Printing a test page in Windows is quite useful for several reasons. For example, you can verify the printer setup and connectivity, check the print quality, and use it as a troubleshooting step in case of unusual lines, incorrect colors, or smudges. Additionally, you can also run it as a regular maintenance task to make sure the ink doesn’t dry up or clog the print heads from prolonged periods of inactivity.
The test print contains the printer information, connection details, logos & other graphics, print patterns such as lines, grids, & other patterns for supported printers, color tests, text quality tests, and other diagnostic information. Since this feature is so useful, Windows makes it easy to print a test page. In this article, I will guide you through to steps on how to do this in Windows 10 & Windows 11. Let’s get started.
Print a Test Page in Windows 10
1. Press the “Start” button on the taskbar to open the Start menu.
2. Search for “Control Panel” and click the “Open” option.
3. Click on the “View Devices and Printers” option under the Hardware and Sound section in the Control Panel.
4. Under the Printers section, right-click on your printer icon and select “Printer Properties.”
5. Under the General tab, click the “Print Test Page” button.
6. The above action makes Windows send a test page to your printer. Click the “Close” button. Next, you will see a print preview window of your printer, click the “Print” button in it.
As soon as you do that, the printer prints the test page. The test page contains diagnostic information, pattern tests, color tests, text variation tests, and more. Once the test document is printed, analyze it closely to make sure everything is working as it should.
Print a Test Page in Windows 11
1. On Windows 11, use the “Windows key + I” shortcut to open Settings.
2. Go to the “Bluetooth & Devices” page and click on the “Printers & Scanners” option.
3. Now, click on the printer from which you want to print a test page.
4. Click the “Print Test Page” option.
5. Click the “Close” button if you see a print info dialog box. Next, click the “Print” button in the print preview window to start the test print job.
The test print contains various information such as printer info, diagnostic info, color tests, text tests, patterns, and more. Once done, look at the test print closely to make sure your printer is working properly.
Analyzing the Printed Test Page
Once you have the test page printed, here are a few basic things you can analyze to determine if the printer is working properly.
Streaks and Lines: If you notice streaks, lines, and smudges on the paper, it might be a problem with the printer head. To fix it, run a head cleaning cycle using your printer software.
Faded or uneven colors: If you notice the colors are faded or uneven, it might the time to replace one or more of your ink or toner cartridges.
Misaligned text or images: This indicates that the printer head is aligned improperly. You have to manually adjust the printer heads or run an alignment procedure suggested by your printer manufacturer.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, the printer prints the test page properly but nothing else. In that case, clear the print spooler and then try again. If that didn’t work, run printer troubleshooter as shown below.
Windows 10: Open Settings and go to the “Update & Security > Troubleshoot” page. Click on the “Additional Troubleshooters” option. Now, click on the Printer option to run the troubleshooter.
Windows 11: Open Settings and go to the “System > Troubleshoot” page. Click on “Other troubleshooters.” Press the “Run” button next to the “Printer” option to run the printer troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to narrow down the problem and fix it.
Wrapping Up — Printing Test Page in Windows 10 & 11
As you see, whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, printing a test page, regardless of which printer you are using, is a simple task. If you want to learn more about managing and controlling your printer, follow the link.
If you have any questions or comments, comment below. I will answer.
