Users can sometimes face such a problem when the printer prints blank sheets (pages). There can be many reasons for this, ranging from a simple software error to a malfunction of the printer itself. In this article, we will describe the main reasons and solutions to this situation.
Standard situations
- The first step is reboot device ... Turn it off for a minute, then turn it on and check if the document prints or the pages remain blank.
- If this does not help, you must check print settings - type and size of paper, ink and more. Reset to factory settings, if provided by the manufacturer.
- Check ink / toner ... When ink / toner runs out, the machine starts to print streaking pages, but sometimes when the ink dries completely, the pages may be blank.
- There have been times when the cause of the blank sheet error was poor contact of the USB cable with the device. Check that all cables are securely connected and try to print the page again.
- Execute test print pages , if the sheet is successfully printed, then the problem may lie in the settings of the application or the system itself. Let's move on to the next points.
Application problem
After performing routine checks, users begin to wonder why the printer is printing blank sheets even though ink is present and the test page prints successfully. Sometimes, the application itself may be the cause.
In my memory, there was a user who complained that after updating the Windows 10 system, the printer started printing blank sheets through Open Office. The first thing was checked Test printwhich was successful. Then the work was tested in another application (Notepad), where the text also printed on the pages as expected.
It was experimentally found that the problem was precisely in the operation of the application, which is why the printing on the pages was performed incorrectly. Therefore, you should know a few rules for testing an application:
- Test printing the document in other applications (if there is an alternative).
- Use other file formats. For example, you can save a test file in PDF format and try to print it through Google Chrome or another reader of this format.
- Check if you are using the correct device when sending your document to print.
- Sometimes reinstalling an application can help resolve the blank pages problem, if not, the problem may be with the printer driver or the Windows system itself.
Driver problem
Also, such a problem arose when, after installing updates for Windows or fresh drivers, the printer stopped working correctly. Incorrect software operation is a common problem that occurs after major system updates. Most often, the problem is solved by installing the latest driver versions.
Let's look at the most common problems, starting with simple options:
Clearing the print queue
A clogged print queue or its errors can not only interfere with sending new documents and files, but also lead to situations with empty sheets.
Enter control panel (Win + R - control) - Devices and printers - right-click on the desired device and select "View the print queue".
Click Printer and select "Clear queue"... If the queue does not clear, then do the following:
- Go to Services (Win + R - services.msc) and stop the service "Print Manager"
- Then press the Win + R key combination and write% windir% \\ System32 \\ spool \\ PRINTERS
- Empty the contents of the folder. This folder stores temporary print queue files.
Reinstalling the driver
All actions are completed, but for some reason the printer prints white sheets, what should I do in this case? If it is revealed that the device is working and it works from other devices, then the problem is in the driver. The easiest option is to reinstall it. To do this, do the following:
- Go to Device Manager and find your printer
- Remove the device along with the software and restart your computer
- To install a new driver, you can search for Windows updates and download the driver, use the printer manufacturer's website and install the latest driver, or use the automatic driver installation program (DSP, Driver Booster, and others).
If the problem still persists ...
If the above methods did not help, and the sheets are empty at the exit from the device, a possible reason may be hidden in the malfunction of the cartridge or the device itself, therefore, you should contact the manufacturer's support or an authorized service center.
Have a great day!
The reasons why the printer prints blank sheets can be related to both the software and the physical components of the device itself. To solve this problem, you need to understand why it occurs. Diagnostics is performed using standard tools built into the Windows OS and through special programs developed by the device manufacturer.
Why does the printer print blank sheets
This problem is not common with most printers. It can occur if the ink cartridge is out of ink, but this usually does not appear immediately. When the level of toner powder or liquid ink drops, streaks appear on the printed sheets, allowing you to detect the problem in time. At the software level, warning windows and error messages can also be displayed. They are displayed based on information about the current capacity of the cartridge, which is stored on the chip.
However, if you have not previously assigned a value to the white stripes on the surface of the sheet or the chip has recently been zeroed, the reason may be an empty tank. Check the current amount of ink or toner. In printers with a continuous ink supply system (CISS), open the compartment with containers and see how much ink is left. For laser equipment and models without CISS, run the utility, which displays the current amount of paint in the tanks. If there is no such program, install it by downloading the file from the manufacturer's official website.
When a user sends a document to print through a word processor or any other program, the file goes to the Windows print queue. Failure can occur at this point if the application encounters an error and does not send the required data to the printer. In this case, a blank (blank) page will be printed. Try to open the image or text document through another program, and then print it again. If it helps, reinstall the malfunctioning app.
Important advice! When working with multi-page documents, make sure that the correct page range is set in the dialog box before printing. Also pay attention to other settings, incorrect selection of which may result in the output of blank sheets.
Bug fixes
Run an automatic search for problems through the built-in Windows tool. To do this, find your hardware in the control panel, category "Devices and Printers". Right-click on its icon and select "Troubleshoot". Wait for the error search to complete. Difficulties that are amenable to automatic correction will be eliminated without user intervention. The system will generate a report that includes:
- Problems found;
- Verified potential faults;
- Information about the current search;
- Manufacturer data.
After that, run diagnostics through the proprietary utility. If it was not installed with the printer driver, download the program from the developer's website or run it from the disc. Place several blank sheets of paper in the paper feed tray. These can be useful because most manufacturers' software prints test pages when checking the printer. In normal operation, they should contain service information and test schedules and not be clean. When the diagnostics are completed, correct the errors found.
Important! Try disconnecting the printer from your computer and printing a test sheet offline. This feature is not available on all device models. Review the instructions to find out if an offline test print is available and how to invoke it.
Troubleshooting Hardware Problems
Improper installation of cartridges can also result in blank pages being printed. Most models of inkjet consumables are shipped with a leak-free seal. Protective pads are sometimes installed on the body of laser cartridges to secure moving parts during transport. If you are printing blank (blank) sheets, remove the cartridge and make sure there are no items on it that might interfere with normal operation.
Note! Blank pages can be delivered to the output if not all of the cartridge pins are firmly connected to the print pad. The contacts must be clean and free from signs of oxidation. Consumable model compatibility also plays an important role.
Problems with the internal electronics are another reason for the strange behavior of the printer. The most common symptoms are:
- The printer prints blank sheets;
- Disconnection occurs after several pages are displayed;
- LEDs on the housing indicate an error;
- The characters are not aligned correctly, some letters overlap others;
- The machine loses its ability to print images or text.
Light mechanical damage on the board (for example, an obvious contact failure) is eliminated on its own. If you have a soldering iron and the right parts at home, you can also replace broken electrolytic capacitors. They are easily identified by their appearance: the top cover of such parts is bent or broken. For more serious damage, it is better to contact a service center.
Read also:
Coffee printer: Types and features of machines for printing on coffee foam
How to connect a printer to a computer: An overview of how to connect home devices
And suddenly, at one "fine" moment, it starts to give out blank sheets. Nobody understands what happened, what is the reason and what to do. The failure of the device to perform its functions can be caused by various reasons. So why is the printer printing blank sheets?
Absent-mindedness of the user
Often, it is your own inattention that causes the printer to print blank sheets.
- If the white paper slips through 1-2 pages, then you need to check again the correctness of the document. Maybe there are extra page breaks, blank lines, sheets, etc.
- When not removed It prevents ink from being sprayed onto the sheet.
- Incorrect or loose cable connection. You need to check yourself, tighten the wire in the sockets so that the contact is complete. It is possible that the wrong cable is being used.
- Often in offices where a large amount of documentation needs to be printed, different types of paper are used. Some printers refuse to print if the wrong sheets are used.
Cartridge problems
If the printer prints blank pages, in some cases the cause is a complete consumption of ink or toner. True, before that, the print will become fainter, go in stripes, etc. So the user, as a rule, knows about the ink consumption in advance. In this case, the problem is solved simply - by replacing the cartridge or refilling it. For a laser product, you can shake the cartridge to distribute the toner evenly.
Another problem is typical: clogged nozzles through which paint is sprayed. If the device has been idle for a long time, then you need to start the cleaning system before printing.
Also, ink in an inkjet cartridge can dry out. In this case, it is sufficient to replace it.
A very common problem - breakdown In this case, you need to take the device to a service.
Printer problems
The simplest reason is that the printer is "tired". The printheads operate at high temperatures, so it is possible that the device simply overheated, which was the reason for the failure. If you give the device a rest, it will return to normal in a few hours.
The drum unit may break. There is often a problem with contacts. If they are damaged, the image will not be transferred from the laser unit.
One of the common reasons an HP printer prints blank sheets is a broken magnetic roller. It stops rotating and the image is not transferred to the paper.
If the laser unit is not working, the image will not be delivered to the drum unit. If there is no pattern on the latter, the printer prints blank sheets.
A malfunction of the high-voltage unit leads to the fact that no charges are created, therefore, there are no "carriers" of the image.
In any of these cases, there is only one way out - contact the service and replace the corresponding parts.
Software crash
The first step is to check your printer settings. They can be viewed in the corresponding section of the menu. Or to do it even easier: print a test page. In this case, all settings are reset. If all else fails, then the problem may be with the drivers. They can be reinstalled or updated.
It is possible that the printer prints blank sheets due to incompatibility with the operating system. This usually happens when using older machines.
Another option is a virus, antivirus or other software blocking printing. It happens. A disabled firewall can also cause problems.
The most common problem is a damaged print file. In this case, you just need to resave it and send it to the printer from another document.
Often, office equipment users are faced with an incomprehensible at first glance, printer malfunction. It manifests itself in the fact that the device produces white sheets when printing. It feels like invisible ink has been applied to them. However, the problem is, of course, different. It remains only to find out what the problem is and how to "fight" it.
Try restarting the printer first. Turn it off not only with the button, but also unplug it. Do the same with the device (PC, laptop, etc.) from which you are sending the file to print. There might be some kind of software bug. Then restarting the hardware can help fix it. After all, it resets some of the settings, deletes various temporary files that could "slow down" the system.
Also, if you have been typing for a long time, you can give the printer a little rest. Sometimes the print head overheats after prolonged use. This can cause white sheets to appear. Turn off the printer for a couple of hours, then turn it back on and try to print the desired document.
User errors
The fact that the printer prints white sheets may be due to human inattention:
- Quite often the user sends to print a large document with several tens of pages, forgetting to check the correctness of its design. As a result, it contains large gaps and gaps for several sheets. Therefore, carefully review the document that you decide to print.
- Another common mistake is that when changing the cartridge on their own, some users forget to remove the protective film from it. She, in turn, prevents ink from falling on the sheets. Or the printer itself does not recognize the cartridge because of this. Solving the problem is easy - find the protective film and remove it. It is usually quite bright in color and protects the printhead.
- Blank pages may also appear when printing because a cartridge that is incompatible with the device is installed. It remains only to check again whether it is suitable for this printer model.
- Check if the type of paper is compatible with your printing device. After all, the sheets can be too thin or, conversely, thick.
Cartridge problems
The answer to the question "why does the printer print white sheets?" may be associated with cartridge malfunctions. For example, the most commonplace is that ink has run out. True, before that, the printer had to print quite faintly and at the same time "strip", warning about the minimum ink level. However, the user may not have noticed this. In this case, the problem is solved promptly - or by refueling it.
Another reason that the printer does not print, only gives out blank sheets when printing, may be the drying of the ink in the cartridge. This applies specifically to inkjet printers. If they are not used for a long time, the ink will dry out. You can try to take out the cartridge and shake it a little. In some cases, this helps restore the printability of the device. However, most often you have to give the cartridge for repair or replace it with a new one.
It also happens that the printer still prints blank sheets, although there is ink. Moreover, you have just taken the cartridge from the service where you refilled it. Then, with a greater degree of probability, we can say that the replaceable unit has failed. It is also possible that it was incorrectly filled. Even professionals are mistaken - there is nothing wrong with that.
Printer, PC, or software problems
You have verified that there is enough ink in the cartridge, it is correctly installed in the device, and even the document to be sent to print has the correct size. However, white sheets continue to emerge from the printer. In this case, the problem may be as follows:
- Broken printer . Various parts of the device can fail. For example, on hp printers, it is not uncommon for the drum unit to break, damaging the contacts or the magnetic roller. Laser devices often have a problem area - this is the unit responsible for image transfer. In any case, you will have to contact the service.
- Driver problems. Usually they appear due to viruses, software failures, due to the installation of new equipment, and more. etc. You can go to the "control panel" and select the section "device manager". Next - the "printers" tab (or print queues). If the computer detects any problems with the driver, then there you will see red or yellow icons, similar to an exclamation mark. True, sometimes the PC does not show errors, although the problem is precisely in the "firewood". In any case, go to the printer manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers.
- The printer settings are out of order. Another common case in which blank sheets can be printed. You need to go to the printer settings and check all the print settings. Sometimes, due to various errors, the color saturation is set to minimum or the ink saving mode is activated. The solution to this problem is not difficult - just click the Restore Printer Defaults button.
- Low memory on PC. It cannot be ruled out that your computer has run out of free space on your hard disk. He simply does not have enough resources to process information. Therefore, through "My Computer" check if there is at least 2 GB of free space on the hard drive. This is enough for a quality print.
- Viruses or errors on the PC. To start, request a test page to be printed. How to do this, you can see in the menu or in the instructions for the printer. If the test page prints, then the problem is clearly not the printing device. It is worth checking your computer for viruses, updating the OS, etc.
White sheets on printersCanon
It is worth noting separately that the appearance of blank sheets when printing is often found in canon printer models. Especially those that are equipped with a continuous ink supply system. These devices print 2 white pages intermittently.
The reason is a short train (flat wide wire). When the carriage with cartridges reaches one shaft, it touches a special sensor, which sends it a signal to move in the other direction. However, due to the insufficient length of the loop, this does not happen. As a result, the printer is interrupted. The user receives 2 blank sheets and jammed paper. Which exit? Contact the seller, if the warranty period has not expired, or the service to replace the short cable with a longer one.
Finally
If you have tried all the methods described and are sure that none of the described problems can be the cause of the appearance of white sheets when printing, then you should contact the wizard or the manufacturer's support service. If you recently purchased a printer, then most likely it is still subject to warranty repair. In any case, you should not be upset. You just need to ask for help from qualified specialists.
If the printer starts printing white or blank sheets, the first thing to do is turn off the printer and the computer. In a minute, turn on and try to print. If the situation has not changed, you need to check the printer settings. The paper might be the wrong size or something else. If everything is in order with the settings, you need to check the document. Make a preview. Perhaps there was a failure and a bunch of blank sheets formed inside. If all else fails, read on.
Print a test page
To do this, you need to go along the path
Control Panel \\ Hardware and Sound \\ Devices and Printers
Right-click on the device and select ““. In the window that opens, on the "General" tab, click "".
If the page will print, then, most likely, the matter is in the program from which you launch the document for printing. You can open the same document in another program (if any) and try to print it. If there is no other program, you need to try converting the document to another format (for example, to) and. If converting a document is not an option, and there is no other program, you need to think about whether you can download the program from the Internet and install it.
There were situations on the network when the fault was antivirus (in particular, Kaspersky). You should try to disable your antivirus and print.
If not printed test page. I would check the USB cable connected to the printing device. Would connect to another USB port. If you have a stationary computer, you would connect it to another USB connector on the back of the system unit. If other peripheral devices are connected, I would disconnect them during testing. If all else fails, then ..
Print report
To calculate the reason why the printer produces white sheets (in the printing device or in the computer), you can print the settings page of the device itself. For example, a report. To do this, you need to hold down one or more buttons for 3-15 seconds (which ones, you need to look in the instructions for the printing device) or start printing from the printer menu.
If a the report is printed then the printer is working and you need to deal with the computer. I would check for viruses (you can see how to do this and) and restore the system files. Then I would install all operating system updates.
If a the report is not printed, then the problem is with the printer. The first thing to do is. The toner may have run out, or the ink may have dried (() and how). If you insert a new cartridge and there are still blank sheets, the point is in the printing device itself.
- For inkjet printers, check the print head. Ideal and install on another device.
- For laser, you need to check the contacts of the printing device with the cartridge. Perhaps one of them is damaged or fuse.
