How to Check Printer Ink Levels in Windows

Last Updated: April 21, 2021

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. This wikiHow teaches you how to see how much ink you have left in your HP, Epson, or Dell printer when you're using a Windows PC.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking Printer Ink Levels in an HP Printer

1
Open the HP Smart App. All HP printers come with an app you can download for Windows 10.
- If you don't have the HP Smart App already, you can download it from the Windows store and connect your printer by following the on-screen steps.
2
Click the Home 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Checking Printer Ink Levels in an Epson printer

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.
- You can type “Control Panel” into the Windows search bar in your Start Menu or by pressing ⊞ Win+S.
2
Click the Maintenance tab.
3
Click Epson Status Monitor 3. Wording may vary by model. Your printer's ink levels are displayed.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Checking Printer Ink Levels in a Dell printer

1
Open Control Panel. You can type “Control Panel” into the Windows search bar in your Start Menu or by pressing ⊞ Win+S.
2
Click View devices and printers. You'll see this under the “Hardware and Sound” header.
3
Double-click your printer icon. A new window loads with printer features and options.
4
Click Printer Options. A new window loads with new tabs and options.
5
Click the Services tab. New options appear.
6
Click Dell Ink levels. Your printer's ink levels are displayed. If not, your printer may not support this feature.