How to check the ink or toner levels on my printer

Updated: 10/11/2021 by Computer Hope

Inkjet printer

Below are the virtually mutual methods for checking printer ink or toner levels, to come across how much ink or toner is left in the printer cartridges.

From the Windows Notification Area icon

Note

None of the following steps work if the printer's software is not installed. Every printer is different, and then these instructions are meant every bit a general guideline.

  1. Turn on the printer.
  2. In the Windows Notification Area (lesser-right corner of your Windows desktop), right-click the printer icon.
  3. In the printer menu, select the "properties" or "preferences" selection.
  4. In the printer settings window, the ink or toner levels are displayed for the currently-installed cartridge(south).
  5. If you don't encounter the ink or toner levels in the settings window, await for and click the button or choice labeled "Ink Levels," "Toner Levels," or something similar.

Below are two examples of how the ink or toner level screen may look.

Ink printer available ink
HP Photosmart 7900 available ink instance.

Available toner in laser printer
Samsung laser printer available toner example.

Through the Windows Command Panel

Note

The post-obit steps work for virtually printers. Withal, if the printer's software is not installed, yous may not be able to view the ink or toner levels.

  1. Printing the Windows cardinal, type Control Panel, and then press Enter. Or, open the Start carte du jour, and click Windows System, Control Console.
  2. Under Hardware and Sound, click View devices and printers.

View devices and printers selector.

  1. Double-click the printer that you want to check the ink or toner levels.
  2. The levels are often shown under the Status section.

Tip

In step 3, depending on the printer brand and software, you may need to right-click the printer and select the properties or preferences option to find ink or toner levels.

Note

Keep in mind that every printer is different, and the following steps are generalized. For explicit instructions on checking ink or toner levels, consult your printer's documentation.

  1. Plow on your printer.
  2. Locate the Menu or Domicile button and use the appropriate navigation keys to find a condition, settings, or reports section.
  3. The ink or toner levels are displayed on the printer's LCD screen. If not displayed on the LCD screen, you may need to print a Organization Data or Status page to encounter current ink or toner levels.

Tip

Depending on the printer brand and model, in step 2, you may need to navigate further to an ink or toner levels section.