Resolve Epson Printer in Error State on Windows 10
When Windows 10 reports “printer in error state” for an Epson device, it means Windows cannot complete a print handoff. The printer may be paused by a real hardware issue (jam, ink fault, cover open) or Windows may be pointing at the wrong port or a stalled spooler. Because the message is generic, the quickest fix is to follow a strict order: clear printer‑side errors first, then reset Windows printing, then repair drivers and ports.
1) Check the Epson Panel for Specific Errors
Look at the printer screen or LEDs. Clear any paper jams, cartridge warnings, or cover‑open messages. Remove scraps from the paper path, reseat ink tanks, and make sure the carriage moves freely. If the printer can copy a page, the hardware is likely fine and Windows is the problem.
2) Power Reset the Printer
Turn the printer off, unplug it for 60 seconds, then plug it into a wall outlet and turn it on. Wait until it reaches an idle “ready” state before sending a new job.
3) Clear the Windows Print Queue
Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select your Epson printer, and open the queue. Cancel all jobs. A stuck job can keep the device in error state indefinitely.
4) Restart the Print Spooler
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Print Spooler, right‑click, and choose Restart. After restart, try printing a simple test page.
5) Verify the Correct Port/IP
Network Epson printers often throw error state after an IP change. Print a network status sheet from the Epson panel and note the IP. Then open Printer properties > Ports and select the port matching that IP. If Windows shows a WSD port or old IP, add a new Standard TCP/IP Port and select it.
6) Run Epson Printer Connection Checker
Epson’s Connection Checker can confirm whether Windows sees the printer on the network. If the tool cannot find the printer, reconnect Wi‑Fi or Ethernet first. If it finds the printer but Windows still errors, the driver installation is likely corrupted.
7) Reinstall Epson Drivers (Clean Install)
Remove the printer from Windows, uninstall Epson software from Apps, reboot, then install the latest driver/utility combo from Epson’s support page. Avoid relying on Windows inbox drivers for older models—they can misreport status and omit maintenance services.
7a) Remove Duplicate or Hidden Epson Entries
If Windows has multiple Epson devices listed (USB, WSD, old network copies), it can send jobs to the wrong one and report an error state. In Printers & scanners, remove every old Epson entry you don’t use. Then open Print Server Properties > Drivers and remove Epson drivers you no longer need. Reboot and re‑add the printer once with the fresh driver package.\n
8) Check Firewall and VPN
Third‑party firewalls can block Epson status/print services, causing Windows to think the printer is in error. Temporarily disable security suites and VPN, then retry. Once printing works, allow Epson services through the firewall on private networks.
9) Paper Feed and Ink Conditions
Some Epson printers enter an error state if paper feed sensors detect a mismatch. Confirm the tray is loaded with the correct size and guides are snug. Use fresh, dry paper. For ink errors, reseat cartridges or top up EcoTank reservoirs. Run a nozzle check to make sure ink is flowing; severe clogs can also prevent printing and trigger errors.
10) Firmware and Software Updates
Open Epson Software Updater and apply recommended updates for your model. Firmware updates can improve Wi‑Fi stability and fix error‑state loops. Do not interrupt the printer during a firmware update.
10a) Reset the Windows Printing System
If Error State continues after driver reinstall, reset Windows printing: stop the Print Spooler, delete contents of C:\\Windows\\System32\\spool\\PRINTERS, restart the spooler, then re‑add the printer. This clears corrupt spool files that can keep Windows stuck in an error state.\n
11) USB Test to Isolate the Issue
Connect the printer via USB and print a test page. If USB printing works, the hardware is fine and the error state is network‑port related. Focus on IP reservations, router isolation settings, and selecting the correct TCP/IP port.
12) Prevent Future Error States
Reserve a DHCP address for the printer so the IP stays constant. Keep the printer on a strong 2.4 GHz signal, not a guest SSID. Clear queues instead of resending the same job repeatedly. Print something weekly to prevent ink clogs from turning into hard errors.
Quick Checklist
- Clear panel errors and do a power reset.
- Cancel queued jobs and restart Print Spooler.
- Select the correct IP port (avoid WSD).
- Run Epson Connection Checker and reinstall drivers if needed.
- Disable VPN/firewalls temporarily and update firmware.
- Reserve IP and maintain paper/ink for stability.
Following these steps resolves most Epson “printer in error state” messages in Windows 10 without replacing hardware.