Users can store documents in the cloud and access them whenever needed. However, there are certain situations where users need to print their documents. If The printer failed to print. Or if you see the error message "Documents are waiting," this can be annoying, especially if you're in a hurry. Here's why your printer indicates documents are waiting for you and the tricks you need to fix the printer error indicating documents are waiting.
Whether you have an Epson, HP, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, or Brother printer, the error Documents pending Common to all of them. The main reason behind the error Waiting for documents It's a problem with the print queue. Most likely, the print queue is stuck. As a result, the printer is unable to print the next document.
1. Check the printer connection.
You should first try power cycling both your computer and printer. Updating the connection between your devices may resolve this issue much faster than you expected.
2. Check pages and ink
If your printer runs out of pages or ink, you may receive the "Documents Waiting" error. You'll need to refill the ink or add more pages to your printer for smooth operation.
3. Try another document.
A corrupted document may be causing your printer to print incorrectly. You should try printing another document.
4. Check the status of your printer.
Make sure the printer's status is not set to Offline. This will make the printer undetectable to your computer. As a result, your computer will not be able to connect to the printer.
Step 1: Go to Settings Windows by pressing Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Locate Bluetooth And devices and select Printers and scanners.
Step 3: Select your printer and click Open the print queue.
Step 4: Make sure the option is disabled. Use the printer offline From the printer menu.
5. Run the printer troubleshooter.
You can try to troubleshoot this issue by running the printer troubleshooter built into Windows 11. The tool can: Automatically detect and fix common printing problems.
Step 1: Go to Settings. Open the system and select Troubleshooters.
Step 2: Locate Other troubleshootersRun the printer troubleshooter from the following menu and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Restart the print spooler.
If the troubleshooter doesn't resolve your issue, try restarting the Print Spooler service.
Step 1: Click on Windows + R To open a new playback window.
Step 2: Type services.msc Then press Enter.
Opens the services menu.
Step 3: Scroll down to Print Spooler.
Step 4: Right click on the service and select turning off. The service should not be running right now.
Step 5: turn on File Explorer Go to the next track.
C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers
Step 6: Delete Folder contents. By doing this, you will delete the print queue. But do not delete the folder itself.
Step 7: Restart your computer.
Step 8: Go back to Print Spooler and restart. Service operation.
Step 9: Set the startup type to automatic.
If the above steps are too complex, complete the same task from the Command Prompt menu.
Step 1: turn on Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Run these commands and press Enter After every order.
net stop spooler
del /Q %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers\*.*
net start spooler
Check if the error has disappeared.
7. Reinstall the printer drivers.
Every device you connect to Windows 11 needs a driver to function properly. Think of this driver as the middleman.
If your print drivers are damaged, missing, or running outdated drivers, you may not be able to print your documents. That's why you need to update your drivers. Or, if damaged, reinstall them.
Step 1: turn on Device Manager.
If the problem persists, select Uninstall device to remove the current print drivers. Restart your computer. Your device will automatically install the latest print drivers.
Check if your printer still indicates that documents are waiting to print.
8. Remove and add your printer
If nothing works, re-adding the printer to your computer may solve the problem. This is an easy way to fix the "Waiting for Documents" error on your printer.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners list.
You can check the printer details. You can also run the troubleshooter from the same menu.
Step 3: Click removal.
Now, go back and select Add a device. Once Windows detects your printer, click Add a device.
You may need to cancel documents waiting to print and try again.
Print your documents on the go
An error may result in Waiting for documents In the printer to disrupt your workflow. If the printing error only occurs while using Google Chrome, see Our dedicated troubleshooting guideBefore you rush to the nearest store to print your documents and files, use the tricks above to fix the printer error that says documents are waiting. While you're at it, let us know which trick worked for you.