How to Print a Test Page on Windows 11

Windows 11 makes it easy to print a test page — but Microsoft moved the option to a new location compared to Windows 10. This guide shows you three methods to print a test page on Windows 11, from the simplest Settings approach to the advanced Command Prompt method.

Method 1: Print Test Page from Windows 11 Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most common method. Windows 11 redesigned the Settings app, so the location is different from Windows 10.

1. Open Settings — Click the Start button and select ⚙️ Settings, or press Windows + I
2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices — Click "Bluetooth & Devices" in the left sidebar
3. Click Printers & Scanners — You'll see a list of all installed printers
4. Select your printer — Click on the printer you want to test
5. Click "Print a test page" — You'll find this button in the printer details
6. Wait for the test page — The page prints within 15-30 seconds

Method 2: Print Test Page from Control Panel (Classic Method)

If you prefer the old-style interface or can't find the option in Settings, the classic Control Panel method still works in Windows 11.

1. Open Control Panel — Press Windows + R, type control, press Enter
2. Navigate to Devices — Click "Hardware and Sound" → "Devices and Printers"
3. Right-click your printer — Find your printer icon in the list
4. Select "Printer Properties" — (Not "Properties" — there are two similar options)
5. Click "Print Test Page" — On the General tab, click the button at the bottom

Method 3: Print Test Page from Command Prompt / PowerShell

For advanced users, IT professionals, or when you need to script test page printing across multiple printers:

Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start → Terminal (Admin))
2. Type the following command, replacing the printer name with yours:

Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. First, list your printers:

Then print a test page by sending a sample document to the printer:

Method 4: Use Our Free Online Test Page Tool

The built-in Windows test page only provides basic information. For a comprehensive printer diagnostic, use our free online tools:

Troubleshooting: Test Page Won't Print on Windows 11

If your test page fails to print, try these fixes in order:

Fix 1: Restart the Print Spooler Service

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter
2. Scroll down to find "Print Spooler"
3. Right-click it → select "Restart"
4. Try printing the test page again

Fix 2: Clear the Print Queue

1. Stop the Print Spooler service (right-click → Stop)
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
3. Delete all files in this folder
4. Restart the Print Spooler service

Fix 3: Remove and Re-add the Printer

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners
2. Click on the problematic printer
3. Click "Remove"
4. Click "Add device" at the top to re-add it

Fix 4: Update Printer Driver

1. Visit your printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Epson, etc.)
2. Download the latest driver for your specific model
3. Install the driver and restart your computer
4. Try printing the test page again