Printer printing slow – Techniques to resolve the issue.

• blog
• on Oct 18, 2021

Printers play a big role in increasing workforce productivity which ultimately helps an organization to grow. Printers are well-known for their adaptability as well as their speed. However, there are times when printing issues arise, such as printer printing slowly. When this happens, one may wonder ‘why is my printer printing so slow all of a sudden.’ We have provided certain causes which would help you to understand why the printer is printing slow and how to fix the problem.

Why causes printers to print slowly?

If you are wondering ‘why is my printer printing slow’, there are multiple causes associated with it. Let’s study the reasons for printer printing slow one by one.

1. Excessive load on the print server

Printer networks originate from the server; it is a centralized processing point for all print requests. All printers connected to a network transmit print jobs to the server, which may create a bottleneck.

Additionally, if a single operation is inefficient, it impacts the whole network. Print requests may accumulate while the server attempts to correct that one inefficiency. This may result in other problems, which can further slow down printing.

2. Drivers for outdated printers

Occasionally, the reason for slow printing is an out-of-date driver. The printer’s software will not function properly if it does not have up-to-date drivers.

3. Too many open applications

Your computer must also handle the print job, which means that the printer is not always to blame. If printing becomes sluggish, your computer may have too many open programs that it is executing concurrently with the print request.

4. Multiple remote office traffic on the network

Each time someone prints, the file is sent across the WAN to the server and back. When users from separate workplaces print simultaneously, this may result in increased network traffic. As a result, all workplaces experience sluggish printing.

This occurs as some businesses with numerous offices utilize a central print server to which all printers are connected. This is a cost-cutting technique that results in inefficient network printing operations.

5. Images in high-definition

High-resolution prints include a large amount of data for the computer and printer to process. This may be the cause of your printer slowing down.

6. Defective cables

Even little power surges may cause damage to network cables. This may result in sluggish processing and, therefore, sluggish printing.

Techniques to rectify the printer printing slow issue

Check out how to resolve the issue of printer printing slow problem with the below techniques:

1. Confirm that you have the most recent software updates

In many instances, your computer automatically updates the drivers. It notifies you, at the very least, that an update is available for download.

You may verify that you did not miss it by visiting the manufacturer’s website. Check to see whether your printer’s drivers have been updated.

Ensure that you get one that is compatible with your printer model. Typically, the model code is located on the front of the printer for easy access.

Additionally, you may launch the printer’s application on your computer. It should inform you if a recent software update was downloaded or if one is available.

2. Disconnect all other applications on your computer

Reduce the number of processes that your computer must do. Close any applications that are not in use before sending a print job. Even the tabs in your browser may cause your computer to slow down, so shut those as well.

3. Select low-resolution images

If the pictures are not critical, you may reduce the resolution to reduce the amount of data your computer and printer have to process. Alternatively, you may choose draft, standard, or regular mode in the options to expedite the process. If you need gallery-quality prints, revert to high-quality.

4. Spooling – a possible solution

Before we understand the fixing process of spooling let us first gain some knowledge about the spooling process and its advantages.

What does spooling mean?

The spooler arranges print jobs prior to delivering them to the printer for printing. It is where papers are aligned such that the printer is not required to handle the data.

Why spooling?

Spooling may be a solution since printing is much slower when files are sent straight from a program. This is because the software simultaneously sends the print job to the printer and builds it. Concurrently doing two activities slows processing.

The software spools papers into the spooler. This takes just a few seconds. After that, the computer deems the task complete and frees up memory.

How would you benefit from spooling?

This prevents tiny printing jobs from becoming spooling behind larger ones, which take much longer. Print jobs that have completed spooling may be prioritized above those that are still spooling.

Spooling also avoids splitting, which occurs when the printer produces one or more pages of one job. The computer software sends each page to the printer individually; spooling the print jobs as a single job eliminates this.

Spooling print jobs: How to perform it?

In Windows, you may verify that your print jobs are spooling by following the steps below. To begin, go to system settings and double-click the printer icon.

Select “Properties” and then “Advanced.” Among the various options is the option to print quicker.

5. Inquire about hardware solutions

If the software is working properly, the issue may be with the hardware. Here are some suggestions for resolving sluggish printing problems.

6. Make sure the cables are working

Examine the network cables for damage. You may need to change them to improve the speed of some operations, such as printing.

Additionally, your printer may be having issues with an outdated cord. Remove it and place an order for a replacement; this may assist in restoring your printer’s regular speed.

7. Buy a separate hard drive for spooling

Having a separate hard drive for spooling may be beneficial in certain cases, particularly if your printer network is heavily used. Utilize a solid-state drive (SSD) wherever feasible, since they are quicker than conventional hard drives.

8. Improve your ram performance

If your computer is running slowly for reasons other than printing, it may be time to upgrade its RAM. This increases the processing capacity available to your computer for print jobs and other activities. You may even want to update your CPU to handle greater loads.

9. Switch switch to a model with distributed servers

Many companies rely on a central print server. All your problems may stem from this.

A distributed server strategy is preferable here. It reduces network traffic and resolves printing problems. Eliminating print servers may solve remaining issues. Notify the IT department or the person in charge if a problem arises. So they’ll know what issues a distributed server design could address.

10. Ensure That Your Printer’s Settings Are Correct

Selecting particular paper types and the Best quality option may cause your printing operations to slow down. We suggest printing on Plain Paper in Draft or Normal mode:

• Navigate to the Printers & Scanners window on your PC.
• Locate your printer in the list, right-click it, and choose Manage.
• Select Preferences for Printing.
• To access the Paper/Quality or Paper tab, click on it.
• In the Paper Type or Type box, choose Plain Paper.

To change the printer’s print quality, on the settings, choose Standard (for Laser printers) or Normal or Draft (for other printers such as LaserJet and Inkjet printers).

11. Seek the assistance of a printer technician

Carry out this procedure after confirming with IT that the network is not the issue. It will help your business save time and money. Additionally, you’ll have your printer repaired quicker since you won’t have to wait hours for a technician to come.

If a service call is your final resort, it’s worth a shot. The technician may discover an undiscovered reason and correct it appropriately.

To get further clarification on printer printing slowly, you can contact Epson printer support.

Conclusion

If you happen to come across the issue of printer printing slow, then don’t panic as it is a common issue. The issue can be caused due to various reasons. These issues include outdated drivers, multiple requests for printing, defective cables, slow Ram, any server issue, and so on. The problems can be fixed by checking out various techniques provided. In case still, if the problem persists, you can contact us.