The model number is usually found on the front of your printer or on its packaging.
Note: In a few cases, the latest driver may not work. If that happens, try downloading and installing an older version instead by following the same instructions below.
Select the driver file you downloaded by clicking Browse, then follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Note: If updating the drivers does not work, you can try uninstalling the current driver first. After uninstalling, simply double-click the downloaded driver file to install it automatically.
5. Change the WSD Timeout Setting (Advanced Users)
WSD (Web Services for Devices) is a protocol that helps computers and printers find and connect to each other automatically. There is a known issue with the WSD Timeout setting that can affect printing. Changing this setting may help. There are two main ways to change the WSD Timeout Setting: After saving the changes, perform a power cycle as shown earlier, then try printing again.
