If some of the colors in the printouts you are making on your computer do not look correct, it is very likely that the print cartridges are low on ink. Most printers allow you to track the level of residual ink present in the cartridges directly from your computer, using the appropriate application created by the printer manufacturer. This article explains how to check the amount of ink remaining in an HP, Epson, or Dell printer using a Windows computer.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: HP printer
Step 1. Launch the HP Smart app
All HP printers come with a management application that can be downloaded and installed on any computer running Windows 10.
If you haven't already installed the HP Smart app, you can do so by downloading it from the Windows store and connecting the printer to your computer by following the steps that will appear on the screen
Step 2. Click on the "Home" icon
It is listed in the menu on the left side of the application window. After selecting the indicated tab, the remaining ink level in the printer cartridges will be displayed.
Method 2 of 3: Epson printer
Step 1. Double-click the printer icon visible on the Windows taskbar
Normally the Windows taskbar is docked at the bottom of the screen. The printer icon should be visible in the notification area on the right, next to the system clock. In some cases you will have to first click on the arrow icon pointing upwards in order to make all the icons visible.
- If the Epson printer icon is not visible on the taskbar you will need to look for it in the appropriate section of the Windows "Control Panel" by clicking on the "View devices and printers" link.
- Type the keywords "control panel" into the Windows search bar found in the "Start" menu. Alternatively, press the key combination ⊞ Win + S.
Step 2. Click on the Maintenance tab
Step 3. Click the Epson Status Monitor 3 button
The correct wording may vary by printer model. The remaining ink level in the cartridges will be displayed.
Method 3 of 3: Dell printer
Step 1. Open the Windows "Control Panel"
Type in the keywords "control panel" from the Windows search bar in the "Start" menu. Alternatively, press the key combination ⊞ Win + S.
Step 2. Click the View devices and printers link
It is listed in the "Hardware and Sound" section.
Step 3. Double-click the Dell printer icon
A new printer features and settings window will appear.
Step 4. Click the Printer Options button
This will bring up a new dialog split into multiple tabs.
Step 5. Click on the Services tab
New options will appear.
Step 6. Click on the Ink Levels item
The remaining ink level in the printer cartridges will be displayed. If not, it most likely means that your printer model does not have this feature.
