If your printer is currently in the “Idle” status, you can follow these steps to change the status of your printer to “Ready” on a Windows computer:
- Make sure that your printer is turned on and connected to your computer. If your printer is not turned on, turn it on and wait for it to initialize. If your printer is not connected to your computer, connect it using a USB cable, a network cable, or a wireless connection.
- Open the Control Panel on your computer. To do this, click on the Start menu and select “Control Panel” from the list of options.
- In the Control Panel, click on “Hardware and Sound” and then click on “Devices and Printers”.
- In the Devices and Printers window, right-click on your printer and select “See what’s printing” from the context menu.
- In the Print Queue window, click on “Printer” and select “Use Printer Online” from the menu. This will change the status of your printer from “Idle” to “Ready”.
- Close the Print Queue window and the Devices and Printers window. You should now be able to print, scan, or copy documents using your printer.
If you are still unable to change the status of your printer from “Idle” to “Ready” on a Windows computer, you may need to check for any issues with your printer or your computer.
You can try restarting your printer and your computer, checking for any error messages or warning messages, and updating your printer driver or your operating system.
If you continue to experience problems, you may need to contact your printer manufacturer or a technical support representative for assistance.
Why does my printer status say idle?
There are several possible reasons why your printer’s status may say “Idle”. The “Idle” status indicates that your printer is not currently being used and is available for printing, scanning, or copying documents. Some of the most common reasons for the “Idle” status include the following:
- Your printer is not turned on: If your printer is not turned on, it will not be able to receive any print, scan, or copy commands from your computer, and it will display the “Idle” status. To fix this problem, you can turn on your printer and wait for it to initialize.
- Your printer is not connected to your computer: If your printer is not connected to your computer, it will not be able to receive any print, scan, or copy commands from your computer, and it will display the “Idle” status. To fix this problem, you can connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable, a network cable, or a wireless connection.
- Your printer is not responding to your commands: If your printer is not responding to your commands, it may be experiencing a technical issue or an error. This can prevent your printer from printing, scanning, or copying documents, and it can cause it to display the “Idle” status. To fix this problem, you can try restarting your printer and your computer, checking for any error messages or warning messages, and updating your printer driver or your operating system.
If you are still unable to change the “Idle” status of your printer, you may need to contact your printer manufacturer or a technical support representative for assistance.
They can help you diagnose and troubleshoot any issues with your printer, and they can provide you with additional guidance and support.
Will an Idle Printer Not Work?
A printer with an “Idle” status may not be able to print, scan, or copy documents. The “Idle” status indicates that your printer is not currently being used and is available for printing, scanning, or copying documents.
However, if your printer is not turned on, not connected to your computer, or not responding to your commands, it may not be able to receive any print, scan, or copy commands from your computer, and it may not be able to print, scan, or copy documents.
