If you are a Windows 10 user and you have encountered the frustrating error message printer driver unavailable when trying to print, you are not alone. This common issue can be easily resolved by following a few simple steps. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide you with effective solutions to fix it.
The printer driver unavailable error message is usually displayed when your printer fails to print and the device status shows that the driver is unavailable. There are several possible causes for this error:
- Your printer's driver is missing or was not installed correctly.
- Your printer's driver is corrupted.
- Your printer's driver is not compatible with your system.
- Your printer's driver is not up-to-date.
- A new Windows Update needs to be installed.
- There is a Windows 10 system bug.
Fortunately, most of these causes can be easily troubleshooted without the need to replace your printer. Let's explore some solutions to fix the printer driver unavailable error.
Method 1: Reconnect the Printer Device
Sometimes, simply reconnecting your printer can solve the driver issue. Follow these steps to fully disconnect and reconnect your printer:
- Press the Windows + S keys on your keyboard to open the Search interface.
- Type control panel and launch the matching application from the search results.
- Click on view devices and printers . If you can't see this option, make sure your view mode is set to category .
- Right-click on the printer you're having trouble with and select remove device from the context menu. Click yes if prompted by the User Account Control screen.
- Unplug the printer from your computer and wait for 2-3 minutes.
- Reconnect the printer and wait for Windows 10 to finish setting up.
After following these steps, check if the printer works properly. If not, proceed to the next method.
Troubleshooting guide for hewlett packard scanner problemsMethod 2: Update the Printer Driver via Windows 10
Outdated printer drivers can also cause the driver is unavailable error. To update your printer driver through Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard and click on device manager from the WinX menu.
- Expand the printers menu by clicking on the arrow next to it.
- Right-click on your printer listed in the menu and choose update driver .
- Select search automatically for drivers from the options. Windows 10 will connect to the internet and locate the latest drivers for your printer.
- Wait for the driver installation to complete and restart your computer to apply the changes.
If Windows 10 is unable to locate your printer's drivers online, proceed to the next method.
Method 3: Install the Printer Driver Manually
If Windows 10 fails to automatically detect your printer's latest drivers, you can install them manually. Follow these steps:
- Identify your printer model and manufacturer. Check the physical machine or go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers to find the exact model.
- Head to the manufacturer's website and search for the driver download page. Some official download pages include Canon Driver Download, HP Software and Driver Downloads, Epson Downloads, Brother Driver Downloads, Sharp Driver Downloads, and Samsung Printer Software Installer.
- Look for the latest drivers compatible with your system and printer. Make sure to choose the appropriate version (32-bit or 64-bit) depending on your operating system.
- Download the driver and run the installer. You can choose to run the installer as an administrator.
- After the installation, restart your computer and check if the printer is functioning properly. If not, proceed to the next method.
Method 4: Install the Generic Printer Driver
Installing the generic printer driver of Windows 10 can often fix the driver is unavailable error. Follow these steps:
Troubleshooting hp officejet pro 8620 printer: blank pages & no printing- Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard and click on device manager from the WinX menu.
- Expand the printers menu by clicking on the arrow next to it.
- Right-click on your printer listed in the menu and choose update driver .
- Select browse my computer for drivers from the options.
- Click on let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer .
- Select the generic software device option and click next . Windows 10 will install the generic drivers for your printer.
Method 5: Update Windows 10
Updating your operating system can often resolve underlying issues, including the driver is unavailable error. Follow these steps to update Windows 10:
- Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to open the Start menu.
- Choose settings or use the Windows + I shortcut.
- Click on the update & security tile.
- Click on the check for updates option and wait for Windows to find available updates.
- If any updates are displayed, click on the view all optional updates link to see and install them.
- When Windows finds a new update, click on the install option. Wait for Windows to download and apply the necessary updates.
The printer driver unavailable error can be frustrating, but it can be easily resolved by following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this article. Whether it's reconnecting the printer, updating the driver, or installing the generic driver, these solutions should help you get your printer up and running again on Windows
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