The printer error code “0x00000015” is a common error that can occur on Windows computers when trying to print. This error is often associated with printer driver issues or conflicts with the Windows print spooler service. When the error occurs, it can prevent you from printing documents and may display an error message similar to “Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000015). The device is not ready.”

To troubleshoot and resolve the printer error 0x00000015, follow these steps:

Restart Printer and Computer:

Turn off your printer and computer. Wait for a few seconds, then turn them back on. This can clear any temporary glitches that might be causing the error.

Clear Print Spooler:

The print spooler is a Windows service that manages print jobs. Clearing the print spooler can often resolve print queue issues. Here’s how to do it:
a. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
b. Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
c. In the Services window, locate the “Print Spooler” service.
d. Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Stop.”
e. Once the service has stopped, open File Explorer and navigate to “C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS” (you may need administrator privileges to access this folder).
f. Delete all the files in the “PRINTERS” folder.
g. Go back to the Services window, right-click on “Print Spooler,” and select “Start.”
h. Try printing again to see if the error is resolved.

Check Printer Drivers:

Ensure that you have the latest and correct printer drivers installed for your printer model. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause various printing issues.
Visit the printer manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to check for driver updates.

Reinstall Printer Drivers:

If you suspect driver corruption, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the printer drivers.
Open the “Devices and Printers” window (you can search for it in the Start menu).
Right-click on your printer and select “Remove Device.”
Download the latest drivers from the printer manufacturer’s website and follow the installation instructions.

Run Printer Troubleshooter:

Windows includes a built-in printer troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common printing problems. Run the troubleshooter to see if it can resolve the error.
To access the troubleshooter, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Printer > Run the troubleshooter.

Check Printer Status:

Ensure that the printer is turned on, connected to your computer or network, and not displaying any error messages or warning lights.
If the error persists after trying the above steps, there may be other underlying issues, such as hardware problems or more complex driver conflicts. In such cases, consider reaching out to the printer manufacturer’s support or a qualified technician for further assistance.