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Computer Reboots or Shuts Down When I Print: How to Fix It

Hardware issues may cause this problem

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Using external devices like printers with your PC shouldn’t cause issues with your computer. However, it is common for users to complain about computer rebooting when they print.

Likewise, the problem can also appear as theprinter not printing on Windows 10/11for some reason.

Why does my computer reboot when I print?

Many factors may be responsible for the computer rebooting or shutting down when you want to print. The common culprit is a corrupt oroutdated printer driveron your computer. The corrupt driver can cause your PC to crash whenever it tries to access it.

Other factors that are liable to cause your PC to reboot or shutdown when you print are:

These causes may vary on different devices, but you can fix them by troubleshooting your computer and printer.

What can I do if my computer reboots when I print?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting process, go through the following preliminary checks:

If the problem continues, try the solutions below:

1. Uninstall the Windows Updates

You can uninstall other updates if the first one doesn’t. Uninstalling specific updates can fix the problem and prevent your computer from rebooting when printing.

You can check theWindows updates to download for fixing printer issueson your PC.

2. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

The troubleshooter will find and repair issues that may causeprinter errors to occuron the computer.

3. Update the Printer driver

Windows will automatically download and install updates if any are available. For example, updating the printer drivers on your PC can fix it if it’s corrupt or outdated.

Check otherways to update driverson Windows 11 if you cannot use the above steps.

One of the easiest ways to update your printer driver is by letting a third-party software, for example, Outbyte Driver Updater, do this procedure automatically.

This tool helps you run a quick scan of your computer to detect outdated or missing drivers, and then automatically find the latest updates for them so your device performance can be significantly improved.

Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Update the printer’s Firmware

Updating firmware for a device like a printer differs in procedures. However, it depends solely on the manufacturer of your printer.

Furthermore, every printer has a program that helps you manage its activities, and you can update the firmware. Likewise, you can contact your manufacturer directly for assistance.

5. Set the Print Spooler Service Startup Type to Automatic

Setting the Printer Spooler to Automatic can help it print jobs smoothly and fix problems that may cause the system to crash.

Alternatively, our readers can check what to do ifWindows 10/11 can’t find the printeron the network.

Likewise, users experiencingissues with printers accepting cartridgescan read our article on fixing the problem.

If you have more questions or suggestions about this guide, do not hesitate to use the comments section.

Computer Reboots or Shuts Down When I Print: How to Fix It#

Why does my computer reboot when I print?#

What can I do if my computer reboots when I print?#

1. Uninstall the Windows Updates#

2. Run the Printer Troubleshooter#

3. Update the Printer driver#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

4. Update the printer’s Firmware#

5. Set the Print Spooler Service Startup Type to Automatic#