Printer Error pcl-xl-error: PCL XL Error
This error typically occurs when corrupted print job sent to the printer. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.
What Causes Printer Error pcl-xl-error?
Printer error pcl-xl-error (PCL XL Error) can be triggered by several issues:
- Corrupted print job sent to the printer
- Wrong printer driver type (PCL6 vs PCL5 mismatch)
- Outdated printer firmware
- Document with complex graphics exceeding printer memory
- Driver incompatibility after Windows Update
How to Fix Printer Error pcl-xl-error — Step by Step
Switch from PCL6 to PCL5 driver
In the printer's Properties > Advanced tab > Driver > select the PCL5 version of the driver (look for your printer model + PCL5 on the manufacturer's website). PCL5 is more compatible with complex documents than PCL6.
Update printer firmware
Visit your printer manufacturer's website, search for your model, and download the latest firmware update. Run the update tool with the printer connected via USB. Firmware bugs in some models cause PCL XL errors with specific document types.
Print as image
In the print dialog > click Properties or Printer Properties > Advanced > Print Directly to Printer or enable Print as Image. This converts the document to a bitmap before sending, bypassing PCL processing entirely.
Simplify the document
Complex vector graphics, embedded fonts, and transparency effects overwhelm some printers. In Word or PDF viewer, try printing without high-quality graphics: in print settings, choose Draft quality or Standard instead of High.
Reinstall the printer driver
Device Manager > Printers > right-click the printer > Uninstall device > check Delete the driver software. Restart. Download and install the latest driver from the manufacturer's website — not Windows Update.
Still Getting Error pcl-xl-error?
IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCL XL error?
PCL XL (also called PCL 6) is a printer control language. A PCL XL error means the printer received a print command it could not interpret — usually because of a driver mismatch or a complex document element.
Why does PCL5 work when PCL6 does not?
PCL5 is an older, simpler language that most printers handle more reliably. PCL6 offers better graphics but is more complex and prone to interpretation errors with certain document types.
Can the document itself cause this error?
Yes. Certain PDF features, embedded fonts, or complex transparency layers generate PCL XL sequences that some printers cannot process. Try printing from a different application or flattening the PDF first.
Does this error mean my printer is broken?
No. It is a communication error between the driver and printer, not a hardware failure. Switching drivers or printing as image almost always resolves it without any hardware work.
Which printer brands are most affected by PCL XL errors?
HP LaserJet printers are most commonly reported with this error, especially after Windows Updates change driver defaults. Brother and Xerox PCL6 drivers also occasionally have this issue.
Comments
Have a question about error pcl-xl-error? Leave a comment below.
Leave a Comment