The ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ can be a frustrating issue when trying to print documents on Windows 11. This error often occurs due to hardware problems, outdated drivers, or incorrect settings. Here are several effective methods to resolve this issue, starting with the most likely solutions.
Method 1: Update USB and printer drivers
Outdated drivers are a common cause of printer errors. To update your USB and printer drivers:
- Right-click the Start button and select ‘Device Manager’.
- Expand ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’ and ‘Printers’ categories.
- Right-click on each USB controller and printer device, then select ‘Update driver’.
- Choose ‘Search automatically for drivers’ and follow the prompts.
- Restart your computer after updating all relevant drivers.
Method 2: Run Windows Update
Ensuring your system has the latest updates can often resolve printer issues:
- Press Win + I to open Settings, then navigate to ‘Windows Update’.
- Click ‘Check for updates’ and install any available updates.
- Restart your computer after the updates are installed.
Method 3: Set printer as default and check connection
Sometimes, the error occurs when the printer isn’t set as the default device:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer from the list.
- Click ‘Set as default’ if the option is available.
- Ensure the printer status isn’t offline. If it is, disconnect and reconnect the printer cable.
Method 4: Reinstall printer drivers
If updating drivers doesn’t work, try a complete reinstall:
- In Settings > Printers & scanners, select your printer and click ‘Remove’.
- Open Device Manager, expand ‘Software devices’.
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Right-click your printer and select ‘Uninstall device’.
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Restart your computer and reconnect the printer. Windows should automatically install the correct drivers.
Method 5: Run the printer troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix common printer problems:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click ‘Troubleshoot’ at the bottom of the page.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Method 6: Restart the print spooler service
The print spooler service manages print jobs. Restarting it can often resolve printing issues:
- Press Win + R, type ‘services.msc’, and press Enter.
- Locate ‘Print Spooler’, right-click it, and select ‘Restart’.
Method 7: Clear print queue and check printer settings
Stuck print jobs can cause errors. Here’s how to clear them:
- In Printers & scanners settings, click ‘Open print queue’.
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Cancel any pending print jobs.
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Click ‘Printing preferences’ and ensure all settings are correct.
Method 8: Use System Restore
If the error started occurring recently, you can try restoring your system to a previous state:
- Type ‘system restore’ in the Start menu and select ‘Recovery’.
- Click ‘Open System Restore’.
- Follow the wizard, selecting a restore point from before the error started occurring.
Additional tips:
- Install the latest software from your printer manufacturer’s website.
- Manually select the correct printer before printing to avoid quick print errors.
- Consider temporarily disabling Windows Defender Firewall if it’s interfering with print jobs.
- Always check physical connections and ensure your printer has sufficient ink and paper.
By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ issue and get your printer working again on Windows 11.