Printer Says Documents Are Waiting Error: Top 5 Fixes

When your printer says that documents are waiting, the error means that the printer cannot print the next document in the queue. This error can happen if the printer is out of paper, jammed, or is offline. It can also be due to a missing or corrupted printer driver, a problem with the print queue, or a software conflict.

When the printer encounters an error, it usually displays a message on the printer control panel or the computer’s print queue. The message typically indicates the error nature and how to fix it. We will discuss five top fixes for this error. If you use an HP Laserjet P1108 Printer, see our article on how to install its driver correctly.

Quick Fixes

1. Ensure your printer has enough paper and toner to print the next document.
2.  If the printer is jammed, clear the jam using the printer’s instructions.
3.  Ensure that the printer is turned on and connected to the computer.
4.  Ensure you connect the printer to the computer properly. Ensure you securely plug in the USB cable to both the printer and the computer if you use one, or you connect the printer to the same network as the computer if you use a network connection.
5.  Restart the printer and PC to clear up minor glitches that may be causing the error.
6.  Clean the printer to remove dust and dirt that may accumulate inside the printer.
7.  Try printing another document.

1. Clear the Printer Spooler Files

Windows utilizes a print spooler to manage print jobs. Errors can occur when a print spooler is full, interrupting printing operations. If your printer says that documents are waiting, remove temporary print files, stop the print spooler service, and then restart the printer to clear the print spooler and resolve the error.

Here’s how to clean it and get things functioning again.

1. Press the Windows button, search for Services, and click the app to open it.
   
2. When in the Services window, scroll down to find Print Spooler and double-click it.
   
3. When the Properties window opens, open the General tab, check to see if the Service status is Running, and click Stop to stop it if it is running.
4. Then, click Apply and OK to save the changes.
   
5. Afterward, hold the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialog, enter %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers in the dialog box, and hit Enter.
   
6. If it is your first time opening the folder, click Continue to give permanent access to the folder on the prompt.
   
7. When the next screen opens, highlight and delete all the folder contents.
8. Then, return to Services and launch the Print Spooler Properties window as in step 2.
   
9. Under the General tab, click the Start button to rerun the Service status and ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
   
10. Finally, click Apply and OK to save the changes.

2. Perform printer driver update

A printer driver update installs the latest driver version for your computer. Drivers mediate between Windows and control devices, such as printers, allowing proper communication. Updating printer drivers fixes printer issues, like the error when the printer says that documents are waiting.

To update system drivers, use the following method:

1. Hold the Windows + X keys together and select Device Manager from the Quick Link menu.
   
2. When it opens, find and expand the Print queue and right-click the printer.
   
3. Then, select Update driver from the context menu.
   
4. Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

3. Remove and readd the printer

If the solutions above do not work, try re-adding your printer to your PC to clear unseen glitches. This solution helps when facing errors, like when a printer says documents are waiting without any end. Use the following steps to complete this solution:

1. Hold the Windows + I keys to open Settings, click Bluetooth & devices and click Printers & scanners.
   
2. Once the next screen opens, select your preferred printer.
   
3. Then, click on the Remove button.
   
4. Afterward, return and click Add device.
   
5. Allow the system to scan for the printer and click Add device when detected.

4. Run the Windows Printer troubleshooter

The Windows Printer troubleshooter is a tool that will scan your printer for issues and try to repair them automatically. If the troubleshooter doesn’t repair the issue, it will provide a report that will help with further troubleshooting. Run the Windows Printer troubleshooter with the following steps:

1. Press the Windows and I keys together to open the Settings menu.
   
2. Then, open the System option.
   
3. Now scroll down to find the Troubleshoot option and click to enter, then click on Other trouble-shooters.
   
4. When in the window, click the Run button next to Printer.
   
5. Use the following on-screen instructions to complete troubleshooting.
   

5. Check the printer status

Printer status is the current state of the printer, including its operational readiness and any errors that may be preventing it from printing. You can check it using the printer control panel, the computer’s print queue, or a printer management tool. Here is how to check it:

1. Hold the Windows + I keys to open Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, and click Printers & scanners.
   
2. Once the next screen opens, select your preferred printer.
   
3. Then, click the Open print queue option.
   
4. Finally, ensure you disable the Use Printer Offline option.
   

In conclusion, when the printer says documents are waiting endlessly without printing, the error can be due to several factors. However, our article contains five easy fixes that you can try to resolve the error and get your printer functioning again.

If you tried the above fixes and the error persists, you may contact the printer manufacturer for additional assistance. Additionally, avoid printing large or complex documents at peak times, use high-quality paper and toner, and keep the printer clean and free of dust and debris.