How to Print a Test Page on Your Windows PC (Finally figured it out myself)
This took way longer than it should’ve, but if you’re trying to print a test page and nothing happens, I get it. Sometimes it’s not so straightforward, especially with how Windows sorts things out differently across updates and brands. So here’s what finally worked for me, and hopefully it saves you a few hours of messing around.
Getting into the settings — it’s not always obvious
I started by pressing Windows key + I to open Settings. Sometimes it’s quick, other times you need to click around, but that shortcut usually does the trick. If not, right-click the Start button and select Settings. Once in, look for “Bluetooth & Devices”—which might seem odd since printers aren’t Bluetooth-only anymore, but oddly enough, this is where Windows tends to list many connected devices including printers. (Note: this label might differ depending on your Windows version—sometimes it’s under Devices > Printers & Scanners on older builds.)
Navigating to the printers section
Next, click on Printers & Scanners. It’s usually in the sidebar or under Devices. If you don’t see it, make sure your Windows is fully updated—outdated versions sometimes hide or omit these options. You should see a list of installed printers. If your printer isn’t listed, double-check your connections or driver installations. Sometimes it appears as “Offline” or under a quirky name, so keep an eye out.
Selecting your printer and finding the test page option
Click on your printer to view its details. On some setups, you’ll find a Manage button—this is often where the magic happens. Clicking Manage opens a menu where you might see options like Open queue or Printer Properties. If you’re lucky, there’s a Print Test Page button here. If not, you’ll want to head into Printer Properties.
To do that, right-click your printer in the list and select Printer Properties. Or, after clicking Manage, there’s typically an option to open Properties. Inside that window, go to the General tab and look for the Print Test Page button. Just click it — if all is well, your printer should kick into gear and produce a test sheet. Easy as!
Understanding the process and common pitfalls
This is where I got tripped up—sometimes, instead of a handy button, the driver might hide the test print option in specific menus, or the printer might be greyed out if Windows is struggling with connectivity. Also, ensure your printer is powered on and properly connected—whether via USB or Wi-Fi—and that the status icon says “Ready”.
Another common fix with network printers is disabling Bidirectional Support in the Ports tab of Printer Properties. This often resolves communication issues. I only figured this out after some trial and error. It’s under Ports > Check or Uncheck the box for Enable Bidirectional Support.
If it still won’t print — some troubleshooting tips
If clicking Print Test Page doesn’t do anything or gives you errors, try updating your driver. Download the latest from the printer manufacturer’s website. Sometimes, rebooting the printer itself and trying again helps fix stubborn glitches. Keep in mind that OEM printers can have slightly different driver menus, but the main idea remains: find your printer, go to Properties, and select the test page option.
Final tips and what to double-check
Basically, if it’s not printing, make sure:
- The printer is turned on and properly connected
- It’s set as your default printer (sometimes that’s all it takes)
- The driver is up to date
- No error lights or messages on the printer itself
- In Printer Properties, check the Port and consider disabling Bidirectional Support
Once I put all those pieces together, printing a test page felt like a small win. Windows can be a bit quirky about it, but once you know where to look, it’s not too bad.
Hope this helps — it took me way too long to figure all this out. Just keep in mind: check power, connections, and drivers if it’s acting up. And don’t forget to physically confirm the printer is printing once you send the command. Good luck, and I hope this saves you a weekend like it almost did for me.