Is your printer flashing the frustrating “Printer Driver is Unavailable” error? You’re definitely not alone. This message typically appears when your computer is unable to properly communicate with your printer. In simple terms, a printer driver acts like a language interpreter—it helps your operating system understand how to send instructions to the printer.
This walkthrough will guide you through clear, do-it-yourself steps to resolve the error and bring your printer back online without needing professional help.
Important Disclaimer:
This article provides independent, educational guidance for printer setup and troubleshooting. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with companies such as HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Microsoft, Apple, or any printer or software manufacturer. We do not supply driver files, offer remote assistance, or perform repairs. Our mission is to empower users with accurate, self-help information.
What Does “Printer Driver is Unavailable” Actually Indicate?
This warning generally shows up when the printer driver—the essential software that links your computer and printer—is experiencing one of the following issues:
- Not Installed: The driver was never added to your system.
- Out of Date: The installed driver no longer works with recent Windows updates.
- Damaged: The driver files are corrupted and can’t function correctly.
Step 1: Basic Troubleshooting – Try the Simple Fixes First
Before diving into advanced solutions, start with these quick checks.
Restart Your Devices
- Power off your printer.
- Shut down your computer.
- Wait about 60 seconds.
- Turn the printer back on first, then start your computer.
This refreshes system connections and clears temporary glitches.
Verify Connections
- USB Printers: Ensure the cable is securely connected at both ends. Try another USB port if possible.
- Wireless Printers: Confirm the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network by checking its display or control panel.
Check Printer Readiness
Make sure the printer has paper loaded, sufficient ink or toner, and no warning lights or error messages showing.
Step 2: Fix the Driver – Update or Reinstall It
If the basics didn’t solve the issue, it’s time to focus on the driver.
Option A: Update Drivers via Windows Update (Quickest Method)
Windows can often locate compatible drivers automatically.
- Open the Start Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Once complete, open Advanced options (Windows 11) or View optional updates (Windows 10).
- Choose Driver updates.
- If printer-related drivers appear, select them and click Download & install.
Option B: Reinstall the Driver Using Device Manager (For Persistent Errors)
This approach removes the faulty driver and lets Windows reinstall a clean version.
- Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button.
- Expand Printers or Print queues.
- Right-click your printer and choose Uninstall device.
- If prompted, check Delete the driver software for this device.
- Restart your computer to fully clear old files.
- (Optional) After rebooting, reopen Device Manager, click Action, then Scan for hardware changes to trigger driver reinstallation.
Option C: Download Drivers from the Official Manufacturer Website (Best Option)
This is the most dependable way to get the newest and most complete driver.
- Identify Your Printer Model: The exact model number is usually printed on the device.
- Visit the Official Support Site: Search for “[Printer Brand] official support.” Always verify the site URL to avoid fake or unsafe sources.
- Locate Driver Downloads: Look for sections labeled Support, Drivers, or Software Downloads.
- Select Model and OS: Enter your printer model and choose your Windows version (10 or 11, 32-bit or 64-bit).
- Download the File: Choose the recommended full driver or software package (typically an
.exefile). - Install as Administrator: Right-click the file and select Run as administrator, then follow the setup prompts.
- Connect When Prompted: Plug in USB printers only when instructed. Wireless printers should already be connected to Wi-Fi.
- Restart if Required: Reboot your system if the installer requests it.
- Test the Printer: Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, click Manage, then choose Print a test page.
Note: For model-specific instructions or official assistance, always consult the manufacturer’s documentation or support website.
Step 3: Advanced Troubleshooting (If the Problem Persists)
If the error still hasn’t disappeared, try these additional fixes.
Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, then select Run the troubleshooter under the Printer section.
Restart the Print Spooler Service
This Windows service controls print jobs.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. - Locate Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.
Temporarily Disable Security Software
In some cases, antivirus or firewall software may block driver installation. Temporarily disable it only while installing the driver, then turn it back on immediately afterward.
Final Thoughts
The “Printer Driver is Unavailable” error can usually be resolved without expert help by following the right steps. Keeping your drivers updated and downloading them exclusively from official manufacturer websites ensures compatibility, security, and long-term stability. With a little patience, you can solve most printer driver problems on your own and get back to printing smoothly.