Seeing an error when you try to print something from your Windows 10 or 11 PC can be frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry or have a deadline to meet. One of the most common issues on printers is when the printer driver is unavailable or missing which renders your device unresponsive. It means that there is something wrong with your printer driver, and your PC cannot detect it.
When this issue happens, your printer driver may be corrupted or missing. You can still try to fix the Windows computer driver problem with a few workarounds before you decide to replace it with a new one or put up your current printer for repair.
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How to Troubleshoot & Fix Windows 10/11 PC Printer Driver is Unavailable Error
This common printing problem on Windows PC can happen to a whole range of printer device models from HP, Epson, and Canon.
Below are some of the solutions you can do to resolve the issue with your printer driver on Windows 10 or 11 computers. Try to follow each of the steps one at a time and check if it fixes the error or not.
Method #1 – Check your Printer Hardware for Any Signs of Problem
You can check if there are hardware issues with the printer you are using. See if the wires are properly connected. Make sure that your cartridges are in place. Sometimes, a faulty issue with the wirings or connection can cause printer driver error.
Method #2 – Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
- Click the Start button.
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Select System.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot.
- Scroll down to the Options section.
- Select other troubleshooters.
- Look for the Printer option.
- Click the Run button next to it.
Method #3 – Update your Printer Driver
- Click the Start button.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Go to Devices.
- Scroll down and go to the Printer section.
- Click the arrow beside it to expand the menu.
- Look for your current printer and right-click on it.
- Select Update Driver.
- Click Browse my computer for drivers.
- If it does not fix the problem, you can update the driver again, but select Search automatically for drivers.
Method #4 – Reinstall your Printer Driver
- Click the Start button.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to Devices or Devices and Printers.
- Navigate to the Printer section and right-click on your printer.
- Select Remove device.
- Click Yes.
- Launch the Device and Printers section.
- Click Add a printer.
- Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Select My printer is a little older.
- Click Next.
- After Windows detects your printer, click Next again.
- Choose Set as the default printer.
- Click Finish.
Did any of the methods above work for you in fixing the printer driver not available issue on Windows PC? Which one did? You can tell us in the comment section below.
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