Users who have a printer set up as a network printer may get the “Printer cannot be contacted over the network” issue. This message is displayed by the printer troubleshooter whenever they attempt to utilise the printer and it fails to produce any printed material.
When checking out the printer in question via Devices and Printers, you may notice an error symbol. Read on to learn about the various approaches that have been taken to address this issue.
What Does the Error Mean?
The “Printer cannot be contacted over the network” error message appears when your Windows computer fails to communicate with the printer over your local network.
This issue prevents users from sending print jobs to the printer and can occur with both wired and wireless network setups.
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Common Causes of the Error
Several factors can contribute to this connectivity issue:
- Network Issues: Problems with the network connection, such as poor wireless signal strength, network congestion, or incorrect network settings, can prevent communication between your computer and the printer.
- Printer Settings: Incorrectly configured printer settings or an incorrect IP address assigned to the printer can cause communication failures.
- Driver Problems: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can lead to various issues, including connectivity errors.
- Firewall/Antivirus Interference: Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software may block the communication between your computer and the printer.
- Power or Hardware Issues: Simple issues like the printer being turned off, not being in “ready” mode, or hardware malfunctions can also be the cause.
Step-by-Step Methods to Fix the Error
Step 1: Verify Printer and Network Connections
- Check the Printer: Ensure the printer is turned on and in “ready” mode. Check for any error messages on the printer’s display panel.
- Check Network Cables and Connections: For wired printers, ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected. For wireless printers, check the Wi-Fi connection and signal strength.
Step 2: Restart Devices
Restarting both the printer and your computer can resolve temporary connectivity issues.
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Restart your computer.
- Plug the printer back in, turn it on, and try to print again.
Step 3: Check IP Address Configuration
Ensure that the printer’s IP address matches what your network expects.
- Print a network configuration page from the printer settings menu.
- Compare the printer’s IP address with your computer’s IP address range (they should be in the same subnet).
- If there’s a mismatch, reconfigure the IP settings on your printer or consult your network administrator.
Step 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
- Update Drivers: Go to Device Manager, find your printer under “Printers,” right-click it, and select “Update driver.”
- Reinstall Drivers: Uninstall the printer from Device Manager, download the latest drivers from the printer manufacturer’s website, and follow the installation instructions.
Step 5: Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily
Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus to check if they are causing the issue. If the printer works with these security applications turned off, you may need to add an exception for the printer software in the firewall or antivirus settings.
Step 6: Use Windows Printer Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select “Additional troubleshooters” and then choose “Printer.”
- Run the troubleshooter and apply any recommended fixes.
Set up the Required Services.
Some Windows services are actually required for a network printer to function properly after being added. Any unexpected disabling of these required services will cause serious issues with the printer.
Therefore, if Windows 10’s printer still can’t be reached via the network, check to see if the resolved services are activated and scheduled to run automatically.
Specifically, in order to accomplish this:
Step 1. First, open the Services app by pressing the Windows key plus R, then typing services.msc and clicking the OK button.
Step 2. The second step is to open the Remote Access Auto Connection Manager service’s Properties by double-clicking on the service’s icon.
Step 3. Third, choose Automatic from the Startup type menu and hit the green Start button. Make sure to save your work by selecting Apply and then OK.
Step 4. Fourth, repeat Step 3 for each of the following services:
Manager of Connections for Remote Access
Services Routing and Remote Access Using the Secure Sockets Tunneling Protocol
Once you’ve done so, you may use the printer to print some test pages to see if the problem persists.
Give the Printer a Permanent IP Address.
A network node’s IP address is typically temporary. Some customers have found that giving their printer a permanent IP address solves the problem of it not being reachable across the network.
How to do it:
Step 1. First, locate your printer’s IP address. For some suggestions, have a look at this manual.
Step 2. You’ll launch a web browser, type in the IP address, and hit the Enter key.
Step 3. Third, access the printer’s network configurations by entering the printer’s name and password and then clicking OK.
Step 4. Navigate to the IP Address Configuration (or TCP/IP, depending on your operating system) by clicking IP Configuration under the Networking tab.
Select Manual IP, then type in the printer’s IP address and hit Apply to save the adjustments.
After that, reboot your machine to see if the “printer cannot be contacted over the network” problem has been fixed.
Additional Solutions
Configure Static IP for the Printer
Setting a static IP for the printer within your router settings can help maintain a consistent connection without IP conflicts.
Check for Firmware Updates
Check the manufacturer’s website for any firmware updates for your printer model. These updates can fix bugs and improve performance.
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Conclusion
Users who have a printer set up as a network printer may get the “Printer cannot be contacted over the network” issue.
This message is displayed by the printer troubleshooter whenever they attempt to utilise the printer and it fails to produce any printed material.
This issue has multiple root causes. It’s crucial to zero in on the actual root of the issue so it can be fixed more rapidly and effectively. Look at the items down here!
System-wide disabling of essential services – Several services, especially those used over a network, must be active for a printer to function properly. Verify that all necessary services are running.