Not sure why your printer is printing so slowly? At WiZiX Technology Group, we understand how frustrating slow printing is, and how it creates problems that can quickly affect your workflow. If your printer is slow to respond, there are a few things you can try no matter which brand of machine you have. We put together this guide on how to fix slow printing to help you find out whether the problem has a simple solution or if it’s time to call in a technician.
How to Fix Slow Printing: Five Tips and Tricks
1: Check the Ink or Toner
One of the first things you should check when your printer starts printing slowly is its ink or toner cartridges. Make sure that they are loaded properly and have not dried out. Trying to print with dried up cartridges causes slow printing and can even damage the print heads. It’s a good idea to order extra ink or toner cartridges ahead of time, or sign up for an autoship program so that you never run out.
2: Check the Paper Tray
Another thing you should check right away is the paper tray, which could be low on paper. Issues with the paper tray not only affect print speed but also lead to frustrating paper jams. It’s also important to check that the right type of paper is loaded, and that the sheets are free of tears and wrinkles.
3: Change the Settings
There are several settings or “printer preferences” that can impact print speed. For example, printers will print more slowly when the quiet mode is on, so you should only use that setting when it’s absolutely necessary.
You should also check the print resolution settings. A higher DPI (dots per inch) setting allows your printer to print higher resolution images, but it takes a lot more time. When printing documents for internal use, you can go as low as 150 DPI for faster printing. But for any important documents that must be high quality, it’s best to set your printer at 300 DPI, which still offers acceptable print speeds. 600 DPI or higher will produce even better quality prints, but at the cost of slower print speeds.
How you change the DPI settings to fix slow printing depends on your printer and your computer operating system. For example, to change the DPI for a Brother printer on Windows OS computer, you must:
- Open “Printing Preferences”
- Select the “Basic” tab
- Choose a lower resolution
- Click “OK” in the “Printing Preferences” dialog box
- Click “OK” in the “Properties” dialog box
On a Macintosh (macOS) computer, follow these steps:
- Open the “Print” dialog
- Select “Print Settings” from the pop-up menu
- Choose a lower resolution
- Click “Print”
4: Reset Your Printer
If none of these quick fixes have done the trick, another simple solution is to reset your printer following these steps:
- Turn off the printer
- Unplug the printer cable
- Wait 60 seconds
- Securely plug in the printer cable
- Turn the printer back on
- Try printing again
5: Update the Printer Driver and Firmware
The printer driver is the software that your computer uses to communicate with the printer. If your printer is still having problems with print speed, it may be due to an outdated driver.
Outdated firmware, the software that tells your printer how to run, can also cause a variety of problems. You can update the printer driver and/or firmware by going to the printer manufacturer’s website and following their instructions for downloading and installing the latest version.
Printer Repair in Northern California
If none of these tips resolved your print speed issue, it’s time to call a professional. At WiZiX Technology Group, we can fix all kinds of printer issues, including slow printing, with our expert repair and maintenance services.
Or, if your printer is more than a few years old, it may be time to upgrade to a new model. Our knowledgeable team is happy to help you select the best printer for your business and your budget. Call us at 866-846-1411 today to buy or lease a new printer.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/3/2022). Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash