4 Simple Ways to Check Printer Ink Levels in Windows

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Learn ways to see if your printer is out of ink
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If certain colors in your print jobs aren't printing correctly, you're probably low on ink. Most modern printers allow you to keep track of your ink levels from your computer using the manufacturer's printing app while others have indicators or gauges on the front panel that indicate low ink warnings. This wikiHow teaches you how to see how much ink you have left in your HP, Epson, Canon, or Dell printer when you're using a Windows PC.

Things You Should Know

  • You can check your printer's ink levels using the software that was installed on your computer when you added the printer initially.
  • If you don't have the software, the printer should have a panel on the front that can display ink levels.
  • Alternatively, find your printer in Control Panel and check the ink levels there.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Checking Printer Ink Levels in an HP Printer

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  1. Step 1 Open the HP Smart App.
    All HP printers come with an app you can download for Windows 10.
  2. Step 2 Click the Home icon icon.
    You'll see this in the left menu in the app window. Once you click on the tab, your printer's ink levels are displayed[1]
    • Alternatively, get the HP Print and Scan Doctor program from HP, open it, then select your printer and select Supply Levels.
    • You can also get printer software in Control Panel by clicking Estimated Ink Levels.
    • If you have an HP Laser Printer, open Easy Printer Manager and select Supplies information.
    • If you have an HP Ink Tank or Smart Tank printer, you can look at the see-through cartridge to eyeball the ink level. There are helpful Max and Min lines to show you when your ink is low.
    • HP LaserJet Tank Printers have an indicator on the front of the machine that lets you know the ink levels.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Checking Printer Ink Levels in an Epson Printer

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  1. Step 1 Double-click the printer icon in your Windows taskbar.
    Your taskbar is the bar generally located at the bottom of your screen. The printer icon should be located inside the upwards arrow icon on the right side of the bar.
    • If you don't see the icon, you'll need to locate the Epson printer in the printer driver menu. You'll generally find this in the “View devices and printers” section of Control Panel.
    • Type “Control Panel” after pressing the Windows key to search for the program on your computer. Then click Control Panel from the search results to open it. Click View devices and printers if you have Control Panel sorted by "Category" or click Devices and Printers if you have Control Panel sorted by "Large/Small Icons."
  2. Step 2 Check the ink levels.
    You'll see each cartridge displayed under "Consumable Status."[2]
    • If you have multiple Epson printers set up, you will need to double-click first to select it.
    • You may need to click the Maintenance tab if it's not automatically opened.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Checking Printer Ink Levels in a Canon Printer

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  1. Step 1 Open Canon IJ Status Monitor.
    The program download will be offered when you install the printer on your computer as a printer driver suite.
    • If you accidentally skipped the installation, you can always search online for the right program to download for your computer.
  2. Step 2 Click the Maintenance tab.
    Skip this step if you don't see this tab or if it is already open.
  3. Step 3 Click View Printer Status.
    Another window will open with more information about your printer, including where and if there are paper jams.
  4. Step 4 Look at your ink levels.
    You'll see a graph that depicts the current estimated ink levels in your printer. You'll see a highlighted exclamation point next to a low ink level to remind you that the level is low and to get a new cartridge.[3]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Checking Printer Ink Levels in a Dell Printer

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  1. Step 1 Open Control Panel.
    Type “Control Panel” into Start Menu to search for the program and double-click it from the search results.
  2. Step 2 Click View devices and printers.
    You'll see this under the “Hardware and Sound” header.
    • If you have Control Panel sorted by "Large/Small Icons," you'll see Devices and printers instead.
  3. Step 3 Double-click your printer icon.
    A new window loads with printer features and options.
  4. Step 4 Click Printer Options.
    A new window loads with new tabs and options.
  5. Step 5 Click the Services tab.
    New options appear.
  6. Step 6 Click Dell Ink levels.
    Your printer's ink levels are displayed. If not, your printer may not support this feature.
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Tips

  • Most modern printers have visual panels on them that also display the current ink level. So if you have a Brother printer, you can simply check the ink this way.
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  • Since there are a lot of different printers from many manufacturers, you'll find that these instructions, although specific, can also work for your printer. Most printers that you get now come with a utility program when you add them to your computer that will show you the ink levels on your printer.
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2453626-1757228-16
  2. ↑ https://files.support.epson.com/docid/cpd5/cpd56820/source/printers/source/ink_functions/tasks/checking_status_windows_tanks.html
  3. ↑ https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/index?page=content&id=ART167897

About This Article

Mitch Harris
Co-authored by:
Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
This article was co-authored by Mitch Harris and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University. This article has been viewed 104,583 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: June 16, 2024
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Categories: Windows | Printers
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