Solved: Cant print documents, Printer Driver is unavailable in Windows 10

Can't use your printer because the printer driver is unavailable, This problem usually happens when the printer driver installed in your device is old or incompatible. Here simple ways to fix this issue.

Share

Sometimes while trying to print documents from your Windows 10 computer you might get an error message saying the Printer driver is unavailable. Or you may experience the printer not working and checking on devices and printer screen showing driver is unavailable. The error “Driver Is Unavailable On Printer” means that the driver installed against your printer in the system is either not compatible or is outdated. It may also mean that the corrupt printer driver is installed in your PC and the computer fails to recognize it. And reinstalling the printer driver with the latest version is probably the working solution to fix the problem.

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.

- Advertisement -
  • 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As discussed before the primary cause of this problem is the printer driver, it’s outdated or not compatible with the current Windows 10 version.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 utility
  • In 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.

Update printer driver

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 device
  • Now, click on “Yes” to confirm the removal of the device.
  • And follow on-screen instructions to remove the device from your computer.

Remove printer form device and printers

Remove printer on programs and features

  • Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter
  • Program 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.msc
  • expend 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.

uninstall printer on Device manager

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 tab
  • Here 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.

Printer driver compatibility more

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:

Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

Popular posts

NordVPN Birthday Deal

2-Year plan: 67% off + 3 Months FREE

30-day money-back guarantee