How to Fix an Epson Printer Not Printing on Windows or MacUpdated 15 days ago
If your Epson printer is not printing on Windows or Mac, it can be frustrating—especially when it shows as connected or ready. Whether you're dealing with blank pages, missing colors, stalled print jobs, or no response at all, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide walks you through the most effective fixes.
Common Reasons an Epson Printer Won’t Print
Before diving into the platform-specific steps, let’s review the most common causes:
Low or empty ink cartridges
Clogged printhead nozzles
Outdated or corrupt printer drivers
Incorrect printer settings
Paused or offline print queue
Connection issues (USB, WiFi, or Ethernet)
Paper jams or hardware malfunctions
Let’s break it down by platform—starting with general checks and moving into specific fixes for Windows and macOS.
Part 1: Basic Checks for Both Windows & Mac
✅ 1. Check Ink Levels and Paper
Make sure there’s enough paper in the tray.
Check ink levels via the Epson control panel or printer software.
Replace any empty cartridges.
✅ 2. Restart the Printer
Turn the printer off, unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Sometimes a hard reset clears temporary errors.
✅ 3. Inspect for Paper Jams
Open the access panel and remove any jammed paper. Clear all rollers and feed areas.
✅ 4. Check the Connection
USB: Make sure it’s securely plugged in.
WiFi: Confirm the printer is on the same network as your computer.
Ethernet: Ensure the cable is properly connected.
Part 2: Fixing Epson Printer Not Printing on Windows
🖥️ 1. Set Epson as the Default Printer
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your Epson printer and select Set as default printer.
If you see a green check mark, it’s now the default.
🖥️ 2. Clear the Print Queue
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your printer and select See what’s printing.
Click Printer > Cancel All Documents.
This clears any stuck print jobs that may be holding up new ones.
🖥️ 3. Unpause or Set Printer Online
Go to the print queue (as above).
Click Printer.
Make sure Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline are unchecked.
🖥️ 4. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Select Printer > Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the prompts to detect and fix issues.
🖥️ 5. Update or Reinstall Epson Drivers
Outdated drivers can prevent your printer from working properly.
To update:
Visit Epson's support page.
Enter your printer model.
Download the latest driver for Windows.
Install and restart your PC.
To reinstall:
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your Epson printer, and click Remove device.
Restart your computer and reinstall the printer using the driver package from Epson's website.
Part 3: Fixing Epson Printer Not Printing on macOS
🍏 1. Reset the Printing System
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Printers & Scanners.
Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and select Reset printing system.
Re-add your Epson printer by clicking the "+" button.
🍏 2. Set Epson as Default
Still in Printers & Scanners, select your Epson printer and click Default printer at the bottom. Choose your Epson device.
🍏 3. Clear the Print Queue
Open Printers & Scanners.
Select your Epson printer and click Open Print Queue.
Cancel all documents.
🍏 4. Check for Driver Updates
Epson printers on Mac may use AirPrint or a dedicated driver.
To check and install updates:
Visit Epson’s Support Website.
Search your printer model and download the macOS driver.
Double-click to install it.
Restart your Mac.
🍏 5. Use Epson Printer Utility
For some Epson printers, the Epson Printer Utility for macOS allows you to:
Check ink levels
Run a nozzle check
Clean printheads
Align cartridges
If not already installed, download it from the Epson support site with your model’s driver package.
Part 4: Perform a Printhead Cleaning (Windows or Mac)
If the printer is responding but pages are blank or streaky, the printheads may be clogged.
Using the Printer Menu:
On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Setup > Maintenance.
Select Printhead Cleaning or Nozzle Check.
Using Software:
On Windows: Use Epson Status Monitor (installed with the driver).
On Mac: Open Epson Printer Utility and choose Head Cleaning.
Run this 1–2 times, but don’t overdo it—too many cycles can waste ink.
Part 5: When All Else Fails
If none of the above works:
🧪 Try Printing from Another Device
If it works on another device, the issue is with your computer setup.
🔁 Factory Reset the Printer
This varies by model, but usually:
Go to Setup > Restore Default Settings > All Settings
🛠️ Contact Epson Support
Visit https://www.epson.com/Support
Conclusion
If your Epson printer isn’t printing on Windows or Mac, the issue could be as simple as a stuck print queue or as complex as a driver or network conflict. This guide covered the most reliable solutions—from checking the basics to resetting your print system and reinstalling drivers. By carefully following the steps above, you’ll greatly increase your chances of getting your Epson printer back online and printing as expected.