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Printer not printing after a Windows update: what you can check yourself

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When a printer stops printing after a Windows update, the cause is usually a stuck print queue, a driver that no longer fits, a changed default printer, or a new IP address on the network. Restarting printer and PC, clearing the queue, and reinstalling the printer fix most cases.

1. Restart the printer and the PC

Switch the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and switch it on again. Then restart the PC properly, not just from sleep. Many updates only finish after a real restart.

2. Clear the print queue

  1. 1Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select your printer.
  2. 2Click “Open print queue” and cancel all jobs.
  3. 3If the queue is still stuck, restart the service: press Windows + R, type “services.msc”, select “Print Spooler”, and click “Restart”.

3. Check the default printer

Windows sometimes chooses the default printer itself. After an update, jobs may go to another device such as “Microsoft Print to PDF”. Under Printers & scanners, turn off “Let Windows manage my default printer” and set your printer as the default.

4. Run the troubleshooter

Under Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters you will find “Printer”. Depending on your Windows version, it opens the Get Help app, which checks common faults automatically.

5. Remove the printer and add it again

  1. 1Under Printers & scanners, select your printer and click “Remove”.
  2. 2Restart the PC.
  3. 3Add the printer again with “Add device”. Windows often picks a suitable standard driver.
  4. 4If that does not work, download the current driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it.

6. Network printers: check the IP address and network

Wi-Fi and network printers sometimes get a new IP address, for example after a router restart. Print a network configuration page on the device and compare the address with the one Windows uses. Also make sure PC and printer are on the same network and neither is on the guest Wi-Fi.

A fixed address helps for good: in the router you can give the printer the same IP address every time.

7. Last resort: remove the update temporarily

If a specific update clearly caused the problem, you can remove it under Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. Do this only temporarily, because updates often close security gaps. Microsoft or the manufacturer usually ships a fix soon after.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my printer stop printing after a Windows update?

Usually the print queue is stuck, the driver no longer fits the new Windows version, Windows picked a different default printer, or the network printer got a new IP address.

Do I need to buy a new printer?

Almost never. In most cases adding the printer again or updating the driver is enough.

Can this be fixed through remote support?

Often, yes. Queue, drivers, and settings can be checked remotely. Only when the printer itself has to be reconnected to the network is a visit sometimes needed.