This can happen if the printer sat unused and the nozzles dried, or if a cartridge isn’t feeding ink properly. It can also start right after changing ink if a protective tape/seal is still blocking the ink outlet. A printer self-test or nozzle check is the safest way to separate “computer” issues from “printer/ink” issues. Start with simple, reversible checks before deep cleaning cycles.

Sometimes a driver change can affect how documents print, especially PDFs. But if the printer’s own test page is blank, the update is usually not the main cause. If the test page prints fine but documents are blank, then settings and the driver become more likely. A quick comparison print from another app can help narrow it down.

If the printer feeds paper but its self-test/nozzle check is blank, the issue is usually ink flow, cartridge seating, or a printhead/nozzle problem. If the self-test looks normal but computer prints are blank, it’s more likely a driver or app issue. Error lights or “cartridge not recognized” messages also point toward consumables. Avoid assuming the printer is “dead” until these checks are done.

In many cases, yes. Tape removal, reseating cartridges, and one normal cleaning cycle often restore printing. If off-brand cartridges are involved, a simple comparison test with a known-good cartridge can save a lot of guesswork. Service is more likely only if repeated self-tests stay blank after careful checks. The goal is to diagnose first and avoid wasting ink or money.