In a lot of situations where software isn't working, or peripherals like printers aren't working, a reboot/restart of the computer can resolve the problem.
This is more likely the case especially if a Windows update has just come through on your computers.
Unfortunately, many computers are now made, by default, to not fully shut down when asked to do so. This can result in the computer going into a sleep or hibernate mode and the reboot/restart doesn't work.
In Windows 10 and 11, there is a setting that can be disabled, to ensure the computer does a complete shut down when told to do so.
The setting is there to help start the computer quicker, but is unnecessary for a majority of businesses.
To disable this setting:
- Click on the Windows button in the bottom left (or center), or press the Windows button on the keyboard, then type in Control Panel to search for it.
- Open up the Control Panel and click into Power Options (for some computers, you may have to click Hardware and Sound first).
- Click on Choose what the Power Buttons do. This can be on the left hand side of the screen or the top.
- Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable, if that appears with a small logo of a shield.
- Under Shutdown Settings, untick the box for Turn on Fast Startup.
- Click Save Changes at the bottom.
This may need to be done after big Windows updates as well, which can revert the settings.