While “Port in use, please wait” error message is known to be associated with USB connected Printers, it can also appear while trying to print to a network or wireless printer attached to a Windows computer.
In the case of a wireless printer, the same printer works perfectly well and does not come up with “Port in use” error message, when the print command is issued from an iPhone or an Android phone.
Fix Port in use, please wait Printer error
Since, the Printer is able to accept print commands from a mobile device, it narrows down the problem to the computer being unable to communicate with the printer.
Hence, the first step would be to restart both the computer and the printer to rule out the possibility of the problem being caused due to a glitch or stuck process in any of the two devices.
1. Check Printer Connection
Make sure that the USB Printer is properly connected to the USB Port of the computer.
If you are using a wireless printer, take a look at the wireless button or Icon on the printer and make sure it is switched ON (usually Blue) and not switched-off or flickering.
2. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
The next step would be to see if the built-in “Printer Troubleshooter” as available on a Windows computer can help in fixing this problem.
1. Go to Settings > System > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Troubleshoot.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on Other troubleshooters.
3. On Other Troubleshooters screen, click on the Run option in the Printer tab.
Follow the onscreen instructions as the Troubleshooter tries to find and fix printing problems on your computer.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > click on Run the Troubleshooter button.
3. Set Correct Printer Port
The problem could be due to the right type of Printer Port not being assigned for the printer.
In this regard, you can refer to the User Manual that came with your Printer and it should mention the type of Port required or supported by the Printer.
1. Type Printer in the search bar and click on Printers & Scanners in the search results.
2. On Printers & Scanners screen, locate your printer and click on it > on the next screen, click on Printer Properties tab.
3. On Printer Properties screen, switch to Ports tab and make sure that the selected printer port type matches the connection that is currently in use.
Note: If the printer uses a USB connection, the Port will have a USB in its name & description. Similarly, if the printer is using a network connection, it will have Network or IP in its name/description.
4. Update Printer Device Driver
Printer Problems can also be caused due to the Printer device driver software being incompatible with the version of Windows running on your computer.
1. Right-click on Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Printers Entry > Right-click on the Printer Name and select Update Driver option.
Hopefully, one of the above methods should help in fixing the “Port In Use” error on your computer.