How to Fix Driver is Unavailable For Printer Problem in Windows 11/10

Suppose you’re about to print any important documents, and suddenly you see the “printer driver is unavailable” error message. Seems frustrating, right? The printer driver unavailable issue is often caused by outdated, damaged, or corrupted printer drivers. These drivers act as the communication link between your computer and printer, and if they are not functioning correctly, they can prevent your printer from executing print commands and generate a driver is unavailable for printer error. 

Fortunately, resolving this problem is much simpler than it might seem at first glance. If you’re experiencing the “printer driver is unavailable” error on your Windows 10/11 system, there’s no need to panic; we’re here to help. In this blog post, we will provide some straightforward yet effective solutions for common printer issues, such as the printer driver unavailable for printer error, to help you get your printing tasks back on track. So, let’s dive in and explore some of the best methods to fix the printer driver is unavailable error.

What Does Driver Unavailable for Printer Mean?

When Windows displays the message or error “Printer Driver is unavailable,” it indicates that it is unable to find the appropriate driver for the printer. This may be the result of software problems, or it can be because of outdated, corrupted, defective, or improperly installed drivers. A driver is a software program that instructs your computer on how to connect to a device, in this case, a printer. Driver problems can affect more than just your printer; if they are not updated, they can also affect your sound, graphics, and other important components of your computer.

How To Fix The Printer Driver Is Unavailable Problem On Windows 10/11

Now that you have a clear idea about what does driver unavailable for Printer means, let’s dive into the most important part – How to fix the printer driver unavailable error on your PC. Here are some of the most effective yet simple methods to fix the annoying printer driver unavailable error on Windows 11/10 PC.

Method 1: Reconnect Your Printer

The driver is unavailable for printer problem, which may be caused by a temporary connection problem with your printer. All you have to do is take the printer out, unplug it, and then connect it to your device again. It’s possible that this will fix the driver-related problems. All you have to do is follow these steps to disconnect and reconnect the printer from your device.

1. To launch the Search window, press the Windows & S shortcut keys on your keyboard. Type Control Panel here, and the appropriate result will appear.
2. Next, select the View Devices and Printers option under the Hardware and Sound menu option.

3. Here, right-click your printer from the list, then select Remove Device from the context menu.
4. Click “Yes” in the next prompt to take the printer off the list.
5. Unplug the printer after removing the device. After a little while, reconnect the device. Hold off until the setup is finished on your Windows computer.

Now see if the printer driver unavailable problem on your PC has been resolved. If this method doesn’t work out for you, then proceed to the next method.

Also know:  Best Free Driver Updater Tools for Windows

Method 2: Reinstall the Printer Driver

Reinstalling the drivers is the quickest way to troubleshoot the printer driver is unavailable issue that your system keeps displaying. Here are the simple steps that you need to follow to fix the driver unavailable for printer issue.

1. Press the R key and the Windows logo on your keyboard at the same time to launch the run box.
2. Type devmgmt.msc into the run box that appears on the screen, then click OK to launch the Device Manager.
   
3. Choose the Print queues section and expand it once the Device Manager has opened.

4. Right-click on the problematic printer and select Uninstall Device from the menu that appears on the screen.

5. Restart your computer after selecting Uninstall Device, then launch Device Manager once more.
6. From the Action menu, select “Scan for hardware changes” when the Device Manager Screen appears.

7. When you select “Scan for hardware changes,” Windows finds and installs the appropriate printer driver on its own.

By taking these actions, you might be able to resolve the driver is unavailable for printer error. However, if this method doesn’t work out well for you, proceed to the next method.

Method 3: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 comes with built-in printer troubleshooters, among other hardware device troubleshooters. To resolve the driver is unavailable for printer error, follow these steps to use the Printer Troubleshooter.

1. Click Start to access Settings.
2. Select System > Troubleshoot when Settings opens.

3. Click Other troubleshooters under the Options section.

4. Locate the Printer option, then select the Run button next to it.

5. Automatically, the printer troubleshooter will begin scanning for issues and attempting to resolve them.

Method 4: Update Your Windows

You frequently receive the error “Printer driver is unavailable” because your system is out of date. Installing every Windows update that is available is the easiest way to solve the printer driver unavailable issue. Here’s how to install Windows updates.

1. Press the Windows logo key and the I key together to open Windows settings.
2. Next, from the settings menu that appears on your computer, choose Update & Security.

3. Then select the “Check for updates” button.

4. After you select “check for updates,” Windows looks for and installs any available updates automatically.

Also know: Best Practices of Using Public Wi-Fi Safely

Method 5: Update the Printer Driver

This is likely one of the easiest ways to fix the Windows 10 printer driver unavailable error. Device Manager, a built-in tool on Windows computers, lets you do all driver-related tasks, including installing and downloading drivers to guarantee seamless device operation and fixing the driver is unavailable printer error. 

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the R key and the Windows logo key.
2. Next, enter devmgmt.msc in the Run box and select OK.

3. Once the Device Manager appears, expand the Printers/Print Queues category by double-clicking it. 

4. After that, choose Update Driver from the menu that appears when you right-click the problematic printer. 

5. Now, select the option to “Search automatically for drivers.” 

6. Hold off until the new printer driver has been downloaded and installed by the device manager. 

7. Finally, to ensure the new printer driver is installed, restart your computer. 

Printer Driver is Unavailable Error: Fixed

Dealing with the printer driver unavailable error can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can have your printer up and running smoothly in no time. By following the methods outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to fixing the driver is unavailable for printer error and getting back to your printing tasks. Remember, a little patience goes a long way, and soon enough, you’ll be printing your important documents without a hitch. If you have any other tips or questions, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.