Printer driver is unavailable windows 10
If you’re also stuck with this problem, we encourage you to check the solutions listed below. Before going ahead, attempt these workarounds which will be to test a few things on your device.
1 Printer driver is unavailable windows 101.1 Update your Printer driver1.2 Reinstall printer driver1.3 Install the Printer driver in Compatibility mode1.4 Install the latest Windows Update
Reboot your printer and computer that probably fix the problem if a temporary glitch causes the issue.Check the printer for any kind of problems (like hardware faults, connection issues, cartridge dislocation etc ).Disconnect your printer and reconnect it with the computer and try to print something again.If you have the local printer shared on the network we recommend check the LAN cable is connected properly.
Update your Printer driver
As discussed before the primary cause of this problem is the printer driver, it’s outdated or not compatible with the current Windows 10 version. Let’s first try to update the printer driver by following the steps below.
Press Windows key+ R to open Run.Now, type “devmgmt.msc” and click ok to open the Device Manager utilityIn the Device Manager window, find “Print queues” from the list of the devices and expand it.Now, from the drop-down select the printer device which you are using. Right-click on it and click on “Update driver”.You will be asked, “How do you want to search for the drivers?“. Choose the option “Search automatically for updated driver software“.Wait till Windows searches for the compatible driver for your printer driver, downloads it and installs it. Then, reboot your computer.Check if your problem has been solved. If the problem still persists then go for the next fix.
Reinstall printer driver
If the above steps didn’t fix the problem, reinstall the printer driver with the latest version following the steps below. First, Turn off and disconnect the printer, and completely remove the printer driver from your computer following the steps below. Remove the printer on devices and printers
Press Windows key + R to launch Run, and type “control printers” and hit Enter.This will display all installed devices and printers list,Right-click on the problematic printer and select remove deviceNow, click on “Yes” to confirm the removal of the device.And follow on-screen instructions to remove the device from your computer.
Remove printer on programs and features
Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl and hit EnterProgram and Feature windows will be opened.Here in this list, uninstall any application related to the printer. (Just double click on the application you want to uninstall).
Remove printer on device manager
Again open device manager using devmgmt.mscexpend printer or print queues, right-click on installed printer driver select uninstall the device.And follow on screen instructions to remove the printer driver on your computer.
Now Reboot your computer. Start the printer and connect it to the computer. Visit printer manufacturer websites HP, Epson, Brother, canon search your printer model and download the latest available driver then install it. Now, try to print anything and check if you are facing the error again.
Install the Printer driver in Compatibility mode
Still need help, this issue might occur if the drivers are incompatible or incorrect. It suggest you install the drivers in Compatibility mode and check if it resolves the issue. Again completely remove the current printer driver Download the latest driver for your printer device from the Printer manufacturer’s website.
Go to the downloaded driver location.Now, right-click on the driver package and click on Properties.In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tabHere check the “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and then select “Windows 8” in the drop-down menu.Now, check “Run this program as an administrator“.Click on “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes on your computer.
At the last step, double click on the driver package to start the installation process. Click on “Yes” to confirm the User Account Control. After the installation process is over, reboot your computer. After rebooting, try to print something and you should be able to print it.
Install the latest Windows Update
Microsoft regularly releases security updates to fix various bugs and compatibility issues. And installing the latest windows updates fix previous problems as well.
Press Windows key+I to open Settings on your computer.Click on “Update & Security” settings.On, the right pane, click on “Check for Updates“. Windows will check for updates, and then it will download the update and let you choose a time to restart your computer to complete the update procedure.Wait till the whole update process is complete.
Check if this helps fix printer problems on Windows 10. Also read:
How to Fix Printer in Error State on Windows 10Solved: Print Spooler keeps stopping Not Running on Windows 10How to Share Files and Printers Between Two Windows 10 ComputersHow To fix Devices and Printers not Loading on Windows 10Solved: Printer only print one page then hangs until reboot Windows 10
