Things You Should Do To Avoid Printing Errors in Windows 8

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With Windows 8, printing has changed and there's now a more standard way of doing it. However, due to Microsoft’s new graphical user interface, printing has become less user-friendly, especially for end users who got accustomed with old style of printing. In a technical point of view, everything is pretty much the same despite the change in interface.

This new operating structure by Microsoft has a new system for printer drivers that attempts to brace all printers and use less printer drivers. Thus, preventing disk space consumed by drivers and also eliminating free software that comes with printer drivers commonly called bloatware services, wherein these services tend to install in your computer and gives out annoying additional sponsored software that offers free service, to say the least.

And these are common printing issues to avoid when using windows 8.

One common issue behind the printer are cartridges, toners, or inks that are not checked regularly. Compatibility is one that we need to check for every printer. Most printers that have low ink level give out pop up messages using its own software that is installed in your computer. It will be a good time then to change the cartridges, ink, or toners by following a printer user guide on how to properly change it. Papers are also one of the things to be checked to avoid printing issues. A user should make sure to check the appropriate paper type and size that will work great with the printer. Not reading the user manual would give out problems such as paper jams and non-alignment of print cartridges. Printer maintenance needs to be regularly done. We cannot deny the fact that cleaning the printer heads should be done regularly to evade blurry text and images. You can do this by going to your computer’s Devices and Printer options, then right-click on the printer model that you’re using, and then select Properties. You should see a Maintenance tab, where you have an option to check your printer’s nozzles.

As we all know, printer drivers are needed in order for your printer to be detected, installed, and configured according to your preference using your computer. Check if the drivers are compatible with Windows 8, which can be determined via the printers installation setup CD. If in case you find out that it’s not compatible, you can download a Windows 8-compatible driver from the printer’s manufacturer website. Make sure to select the correct model number of your printer before downloading any drivers.

These are just simple things to take note of when using your printer or if you’re just about to install one. Most printers can give out all sorts of problems that keep it from printing. But you can perform a diagnosis and fix on these printer problems automatically in Windows 8. Just go to Settings, search for Printing, and look for Find and Fix Printing Problems. Next, select the printer you want to troubleshoot, and make sure to repair it as an administrator. Lastly, click Apply on the appropriate fix to complete the troubleshooting process. With this method, it will surely resolve some printing issues with Windows 8.

Article Written By: Jeehan Michael Daroy - Tech Support Engineer at Supportrix