How to check Printer Ink Levels in Windows 11

To enjoy uninterrupted printing, you must monitor your printer’s ink level. Whenever your printer is low on ink, you can top it off. But how do you check printer ink levels in HP, Epson, Brother, or Canon printers on Windows 11/10 computers?

How to check Printer Ink Levels in Windows 11/10

Different printers have different ways to help you monitor the ink level. Below, we have explained the methods for some of the most popular printers:

HP
Epson
Brother
Canon.

Many printers come with tanks which are also visible from the outside. If you have one of those, it should be easy to figure out.

1] Monitor Printer ink levels on HP printers

If you own an HP printer, checking your HP printer’s ink level is as easy as you can imagine. To help you out, HP has the HP smart app that shows the ink levels. All you have to do is download the software, select your printer, and complete the setup. Here’s how:

First, download and install HP smart software from the Microsoft store.
During installation, make sure your printer is connected to your PC and powered on.
Once the installation is completed, you should be able to see your printer’s ink levels.

Read: Incompatible or Ink cartridge missing error on Windows PC

2] Check ink levels on Epson Printer

Epson printer users don’t need to download any additional software to check the ink levels. Instead, here’s what they need to do:

Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select your Epson printer.
Click on Printer properties and select the Maintenance tab.
From here, select Epson Status Monitor to check the ink levels on your Epson printer.

Read: Epson printer is not recognizing ink cartridges

3] Monitor Brother Printer ink levels

Brother printers also have an easy process for checking ink levels. When you install the printer software, it installs several utility tools that can be used for the job.

First, go to the Start menu > All apps > Brother > Brother utilities.
Select Tools > Status Monitor.
Now, you should be able to see the ink level of your printer.

Read: Printer stuck on Shutting down screen

4] Monitor ink levels on Canon Printer

Open the Canon InkjetUtility (installed with the printer driver).
Select “Ink Level Information” or “Estimated Ink Levels” to view the remaining ink.

Read: How to reset a Canon Printer

Those were some quick ways to check your printer’s ink level. Most printers have dedicated software to help you manage them. So check if your printer has such software and use it.

Read: HP Printer Failure error; There is a problem with the printer or ink system

Why is my Canon printer showing low ink even after replacing the cartridge?

If your Canon printer shows low ink after replacing the cartridge, try resetting the ink level by holding the Stop/Resume button for 5–10 seconds. Ensure the cartridge is properly installed and update your printer’s firmware if needed. Using third-party ink may also cause inaccurate readings.

Can I continue printing when the ink level is low?

You can continue printing with low ink, but colors may appear faded or incorrect. Some Canon models allow you to override low ink warnings by holding the Stop/Resume button. However, printing with completely empty cartridges may damage the printhead, so replacing ink when needed is recommended.