Printer error codes and messages
Type the code or message exactly as it appears on your screen. Each one explains what it means in plain English and how to clear it.
Windows error codes
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0x00000709Windows shows error 0x00000709 when it can't set your default printer or finish connecting to a shared one. Here is what causes it and how to fix it. -
0x0000011bError 0x0000011b blocks connections to a printer shared from another PC after Windows print security changes. Update both PCs and reconnect. -
0x00000bc4Error 0x00000bc4 (No printers were found) appears when adding a shared printer, often on Windows 11 22H2 or later. Here is how to get connected. -
0x0000007eError 0x0000007e means Windows couldn't load a file the printer driver needs. It is common with shared printers and 64-bit drivers. Here is the fix. -
0x000006baError 0x000006ba means the RPC server is unavailable. For printing, that almost always means the Print Spooler service has stopped or keeps crashing. -
0x000003ebError 0x000003eb stops Windows from installing a printer or its driver, usually because of old driver leftovers or a stalled spooler. Here is the fix. -
0x00000002Error 0x00000002 means Windows couldn't find a file it expected while adding a printer, usually remnants of an old driver. Remove them and reinstall. -
0x00000057Error 0x00000057 (The parameter is incorrect) stops a printer driver from installing, usually because the driver package is damaged or mismatched. -
0x80070005Error 0x80070005 means Windows refused a printer or driver install because something lacked permission. Here is how to find and fix the block. -
0x0000052eError 0x0000052e means the PC sharing the printer rejected your user name or password. Fix the saved credentials, accounts and sharing settings. -
0x00000040Error 0x00000040 means the connection to a shared printer dropped or the host went away. Wake the host, steady the network and reconnect. -
0x00000035Error 0x00000035 means Windows can't reach the computer or path you typed for a shared printer. Check the name, sharing settings and try the IP. -
0x8007007eError 0x8007007e means a file the printer driver needs is missing or doesn't match. Remove the driver package and reinstall a clean copy. -
0x97Epson error code 0x97 signals an internal hardware fault, often linked to the print head or main board. Try a full power reset, then check repair options.
Windows messages
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Driver is unavailableWindows shows "Driver is unavailable" under a printer when its driver is missing, damaged or incompatible, often after an update. Reinstall it like this. -
Printer in error state"Printer in error state" means Windows got an error signal from the printer, such as a jam, open cover or lost connection. Here is how to clear it. -
Printer requires user intervention"Printer requires user intervention" (or "your attention") means the printer is waiting for you to do something. Here is how to find and clear it. -
Windows cannot connect to the printer"Windows cannot connect to the printer" appears when adding a shared or network printer. The code after it points to the cause; here is how to fix it. -
PCL XL errorA page that says "PCL XL error" means the printer couldn't process the job your driver sent. Changing driver, font or print settings usually fixes it. -
Access is denied"Access is denied" when connecting to or installing a printer usually means Windows needs administrator rights or share permissions are blocking you. -
The local print spooler service is not runningWindows says the local print spooler service is not running when the service that handles printing has stopped. Start it, keep it running and fix the cause. -
Error - Printing"Error - Printing" in the Windows print queue means a job started but failed partway. Check the printer, clear the queue and fix the connection. -
Windows cannot print due to a problem with the current printer setupThis message appears when a program can't get valid details for your default printer. Fix the default printer, stale entries and the driver. -
Driver update neededDriver update needed under your printer in Windows settings means the installed driver needs replacing. Get it from Windows Update or the maker's site. -
Printer not activated, error code -30"Printer not activated, error code -30" comes from a program's built-in PDF printer, often in accounting software. Repair it and Windows' PDF features.
Mac messages
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Filter failed"Filter failed" in a Mac print queue means the driver software that converts your job crashed or is missing. Re-adding the printer usually fixes it. -
Hold for Authentication"Hold for Authentication" means your Mac needs a user name and password for the printer or print server, and the saved one is missing or wrong. -
The printer is not connectedYour Mac shows "The printer is not connected" when it can't reach the printer over USB or the network. Check power and the address, then re-add it. -
The software for this device is currently not availableWhen adding a printer, macOS may say its software is not available. Use AirPrint, a generic driver or the maker's official macOS driver instead. -
Unable to verify the printer on your networkYour Mac shows "Unable to verify the printer on your network" when it can't confirm the printer's identity or reach it. Check the address and firmware. -
Waiting for printer to become available"Waiting for printer to become available" means your Mac can't hand the job to the printer yet. Wake the printer, check the queue and re-add it.
Printer messages
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Paper size mismatchA paper size mismatch error means the size in your document or driver doesn't match what the printer thinks is in the tray. Here is how to match them. -
Printer not responding"Printer not responding" means your computer sent a job but got no reply from the printer, usually a sleep, network or IP address problem. Here is the fix. -
Another computer is using the printerSome printers say another computer is using the printer when a job or connection from another device is active or stuck. Clear queues and power cycle. -
B200Canon error B200 usually points to a print head or electrical fault. Here is what it means, the safe checks to try and when the printer needs repair. -
5100Canon support code 5100 means the cartridge carriage couldn't move as expected, usually because something is in its way. Here is how to find and clear it. -
5B00Canon support code 5B00 means the waste ink absorber has reached its limit and printing has stopped. Here is what it means and your safe options. -
6000Canon support code 6000 usually means the paper feed rollers couldn't move as expected. Clear jams, blocked trays and packing material, then restart. -
Parts inside your printer are near the end of their service lifeEpson's "parts near the end of their service life" message is a waste ink pad warning. Learn what it means, which models use a maintenance box and what to do. -
Ink system failure"Ink system failure" on an HP inkjet, often with a code starting 0xc19a, points to the cartridges, printheads or ink delivery. Try a power reset first. -
49 Service errorA 49 Service error on an HP LaserJet is a firmware error, often set off by a bad print job or network data. Restart, clear the queue and update firmware. -
79 Service errorA 79 Service error on an HP LaserJet means the firmware hit a critical error, often from a print job, driver or memory module. Here are the safe steps. -
Unable to PrintBrother's "Unable to Print" error with a number means the printer found a problem it can't clear. The number varies by model; here is how to work through it.
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