Fixing the ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED (63 (0x3F) Problem: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Notes

  • Utilize the Printer Troubleshooter to automatically detect issues.
  • Restarting the Print Spooler can resolve many printing issues.
  • Keeping printer drivers updated is crucial for functionality.

Troubleshooting the ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED Issue on Windows Printers

Printing failures in Windows can be frustrating, especially when you encounter the ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED message. This guide dives into understanding the causes and solutions for this common printer issue.

Steps to Fix the ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED Error

Step 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

To automatically troubleshoot and resolve minor printer issues, carry out the following steps:

  1. Press the Windows key and select Settings.
  2. Go to System on the left, and then click Troubleshoot on the right.
  3. Choose Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find the Print troubleshooter and click on the Run button next to it.

Pro Tip: Make sure your printer is connected and powered on before running the troubleshooter.

Step 2: Restart the Print Spooler Service

Sometimes, restarting the print spooler can solve stuck print jobs:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Locate the Print Spooler service in the list, right-click and select Stop.
  4. Right-click on it again and select Restart.

Pro Tip: If the spooler stops frequently, check for outdated drivers or heavy print job loads.

Step 3: Clear the Print Queue

To ensure no stuck jobs are causing the error, you can clear the print queue:

  1. Search for cmd, then right-click and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Enter the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each: net stop spooler del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q net start spooler
  3. Close the command prompt.

Pro Tip: If you are prompted, confirm that you want to delete the files.

Step 4: Update the Printer Drivers

Keeping your drivers up-to-date is essential for printer performance:

  1. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and select Open.
  2. Expand Print queues, find your printer, right-click it, and select Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Follow the prompts to install any recommended updates.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for updates, especially after major Windows updates.

Step 5: Reinstall the Printer Drivers

If updates don’t work, consider reinstalling the printer drivers:

  1. Open Device Manager as described above.
  2. Locate your printer under Print queues, right-click, and select Uninstall device.
  3. Confirm uninstallation and restart your computer.
  4. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.
  5. Install the drivers as per the on-screen instructions.
  6. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Pro Tip: Always remove outdated drivers to avoid conflicts in performance.

Step 6: Remove and Re-add the Printer

Re-adding the printer can refresh your connection:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & Scanners.
  3. Click on the printer you wish to remove and select the Remove button.
  4. Next, search for Control Panel and open it.
  5. Switch to Large Icons in the View by dropdown, then select Devices and Printers.
  6. Click on Add a printer.
  7. Follow the prompts to add your printer back to the system.

Pro Tip: Always ensure the printer is powered on and connected to your network when adding it.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure document files sent to print are not corrupted.
  • Schedule regular printer maintenance checks.
  • Keep your Windows system up to date for optimal performance and compatibility.

Summary

The ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED message can cause significant frustration in Windows printing tasks. By following these clear steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, such as updating drivers and restarting services, you can regain smooth printing functionality.

Conclusion

Resolving printing issues like ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED doesn’t need to be stressful. By understanding the steps involved, comprehensively troubleshooting the hardware and software, and proactively maintaining printer components, users can ensure their printing experience is efficient and frustration-free.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What does the ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED message mean?

This message indicates that a print job has been canceled, often due to driver incompatibility, a full print queue, or misconfigured printer settings.

How can I prevent the ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED error?

To prevent this error, maintain updated printer drivers, ensure the printer’s connection stability, and regularly clear the print queue.