Xerox Printer Troubleshooting Guide

Xerox Printer Not Connecting? How to Troubleshoot Network, Port, and Driver Issues

Last reviewed: May 2026  |  Reviewed by: Benchmark Office Systems technical support team

If your Xerox printer is not connecting, showing as offline, printing slowly, or only printing sometimes, the issue is usually tied to one of three areas: the network connection, the Windows printer port, or the printer driver. This guide walks through the most common checks for Xerox network printers and multifunction devices used with Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.

Please note: Not all Xerox machines look exactly the same, and some menu paths vary by model. Windows 10 and Windows 11 screens may also look slightly different. Some steps may require administrator access. If your organization uses managed network settings, a print server, or IT-controlled addressing, some network changes should be handled by your IT team.

Quick Answer: What Should You Check First?

Best first fix: Enter the printer’s IP address into a web browser. If the printer page opens, the device is reachable on the network. Then check the Windows printer port and confirm it uses the printer’s IP address, not the computer’s IP address. If the port is wrong or uses WSD, switch to a Standard TCP/IP port using the printer’s current IP address.

If the printer’s IP address does not open in a browser, focus on the network first. The issue may involve the Ethernet connection, Wi-Fi network, subnet, print server, or other LAN communication settings.

Symptoms This Guide Covers

This guide may help if you are seeing any of the following issues:

  • The Xerox printer will not print.
  • The printer shows as offline in Windows.
  • Printing takes a long time.
  • You have to restart the print job before it prints.
  • The printer only prints sometimes.
  • The printer does not print the full document.
  • The printer is reachable sometimes but not consistently.
  • The printer works for one computer but not another.

One Computer or Multiple Computers?

Before changing drivers or printer settings, determine whether the problem affects one computer or multiple users. That usually points you toward the right starting point.

If This Is Happening Likely Issue What To Check First
One computer cannot print Windows printer port, driver, application setting, permissions, or workstation issue Printer port and Xerox driver on that computer
Multiple computers cannot print Printer network connection, IP address, print server, or LAN issue Printer reachability, IP settings, and network connection
A Windows test page prints, but one application fails Application-specific print setting or file issue Application printer selection and print settings
The printer IP page will not open in a browser Network or LAN communication issue Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi network, subnet, gateway, or IT-managed network settings
The printer keeps showing offline Wrong IP address, WSD port issue, driver problem, or changed network address Standard TCP/IP port using the printer’s current IP address

Which Products Would This Apply To?

This troubleshooting guide may apply to many Xerox network printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that are installed on Windows 10 or Windows 11 computers. It is especially relevant for Xerox devices that connect through an office network using an IP address, whether the device is connected by Ethernet or wireless.

This guide most often applies to Xerox AltaLink®, VersaLink®, B-Series, C-Series, and PrimeLink® network printers and multifunction devices.

View applicable Xerox printer and copier models

Not every Xerox model uses the exact same menu layout, driver package, or control panel path. If your printer is managed by an IT provider, print server, or company-wide network policy, confirm with your IT team before changing IP address settings, ports, or drivers.

Before You Start

Before making changes, gather the following information:

  • The printer’s current IP address
  • Whether the printer is connected by Ethernet or wireless
  • Whether the problem affects one computer or multiple computers
  • Whether the printer can be reached in a web browser
  • Whether you have administrator access on the Windows computer
  • Any error messages shown on the printer display or computer screen

If the issue affects multiple users, the problem is more likely related to the printer’s network connection, printer configuration, or device-side settings. If the issue affects only one computer, the problem is more likely related to that computer’s printer port, driver, Windows settings, or application settings.

Step 1: Check Basic Network Connectivity

Start by checking whether the printer is reachable on the network. Open a web browser on the computer and enter the printer’s IP address in the address bar.

If the printer’s embedded web server or CentreWare Internet Services page opens, the printer is reachable on the network. If the page does not open, continue with the network checks below.

Screenshot recommendation: Add a simple screenshot here showing the printer IP address entered into a browser address bar and, if possible, the Xerox embedded web server page. The client guide did not include this specific screenshot, so this is marked as an optional image placeholder for final production.

Optional image placeholder: Browser address bar showing http://[printer-ip-address] or https://[printer-ip-address], followed by the Xerox embedded web page.

If the Printer Cannot Be Reached in a Browser

  • Check the Ethernet connection on the back of the machine.
  • Confirm that the network link lights are on.
  • If using a wired connection, check the cable and network hardware.
  • If using wireless, confirm the computer is on the same network as the printer.
  • If the computer is on the wrong network, switch it to the correct one.
  • If the printer is on a guest or isolated wireless network, it may not communicate properly with user devices.

If the printer is not reachable at all, the issue is more likely a network or LAN communication problem than a driver problem. At that point, it may make sense to involve your IT team before continuing.

Step 2: Confirm the Printer Has a Valid Network Configuration

If the printer is on the network but still not connecting properly, confirm the printer’s IP address, gateway, and subnet information.

For Xerox AltaLink® Models

Log in as admin at the printer control panel and go to:

Device > Tools > Network > TCP/IP Settings > Dynamic Addressing

For Xerox VersaLink® Models

Log in as admin at the printer control panel and go to:

Device > Connectivity > Ethernet > IPv4

Review the printer’s IP address, gateway, and subnet information. If the printer shows an IP address of 0.0.0.0, the device is not properly connected to the network. A self-assigned address, such as a 169.254.x.x address, or an address on the wrong subnet may also indicate a network configuration issue.

Important: Do not change a static IP address, DHCP setting, reservation, gateway, or subnet configuration unless you know how your organization manages network addressing. If your site uses IT-managed addressing, print servers, or documented network policies, treat these changes as IT-approved steps.

Step 3: Validate the Printer Port in Windows

If the printer is reachable on the network but Windows still shows an error or offline status, the next step is to check the printer port.

  1. Search for Printers & scanners in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Select the Xerox printer that is having the issue.
  3. In Windows 10, choose Manage if needed.
  4. Open Printer properties.
  5. Select the Ports tab.
  6. Review the selected port.
  7. Select Configure Port.
  8. In the field labeled Printer Name or IP Address, enter the printer’s IP address.
  9. Apply the change and print a test page.

Key point: Use the printer’s IP address, not the computer’s IP address. Entering the computer’s IP address in the printer port field will not direct jobs to the printer.

If the printer is using a WSD port, consider creating or switching to a Standard TCP/IP Port using the printer’s IP address. WSD ports can work in some environments, but they can also contribute to recurring offline behavior.

Show Windows printer port screenshots

Use these screenshots to help users locate the Windows screens referenced above. Windows 10 and Windows 11 may look slightly different.

Windows search menu showing Printers and scanners search result
Search for “Printers & scanners” from the Windows search bar.
Windows Printers and scanners list showing installed Xerox printers
Open Printers & scanners and select the Xerox device that is having the connection issue.
Windows printer management screen with printer options
Open the selected printer’s management options.
Windows printer properties dialog for a Xerox printer
Open Printer properties for the affected Xerox printer.
Windows printer properties Ports tab showing the selected printer port
Use the Ports tab to check whether Windows is sending print jobs to the correct Xerox printer IP address.
Configure Standard TCP IP Port dialog with Printer Name or IP Address field
In the Printer Name or IP Address field, enter the Xerox printer’s IP address, not the computer’s IP address.

Step 4: Check Whether the Issue Is Application-Specific

If the printer can print a Windows test page but the user still cannot print normally, check whether the issue is limited to one program.

Try the following:

  • Print a Windows test page.
  • Print from a different application.
  • Confirm the correct printer is selected in the program.
  • Close and reopen the original application before testing again.

If the printer works from one program but not another, the printer may not be the root cause. The issue may be tied to the application, file type, print settings, or user profile.

Step 5: Reinstall or Update the Printer Driver

If the port is correct and the printer is still not working properly, remove and reinstall the printer using a Xerox-supported driver package.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Devices or Bluetooth & devices, depending on your Windows version.
  3. Open Printers & scanners.
  4. Select the Xerox device that is having issues.
  5. Choose Remove device.
  6. Confirm the removal.
  7. Search online for Xerox [model number] driver.
  8. Make sure the driver source is directly from Xerox.
Show remove-and-download screenshots
Windows Start menu with Settings option selected
Open Windows Settings from the Start menu.
Windows Settings screen showing Devices option
Open Devices or Bluetooth & devices, depending on your Windows version.
Windows Devices settings with Printers and scanners selected
Open Printers & scanners in Windows settings.
Windows Printers and scanners screen showing installed printer list
Find the affected Xerox printer in the installed printers list.
Windows printer options showing Remove device button
Select Remove device for the Xerox printer that is having issues.
Windows confirmation dialog asking whether to remove the device
Confirm that you want to remove the printer from Windows.
Search result for Xerox Drivers and Downloads page
Search for the Xerox driver by model number and confirm that the source is Xerox.
Xerox driver download page showing operating platform filter
Use the Xerox support site filters to select the correct operating platform.

Option A: Use Xerox Smart Start

Xerox Smart Start is worth including because it gives customers and support staff a guided driver-installation path rather than forcing them directly into a manual driver installation. It is especially useful when the customer needs the Xerox Print and Scan Experience app or when a straightforward guided install is preferred.

  1. Download Xerox Smart Start – Driver Installer directly from Xerox.
  2. Agree to the terms and download the installer.
  3. Run the downloaded .exe file.
  4. Follow the installation prompts. The installer can guide the printer installation and provide the option to add the Xerox Print and Scan Experience app.
  5. If the printer does not automatically appear, choose Don’t See Your Printer?.
  6. Enter the Xerox printer’s IP address and use Advanced Search.
  7. Continue through the wizard and print a test page when installation is complete.

When Smart Start may not be enough: If the installer cannot find the printer, if the customer requires specific finishing, accounting, or model-specific features, or if IT requires a controlled TCP/IP installation, use the manual driver method below.

Show Xerox Smart Start screenshots
Xerox Smart Start Driver Installer download screen
Download Xerox Smart Start from Xerox after agreeing to the terms and conditions.
Xerox Smart Start printer list screen
If the printer does not appear automatically, choose Don’t See Your Printer?

Option B: Use Xerox Global Print Driver or a Model-Specific Driver

This option is appropriate when Smart Start is not the best fit, when automatic discovery is unreliable, or when the customer needs a more controlled driver selection. The Xerox Global Print Driver can be a useful fallback in some environments, but it is not always the best option when customers rely on model-specific features. If the device has finishing options, advanced scanning features, accounting settings, or other special functions, a model-specific driver may be the better choice.

Do not assume PostScript is the right default for every office. Choose the driver package based on the device, operating system, print environment, and features the customer needs.

Step 6: Add the Printer Manually by IP Address

If automatic discovery is not working properly, or if you want a cleaner setup, add the printer manually by IP address.

  1. After downloading the Xerox driver, extract the driver files if needed.
  2. Return to Printers & scanners.
  3. Select Add printers & scanners.
  4. Choose The printer I want isn’t listed.
  5. Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
  6. Choose TCP/IP Device.
  7. Enter the printer’s IP address in the Hostname or IP address field.
  8. Let Windows auto-populate the port name.
  9. Do not check the box to query the printer and automatically select the driver.
  10. Continue to the next screen and choose Have Disk.
  11. Browse to the extracted Xerox driver files.
  12. Select the correct .inf file.
  13. When Windows returns to the driver selection screen, choose the correct driver package.
  14. If prompted to keep or replace an existing driver, choose the correct option based on whether you are reinstalling the same driver or using a newer one.
  15. Name the printer something the customer will recognize.
  16. When prompted for printer sharing, choose Do not share this printer unless the customer’s IT team specifically manages printer sharing through that workstation.

Driver selection note: Do not simply select the first driver option unless you know it is correct. Choose the driver package that matches the Xerox device and the customer’s operating system.

Show manual TCP/IP printer installation screenshots
Xerox Global Print Driver download screen
Download the Xerox Global Print Driver or the appropriate model-specific Xerox driver.
Xerox driver page showing PostScript and PCL driver package choices
Select the driver package appropriate for the device, operating system, and print environment.
Windows File Explorer context menu showing Extract All for Xerox driver files
Extract the downloaded Xerox driver files before using Have Disk.
Windows Add printer screen showing The printer that I want is not listed
In Windows, choose The printer that I want is not listed.
Windows Add Printer wizard with Add a printer using an IP address or hostname selected
Choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
Windows Add Printer wizard showing TCP IP Device selection
Choose TCP/IP Device from the device type dropdown.
Windows Add Printer wizard showing Hostname or IP address field
Enter the Xerox printer’s IP address in the Hostname or IP address field.
Windows Add Printer driver selection screen with Have Disk option
Use Have Disk to select the Xerox driver files you downloaded.
Windows Install From Disk dialog with Browse button
Use Browse in the Install From Disk dialog.
Windows file browser showing Xerox driver INF file selection
Browse to the extracted Xerox driver folder and select the correct .inf file.
Windows Install From Disk dialog showing selected Xerox driver path
Confirm the Xerox driver path in the Install From Disk dialog.
Windows Add Printer wizard showing Xerox driver package selection
Choose the correct Xerox driver package from the driver list.
Windows dialog asking whether to use the existing driver or replace it
Choose whether to use the existing driver or replace it, based on the reinstall scenario.
Windows Add Printer wizard for typing a printer name
Enter a recognizable printer name for users.
Windows Add Printer installation progress screen
Allow Windows to complete the printer installation.
Windows Printer Sharing screen with Do not share this printer selected
Choose Do not share this printer unless IT manages printer sharing from that workstation.
Windows Add Printer completion screen with Print a test page button
Print a Windows test page after installation completes.

Step 7: Test the Fix

Once the printer has been reinstalled or the port has been corrected, print a Windows test page and confirm that it prints normally.

Then complete these final checks:

  • Close any programs that were previously having trouble printing.
  • Reopen the original application.
  • Retry the original print job.
  • Confirm that the full document prints.
  • Confirm that the printer no longer shows as offline.

Common Troubleshooting Notes

  • If the printer cannot be reached in a browser, focus on the network first.
  • If the printer is using a WSD port, switching to a Standard TCP/IP port is often the better fix.
  • If the printer prints a test page but fails in one application, check that application’s print settings.
  • If installation stalls, do not assume the driver package is bad right away. Permissions, spooler state, security software, or Windows driver-store issues may also be involved.
  • If multiple users are affected, the issue is more likely tied to the printer, network, or print server.
  • If only one user is affected, the issue is more likely tied to that workstation, driver, port, or application.

When to Contact Benchmark

Benchmark Office Systems supports Xerox printers, copiers, and multifunction devices for businesses across Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. If your Xerox device is online but still not printing correctly, our team can help review the driver, port, device settings, or network-related print behavior.

Contact Benchmark if:

  • You need help identifying the correct Xerox driver.
  • The printer port settings are confusing or inconsistent.
  • The printer is online but still behaves unpredictably.
  • You are unsure whether to use a model-specific driver or a fallback driver.
  • You want help reviewing device-side Xerox settings.
  • You need help with a Xerox printer, copier, or multifunction device supported by Benchmark.

Contact Benchmark for Xerox Printer Support

When to Contact Your IT Team

Contact your IT team if:

  • The printer is not reachable on the network at all.
  • The printer may need a new static IP address or subnet review.
  • The organization uses print servers or managed network policies.
  • Admin rights are restricted.
  • Network changes need to be approved, documented, or coordinated across multiple users.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xerox Printers Not Connecting

Why is my Xerox printer not connecting?

A Xerox printer may stop connecting because of a network communication issue, an incorrect Windows printer port, or a driver problem. Start by checking whether the printer’s IP address opens in a web browser. If it does, the printer is reachable on the network and the next step is to check the Windows printer port.

Why does my Xerox printer show as offline in Windows?

A Xerox printer can show as offline when Windows is using the wrong port, the printer’s IP address changed, the device is on the wrong network, or the driver is not communicating properly. WSD ports can also contribute to recurring offline behavior in some office environments.

What IP address should I enter for the printer port?

Enter the printer’s IP address, not the computer’s IP address. The printer port needs to point Windows to the Xerox device on the network.

Should I use a WSD port or a Standard TCP/IP port?

A Standard TCP/IP port using the printer’s IP address is often more reliable for office Xerox printers than a WSD port. If the printer repeatedly goes offline, checking or replacing the WSD port is a good troubleshooting step.

Should I reinstall the Xerox printer driver?

Reinstall the driver if the printer is reachable on the network and the Windows printer port is correct, but printing still fails. Use a Xerox-supported driver package and choose the driver that matches the device and the customer’s operating system.

Why does my Xerox printer work for one person but not another?

If the Xerox printer works for one user but not another, the issue is usually tied to the affected computer. Check that computer’s printer port, driver, application print settings, permissions, and selected default printer.

Why does my Xerox printer print a test page but not my document?

If the Windows test page prints but the original document does not, the issue may be application-specific. Confirm the correct printer is selected in the program, close and reopen the application, and test a different file if needed.

When should I call Benchmark instead of troubleshooting it myself?

Contact Benchmark if you need help identifying the correct Xerox driver, reviewing printer settings, correcting port issues, or deciding whether to use a model-specific driver or a fallback driver.

When should I contact my IT team?

Contact your IT team if the printer is not reachable on the network, if the organization uses print servers or managed network policies, or if network changes require approval.

Final Note

Not all Xerox printers and Windows computers display the same screens, but the same troubleshooting logic usually applies. Start with network reachability, then validate the Windows printer port, and only then move into driver reinstall or manual printer setup. If you are not sure which step fits your environment, Benchmark can help.

Need Help With a Xerox Printer That Still Will Not Connect?

If the printer is online but still not printing correctly, Benchmark can help review the printer port, driver, device settings, and network-related print behavior.

Request Xerox Printer Support

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