FIX: The printer requires your attention error

⇒ Download DriverFix

2. Print website pages with an alternative browser

Some have found that The printer requires your attention error only occurs when printing with a specific browser.

So if you’re getting the error when printing website pages with a browser, open and print the pages in alternative browsers instead.

In addition to Firefox, Google Chrome and IE, another browser solution is often forgotten with which you can print pages without any error: Opera offers comfort functions like no other program.

To further improve your printing experience in Opera, you can also install a dedicated Print addon that offers you additional printing options, and you can print webpages with only one click.

If you don’t want to install any addons, you can simply set a custom keyboard shortcut to print without preview.

Apart from that, Opera offers all basic functions of a modern browser and enhances them with useful extras.

Opera

Opera is a great web browser that helps you to save and print your favorite web pages with only one click.

3. Run the troubleshooter

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.
   
3. Choose Troubleshoot from the menu.
4. Select Printer and click Run the troubleshooter.
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.

Note: The Windows 10 Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help you to troubleshoot various software or hardware issues with your computer.

4. Disable protected mode in Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click Tools and select Internet options.
3. Go to Security, and deselect Enable Protected Mode.
4. Press the Apply and OK buttons.
5. Close IE, right-click the browser icon and select Run as administrator.

Note: Protected Mode is a feature of IE that protects your computer from malicious software. Sometimes, it can interfere in the wrong way with the printer software.

5. Install the latest updates

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows +I keys.
2. Go to the Update & Security section.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Restart your PC.

Note: Windows 10 updates can bring new features to your system or solve numerous bugs or security leaches. That is why it is important to have your OS up to date.

6. Restart the Print Spooler service

1. Press Windows Key + R.
2. Type services.msc. and click OK.
3. Locate the Print Spooler service.
4. Choose Restart from the menu.

Note: This service spools print jobs and handle interaction with the printer. Sometimes it does not work correctly anymore and you have to restart it.

7. Assign a static IP address to your printer

According to users, The printer requires your attention message can appear if you’re using a network printer. To fix this problem, users are suggesting to delete your printer and install it again.

In addition to reinstalling your printer, be sure to assign a static IP address to it. Several users reported that this solution worked for them, so be sure to try it out.

8. Check the ink levels

In several instances users reported that The printer requires your attention was caused by low ink level.

If you suspect that your ink levels are the problem, be sure to remove the ink cartridges and shake them a bit.

After doing that, the issue should be at least temporarily resolved. If you want a permanent solution, you might want to replace your cartridges.

9. Make sure that your printer is properly installed

Sometimes The printer requires your attention message can appear if the printer isn’t properly installed.

To make sure that everything is working properly, be sure to reinstall your printer properly and follow every step.

Even if you use a wireless printer, be sure to follow the most basic steps such as connecting the printer to your PC if required. Sometimes the minor steps can make a difference, so be sure to follow them all.

We have listed all the possible solutions to help you to resolve this printer error in Windows.

Follow each of these steps, and let us know which one worked best for you by leaving a message in the comments section below.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2017 and was revamped and updated in February 2021 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.