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Printers

My printer says driver unavailable. What does that mean?

A driver is the small piece of software that lets the computer talk to the printer. Driver unavailable usually means Windows cannot use the printer entry it has.

The short answer

Restart the printer and computer, run Windows Update, remove the old printer entry, then add the printer again from Windows settings.

Try these first

1Confirm the printer brand and model before downloading anything.
2Try Windows Update before searching the web for drivers.
3Use the printer brand's official website if you need a download.

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2 options

Steps for Windows

  1. 1Restart the printer and the computer.
  2. 2Open Settings, Windows Update, and install available updates.
  3. 3Open Printers & scanners, remove the printer, then add it again.
  4. 4If Windows still cannot add it, go to the printer brand's official support site and search the exact model.

One safety note

Do not download driver update utilities from ads.

Before you change settings

1Confirm the printer brand and model before downloading anything.
2Try Windows Update before searching the web for drivers.
3Use the printer brand's official website if you need a download.

What to know first

What this usually means

  • The old driver does not match the current Windows version.
  • The printer entry was copied from an older computer.
  • A Windows update changed how the printer is handled.
  • The printer model is old and needs the brand's official driver.

Do not do this yet

  • Do not download driver update utilities from ads.
  • Do not pay for a driver. Printer drivers should come from Windows Update or the printer brand.
  • Do not install software if the website address looks unrelated to the printer company.

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You do not need perfect technical words. Send the plain version and a screenshot if you have one.

My printer says driver unavailable. The printer model is [model], and I use Windows [10/11]. Which official driver should I use?