Scanning and printing can use different drivers, queues and ports. A working scanner proves power and some connectivity, not that the print queue is valid. Print the printer's internal test page and then check the computer's queue and the selected port.
Differential
Likely causes of “Scanner works but printer will not print”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The print queue or port is invalid while the scan path is fine
What separates it Scanning works and print jobs sit in the queue or vanish, since printing and scanning use different drivers and ports.
How to confirm Print the printer's internal test page and then check the computer's queue and the selected port.
- 2
Stuck jobs are blocking the queue
What separates it A single failed job holds up every new job behind it, and the queue shows an error.
How to confirm Clear the failed jobs and try one simple page.
- 3
The print component of the driver package is missing or damaged
What separates it The scanner is listed but the printer function is not, or the OS installed a scan-only driver.
How to confirm Check whether the system lists the printer function and install the complete package only if needed.
- 4
The printer itself has a fault that stops printing but not scanning
What separates it The internal test page will not print either, and a fault message shows on the display.
How to confirm Read the display for an error and follow the maker's guidance for that message.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the internal test page prints.
- The state of the computer's print queue and the selected port.
- Any message on the printer's display or in the maker's app.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact symptom
ReversiblePrint an internal test page, then inspect the computer queue and selected port.
Run the smallest isolation test
ReversibleIf internal print works, remove stuck jobs and re-add the print function without deleting the working scan profile.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleInstall the current full package only if the OS driver lacks the print component.
Verify before changing anything else
ReversiblePrint locally and scan once after restart to verify both functions remain.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Remove and re-add the print function without deleting the working scan function, so that you do not lose scan settings.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does scanning work when printing does not?+
They use separate drivers and queues. A working scanner proves the printer has power and a link, not that the print queue is healthy.
Why does the scanner work but not printing?+
Print settings or a queue issue.
Could the driver differ?+
Reinstall.