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Printer Only Prints Test Pages, Not Real Documents
Printer IssuesIntermediate15-30 minutes

Printer Only Prints Test Pages, Not Real Documents

Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
15-30 minutes
Category
Printer Issues

Test pages print fine but actual documents don't? This usually points to a driver or application issue. Here's how to fix it.

💡What's Happening

This is a weird one: you can print a test page from Windows and it comes out perfectly. But try to print an actual document from Word, Chrome, or any other application, and nothing happens. If test pages work, we know the printer hardware and basic Windows connection are fine. The problem is somewhere in the application-to-printer communication chain.

✓Quick Checks (Do These First)

  • Does this happen from ALL applications? Try Word, Notepad, Chrome, and Adobe Reader.
  • Is the document you're printing corrupted? Try printing a different document.
  • Is the correct printer selected in the app? Each app remembers its own printer selection.
  • Are you printing to the right paper size? A mismatch can cause the job to fail silently.

🔧Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Print from Notepad to Test

  1. Open Notepad and type a few words
  2. Press Ctrl + P
  3. Make sure your printer is selected
  4. Click Print
  5. If this works, the issue is application-specific

Fix 2: Reinstall the Printer Driver

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
  2. Click your printer and select Remove
  3. Go to Device Manager (right-click Start)
  4. Expand Print queues
  5. If your printer is listed, right-click and Uninstall device
  6. Download fresh drivers from the manufacturer's website
  7. Install and restart

Fix 3: Set the Correct Default Printer

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
  2. Turn OFF "Let Windows manage my default printer"
  3. Click your printer and select Set as default
  4. Try printing from an application again

Fix 4: Try Printing as PDF First

To rule out application issues:

  1. In the application, print to Microsoft Print to PDF
  2. Save the PDF file
  3. Open the PDF and print it to your actual printer
  4. If this works, the issue is with how the original app communicates with the printer

⚠️If Nothing Worked

Some applications have their own print drivers or bypass the standard Windows print system. Check the application's print settings and preferences. Also try updating the application itself - print bugs are often fixed in updates.

📞When to Call a Pro

If documents won't print from any application but test pages work fine, there might be a deeper driver conflict or Windows print subsystem issue that needs expert troubleshooting.

Need Professional Help?

If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.

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Related Topics

test-pagedriverssoftwareconnectivityapplications

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