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How to Align Print Cartridges in Windows 10
Cartridge alignment is necessary for bidirectional printing
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Aligning printer cartridges are necessary when you have installed new cartridges or if theprinterhas not been in use for quite some time.
Typical symptoms when you know there is something wrong with the cartridge alignment are when the print output is showing jagged lines or if the print isn’t perfect, particularly along the edges.
Can I align print cartridges?
Fortunately, setting things right here is easy as a few simple steps are all that you need to ensure the print quality is spot on the next time you print any pages.
However, while the basic steps are the same for almost allprinters, there might be a few steps unique for each printer brand.
Here are the steps we have mentioned for some of the most used printer brands named HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers.
Before we begin, you will also do well to ensure you have the updated printer software for the particular model installed on your PC instead of relying solely on the one that Windows 10 comes with.
What happens if a printer does not have aligned print cartridges?
A printer that has alignment problems will not print papers accurately. Images and text can print at an angle or they may not print at all. A printer can become misaligned if there is any paper stuck in the device, improper installation of cartridges, and using low-quality cartridges.
Furthermore, a printer can become misaligned after the device completes a large print job.
The printer software generally comes included with the means to align print cartridges though mentioned below are the more general ways of doing the same and are equally effective as well in achieving the desired result.
How do I align print cartridges in Windows 10?
1. Align print cartridges for HP printers
Aligning print cartridges for a HP printer can be done via the built-in HP Printer Assistant. You need to manually configure it to do the job.
The process will also require printing of a test page, so ensure the printer is ready and that the tray is properly fed with enough paper. Also, in extreme cases, you might have to perform the alignment process a few times until the print of optimum quality is achieved.
Moreover, the manual process will involve printing of test pages comprising of horizontal or vertical lines or a combo of both. You will then be required to enter the number of lines as is required for the system to align the print heads accordingly.
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Launch theHPPrinterAssistantsoftware, or launch the app for theprinterinstalled on your device.
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SelectPrint & Scanand click onMaintain YourPrinterunder thePrintsection.
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This will launch theToolboxwindows that applies to your printer.
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In theToolboxwindows, selectDevice Services. Here you will find the list of options needed for printer maintenance.
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Click onAlign Ink Cartridgesand follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process.
2. For Canon printers
As has been stated earlier, there is going to be a test page with several patterns printed. You will then be required to count the vertical or horizontal lines or both and enter the best combination in another window that shows up.
The software is going to make adjustments to the settings using the info you have provided.
3. Align cartridges for an Epson printer
4. For Brother printers
If you are encounteringBrother printer scanning issues, check out our dedicated article.
Also, as stated above, there are going to be test pages printed and you will have to make the right input based on the test page print to align the print cartridge accordingly.
So there you have it, quite a comprehensive guide to get your cartridges aligned for some of the most well-knownprinterson Windows 10 PCs.
More about the topics:Printer Errors,Windows 10 Guides
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
