How to Fix a Dell Printer Not Working After Windows Updates
Question details
The user needs to restore printing functionality on a Dell printer that ceased working following a recent Windows or manufacturer update.
- Product
- Dell Printer
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to print physical documents after installing system or driver updates.
- Observed behavior
- The printer stops printing entirely, although secondary functions like scanning and PDF creation continue to work normally.
Ensure your printer is properly connected to your computer and turned on. Save any open documents before restarting the Print Spooler or uninstalling printer drivers to prevent data loss.
Clear the Print Queue and Restart the Print Spooler Service
Often, a stalled Print Spooler service or corrupted queued jobs cause the printer to stop responding after an update. Clearing the queue forces a fresh start.
The Print Spooler is a background service in Windows that manages print jobs. System updates can sometimes interrupt this service, causing old print jobs to become corrupted and block new ones.
Search for 'Command Prompt' in the Start menu, right-click it, and select 'Run as administrator'. Type 'net stop spooler' and press Enter. Alternatively, press Windows+R, type 'services.msc', locate 'Print Spooler', right-click it, and select 'Stop'.
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\Printers. Delete all the files within this folder. Do not delete the folder itself.
Return to the Command Prompt, type 'net start spooler', and press Enter. Try printing your document again.
Run the Built-in Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Windows includes an automated troubleshooting tool that can detect and resolve common printing issues caused by system updates.
Remove and Reinstall the Latest Dell Printer Drivers
If an incompatible driver is causing the issue, you will need to completely remove the old software and install the latest version directly from Dell.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management and Printing
While troubleshooting system and driver issues, you need a reliable suite to manage your documents. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative to Microsoft Office that offers seamless document editing and excellent print management.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation and open your file.
- 3. Print Seamlessly: Go to Menu > Print to select your newly reconfigured printer and easily print your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer only scan and create PDFs but won't print physical pages?
Scanning and PDF creation use different background services and drivers than physical printing. When the Windows Print Spooler service crashes or a print driver becomes incompatible after a system update, physical printing fails while other features continue functioning.
Where can I find the correct driver for my Dell printer?
You can find the latest and most compatible printer drivers by visiting the official Dell Support website. Enter your printer model number to download the correct driver tailored to your current version of Windows.
Is it safe to delete files in the Windows spool/Printers folder?
Yes, it is completely safe. The files in the C:\Windows\System32\spool\Printers directory are merely temporary print jobs waiting in the queue. Deleting them clears stuck print jobs and allows the spooler service to function normally again.
What does the 'printui /s /t2' command do?
This command directly opens the Print Server Properties dialog to the Drivers tab. It allows you to view and completely remove installed printer drivers from your Windows system, which is necessary before performing a clean driver installation.
