How to Test Printer

It’s important for top-tier printer users to learn how to test a printer. Like any other electric device, a printer might stop working without warning. It could be due to a paper jam, low ink, outdated drivers, or even a loose cable. Depending on the tasks at hand, this might leave a user feeling helpless and frustrated.

When your printer fails, and you cannot point out the problem by a simple troubleshooting procedure, the printer could be physically damaged. To find out if your printer is indeed damaged, you can use Windows to force the device to print out a test page.

If this test is successful, you don’t need to panic; your printer is working fine.

What is a Printer Test Page?

It is perhaps the easiest and most effective way printer users can access and calibrate the performance of their devices. This test is also beneficial since it also tests the connection between a computer and a printer. If this is your first time using a printer, do not fret when it comes to printing. No matter what printer you are using, a printer test page is the same. It is also easy to know the differences between laser or inkjet printer cartridges by either taking a look at the instruction manual, the box, the driver software, or the printer itself.

By running a printer test page, users can determine the problems with the print, including blurs, streaks, missing colors, or lack of print. This test makes it easy for printer users to pinpoint the exact problem, making it simple and effective to resolve.

Printing a Test Page

Printing a test page is relatively easy. Do the following to test your printer’s functionality successfully:

1. First, connect your printer to a power source, and press the power button to turn it on. Check to ensure there is paper loaded onto the printer tray.
2. Next, find the Windows “Start” button, click it and select “Control Panel.” Click on “View Devices and Printers” found under the “Hardware and Sound” section. Find your specific printer model. Right-click on the printer model icon, and choose “Printer Properties.”
3. Click on the “Print Test Page” button located at the bottom of the window. If your printer prints the test page, then it’s functioning correctly. In case your printer fails to print the test page, it may have malfunctioned.

Troubleshooting a Malfunctioned Printer

Sometimes, the reason why your printer is unable to print a test page is due to a malfunction. Here’s a quick guide on troubleshooting your printer after a failed test page print.

1. Don’t attempt to perform a printer test before checking for a paper jam. First, open your printer to check for any paper jams. If you notice any sheets of paper, remove them and then proceed to perform a print test.
2. Check your printer’s ink levels. In case your printer runs out of ink, it will be unable to print your test page. If your printer’s ink levels are low, replace your cartridge with a new one, or you can extend the life of your ink cartridge by using the tape trick or ignoring the “low ink” warning.
3. Before beginning your test print task, make sure that your printer cables are correctly connected. A loose cable will prevent the device from printing.
4. Lastly, check that your printer drivers are up to date. To do this, find “Start” and click on it. Select “All Programs” and pick “Windows Updates.” Click on “Check for updates” and then select “Install Updates.” Your computer will download and install all pending updates.

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