Windows users might sometimes face the printer driver is unavailable error. The reason could be anything starting from an outdated printer driver to corrupted system files. However, there are a few methods you could use to fix this error.
This guide hopes to provide solutions to this printer driver problem. We will also provide some tips to help you avoid this error in the future. Let’s get started!
What Does Driver Is Unavailable Mean?
A printer driver is a software that helps your computer communicate with your printer. When you see the printer driver is unavailable error, it means that there is a problem with the communication between your computer and printer. This can be caused by an outdated or corrupt printer driver, corrupted system files, or even a virus.
Basic Printer Checkup
Before you start troubleshooting to fix your printer driver, it’s a good idea to do a basic printer checkup on your printer. This can help identify any potential problems that may be causing your printer to stop working. Here are a few things you can do to get started with the basic printer checkup.
- Turn on your printer.
- Check your printer screen, it should not have any display or button issue.
- Now, place any document on your scanner glass, then click on the copy button. It does not matter if you copy in black or copy in color. You may select either one of them.
If you can copy successfully, you can proceed to the more advanced troubleshooting steps below.
If you cannot copy from your printer, then you have a much bigger problem and you might need to get your printer serviced by accredited professionals.
How To Fix Printer Driver Is Unavailable Error
Update Your Printer Driver
Run The Printer Troubleshooter
Reset The Print Spooler
An alternative to using the Command Prompt is using the Services window of your Windows PC.
Open the Start Menu and then type services.msc and click on the OK button. Scroll down on the window that will open up on your screen and select Print Spooler service. Right-click on it and select Stop. Give it some time and then right-click on the Print Spooler service again and select Start. Close the Services window.
Update Windows Computer
Reinstall Your Printer
You can do this by adding the printer manually using the Printers and Scanners window of your computer. Get your printer’s IP address and install it using the TCP/IP Port. You should then select the printer driver from the list and finish the installation.
For more detailed instructions, you can refer to this guide here.
HP Printer Driver Is Unavailable
If you have an HP printer, you might be able to fix the printer driver is unavailable error by downloading and installing the latest HP printer driver from their website.
We highly recommend adding the HP printer manually using the instructions above, especially if you have a wireless HP printer with you. This should help you fix the printer driver is unavailable error and allow you to print documents again.
If that does not work, you could also try running the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool to fix any issues with your printer. This tool is specifically made for HP printers having problems with their printer drivers.
Canon Printer Driver Is Unavailable
If you have a Canon printer, you can try to fix the driver is unavailable printer error by going to their website and downloading the latest Canon printer driver for your specific model. You can visit the Canon printer support page here.
Once you have downloaded the driver, follow the installation instructions on the website or in the Readme file that comes with the driver. After installing the new driver, restart your computer and try printing again using your Canon printer.
Epson Printer Driver Is Unavailable
Epson has a few different ways you can update your printer driver, depending on which Epson printer model you have.
You can either go to their website and download the latest driver for your specific model or use the Epson Connect Printer Setup Utility to install the latest driver for your printer. This tool is often used to troubleshoot malfunctioning Epson printers.
If you have an older Epson printer, you can try the Epson LFP Remote Panel Utility to update your printer driver.
Brother Printer Driver Is Unavailable
If you’ve been trying to install a Brother printer driver on your computer but keep getting an error message, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people have had this problem, and fortunately, there is a solution.
The best way to fix this problem is to go to the Brother website and download the latest driver for your specific model of printer. Once you have downloaded the driver, follow the installation instructions on the website. After installing the new Brother printer driver, restart your computer and try printing a document again.
What Causes The Printer Driver Unavailable Error On Windows 10/11?
There are a few different things that can cause the printer driver is unavailable error on Windows, including:
Outdated or corrupt printer drivers
A printer driver is unavailable when an outdated or corrupt printer driver is installed. Printer drivers must be up-to-date to ensure compatibility with the printer and the computer. Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can cause various issues, including a printer not appearing in Printers and Scanners, incomplete print jobs, printing errors, and more.
Incorrectly configured printer settings
Incorrectly configured printer settings can sometimes cause the printer driver to be unavailable. This can happen if the printer is not set as the default printer or if the wrong printer driver is selected.
An issue with Windows Update
If you’re getting the printer driver is unavailable error after installing a Windows update, it’s possible that the update has caused an issue with your printer driver. In this case, you can either try uninstalling the update to see if that fixes the problem or reinstalling your printer driver on the updated Windows computer.
A corrupted print spooler service
If you are receiving an error message stating “The printer driver is unavailable” on your computer, there may be a problem with the print spooler service. This service is responsible for managing print jobs on your computer, and if it is corrupted, it can cause various printing issues, including the inability to print documents from your computer to the printer.
How To Prevent Printer Driver Is Unavailable Error On Printer
There are a few things you can do to prevent the printer’s driver is unavailable error on your computer, including:
Keep your printer drivers up-to-date
One of the main causes of this error is outdated or corrupt printer drivers. To keep your printer drivers up-to-date, you can either go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your printer model or use a tool to update your drivers automatically, most printer manufacturers have this feature added to their printer software that you install on your computer during the initial printer setup.
Check your printer settings
Incorrectly configured printer settings can sometimes cause this error. To check your printer settings, open the Devices and Printers control panel and make sure that your printer is set as the default printer. You should also check that the correct printer driver is selected for your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Printer Driver Is Unavailable Error
This error can be frustrating and confusing, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about the driver unavailable error on Windows that is experienced by printer owners.
Why do I need to update my printer driver?
How often should I update my printer driver?
How do I update my printer’s driver?
How do I fix printer driver is unavailable Windows 10?
How do I fix printing driver is unavailable Windows 11?
We hope that this guide was helpful and that you were able to find the printer driver is unavailable error fix that you are looking for. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us in the comments section below. We would be happy to help and thanks for reading!
Awesome guide! My printer driver is unavailable error was fixed all thanks to you
I highly recommend using the HP print and scan doctor for this issue for those using a wireless HP printer.
Cheers mate!!
We’re glad you’ve found this guide helpful!
This really fixed my driver is unavailable printer error!
Should I stop automatic Windows 10 updates? I think that’s the one that caused my printer driver to stop working.
Windows 10 updates may cause your printing driver to stop working but it is also integral to keep your computer secured. I recommend updating the printer driver as well if you’ve just completed a Windows update if there are any updates available for you.
Nice guide! Epson printer works fine now on my Windows computer. Just had to reinstall the printer driver to fix the error. Wish it wouldn’t be too time-consuming though.