Sharp Printer in Error State? Quick Fix Guide (2026)

Is your Sharp printer showing an “Error State” message and refusing to print? This frustrating issue can occur on both USB and network-connected Sharp printers, preventing print jobs from starting even though the printer appears powered on.

A Sharp printer in error state is usually caused by communication problems between the printer and your computer. Outdated drivers, print spooler errors, paper jams, toner problems, network issues, or temporary firmware glitches are the most common causes.

Fortunately, most Sharp printer error state problems can be resolved in just a few minutes using the troubleshooting steps below.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

• Printer in Error State message
• Print jobs remain pending
• Printer appears offline
• Windows cannot communicate with the printer
• Printer stops responding
• Error light flashing
• Scanner works but printing doesn’t
• Unable to print test pages

Fix 1: Restart the Printer and Computer

Temporary software glitches are one of the most common causes.

Steps:

1. Turn off the Sharp printer.
2. Shut down your computer.
3. Wait one minute.
4. Turn the printer back on.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Print a test page.

Fix 2: Check the Printer Connection

For USB printers:

• Disconnect the USB cable.
• Connect it securely.
• Try another USB port.

For wireless printers:

• Verify the printer is connected to WiFi.
• Confirm both devices are on the same network.
• Restart your router if necessary.

Related guide:

Sharp Printer WiFi Setup Guide (Windows, Mac & Mobile) (Internal Link)

Fix 3: Make Sure the Printer Is Online

In Windows:

1. Open Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your Sharp printer.
3. Open the print queue.
4. Click Printer.
5. Disable Use Printer Offline if it’s enabled.

Then try printing again.

Fix 4: Check for Paper Jams

Paper jams often trigger an Error State.

Inspect:

• Input tray
• Output tray
• Rear access panel
• Duplex unit
• Paper path

Remove any jammed or torn paper carefully.

Related guide:

Sharp Printer Paper Jam? Step-by-Step Fix Guide (Internal Link)

Fix 5: Inspect the Toner Cartridge

A faulty or improperly installed toner cartridge can place the printer into an error state.

Check for:

• Low toner
• Toner not recognised
• Loose installation
• Damaged cartridge

Reinstall or replace the toner if necessary.

Fix 6: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler manages communication between Windows and your printer.

To restart it:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Locate Print Spooler.
4. Right-click it.
5. Select Restart.

Then send a new print job.

Fix 7: Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

Corrupted drivers frequently trigger the Error State message.

Download and install the latest Sharp printer driver.

If necessary:

• Remove the old driver.
• Restart your computer.
• Install the latest version.
• Add the printer again.

Related guide:

Sharp Printer Driver Unavailable? Fix Driver Problems Fast (Internal Link)

Fix 8: Clear the Print Queue

A corrupted print job may prevent new documents from printing.

Open the print queue.

Delete:

• Failed print jobs
• Pending documents
• Stuck print jobs

Restart the printer afterwards.

Fix 9: Update Printer Firmware

Firmware updates improve:

• Hardware communication
• Driver compatibility
• Error handling
• Overall printer stability

Install the latest firmware recommended for your Sharp printer model.

Fix 10: Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooting tool.

Go to:

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other Troubleshooters → Printer

Run the troubleshooter and apply any recommended fixes automatically.

How to Prevent Sharp Printer Error State

Keep Drivers Updated

Install the latest Sharp printer driver whenever updates become available.

Keep Firmware Current

Firmware updates resolve known bugs and improve reliability.

Use Genuine Sharp Toner

Original toner cartridges reduce recognition and communication issues.

Clear Print Jobs Regularly

Remove failed print jobs before they accumulate.

Maintain Stable Network Connections

Use a reliable WiFi signal or high-quality USB cable to minimise communication failures.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Regular cleaning and inspections help prevent hardware-related errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Sharp printer say “Printer in Error State”?

This usually happens because of driver issues, paper jams, toner problems, connection failures, or print spooler errors.

Can outdated drivers cause the Error State?

Yes. Corrupted or outdated printer drivers are one of the most common causes.

Why is my Sharp printer online but still in error state?

The printer may have internal hardware errors, print queue problems, firmware issues, or communication failures that require troubleshooting.

Can a paper jam trigger an Error State?

Yes. Even a small piece of paper left inside the printer can generate this error.

Should I reinstall the printer?

Yes. If updating the driver doesn’t help, removing and reinstalling the printer often resolves persistent Error State issues.

Related Guides

Continue troubleshooting with these Sharp printer resources:

• Sharp Printer Not Printing?
• Sharp Printer Offline?
• Sharp Printer Driver Unavailable?
• Sharp Printer Connected But Not Printing?
• Sharp Printer WiFi Setup Guide.
• Sharp Printer Paper Jam?
• Sharp Printer Print Queue Stuck?

Final Thoughts

A Sharp printer in error state is typically caused by driver issues, communication failures, paper jams, toner problems, or print spooler errors rather than a major hardware fault. By restarting the printer, checking connections, clearing paper jams, updating drivers, restarting the Print Spooler, and installing the latest firmware, you can resolve most Error State problems quickly.

If the issue persists after following these troubleshooting steps, continue with the related Sharp printer guides above for detailed help with offline errors, WiFi setup, print queues, paper jams, and other common Sharp printer troubleshooting topics. Regular maintenance, updated software, and genuine Sharp consumables will help keep your printer operating reliably.