How to Fix Printer Driver Unavailable Error

In this article, I will discuss effective methods to fix the common issue of printer driver unavailable error.

Update Outdated Drivers

• Check for Updates:
  • Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager.
  • Locate the printer in the list of devices, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
  • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Update Manually:
  • Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and navigate to the Support or Downloads section.
  • Search for the latest driver for your printer model and download it to your computer.
  • Open Device Manager, right-click on the printer, and select Update driver.
  • Choose Browse my computer for driver software and select the downloaded driver file.

Reinstall Printer Software

To reinstall the printer software, first uninstall the current software from your computer. Go to the Control Panel and locate the list of installed programs. Find the printer software and select to uninstall it.

Once the software is uninstalled, download the latest version of the printer software from the manufacturer’s website. Make sure to choose the correct software for your printer model and operating system.

Run the downloaded software and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your computer. Make sure to complete the installation process fully.

After the software is installed, restart your computer and then connect your printer to the computer. The computer should automatically detect the printer and install the necessary drivers.

If the printer driver unavailable error persists, try restarting your computer again. If the issue continues, consider reaching out to the printer manufacturer for further assistance.

Check Printer Compatibility

Resolve System Conflicts

– Check for any pending Windows updates and install them to ensure your system is up to date.

– Update the printer driver by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest version compatible with your operating system.

– Uninstall the current printer driver by going to Device Manager, locating the printer under Print queues, right-clicking on it, and selecting Uninstall device.

– Restart your computer and reinstall the printer driver by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

– Ensure that there are no other conflicting printer drivers installed on your system by checking Device Manager for any duplicate entries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix my printer driver is unavailable?

To fix the “printer driver is unavailable” error, you can update the driver through the Device Manager. Open the Device Manager from the Start menu, find your printer, right-click, and select Update driver. Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

How do I update my printer driver?

To update your printer driver, you can open “Start” and type in “Device Manager”, click on the search result, expand the “Printers” category, right-click on the printer you want to update drivers for, and choose “Update Driver”, then “Search automatically for updated driver software”.

How do I fix a printer driver problem?

To fix a printer driver problem, you can start by unplugging and restarting your printer, checking cables or wireless connection, uninstalling and reinstalling your printer, installing the latest driver for your printer, clearing and resetting the print spooler, and changing the printer’s status to “online.”

How do I reset my printer driver?

To reset your printer driver, begin by going to the Main tab in the printer driver. Look for the Reset Defaults button in the bottom-left corner of the window and click on it. Save any changes as the new default driver settings by clicking OK. Keep in mind that the Apply button will be greyed-out, so use the OK button to save the changes.

James Fitch