What this means
Your printer driver is the translator between your computer and your machine. When it breaks down, print jobs stall in the queue and communication errors pop up. You probably think the hardware is failing. The printer is usually fine, but the software instructions have corrupted.
Major operating system updates frequently kill this connection. A simple restart will not fix an unresponsive device. Your computer simply needs a fresh driver package so it can talk to the printer again.
Common causes
- Corrupted driver installation files
- Outdated driver version after a major operating system update
- Incorrect driver installed initially
- Leftover registry entries from an old printer installation
- Windows Update missing the latest manufacturer release
What to check first
- 1Check that the printer is powered on and connected via USB or network
- 2Verify your computer has an active internet connection
- 3Check if print jobs are paused in the Windows print queue
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Use Windows Update
Open Settings, go to Bluetooth and devices, then Printers and scanners. Select your printer and check for driver updates through Windows.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection before searching for updates.
- 2
Download from Manufacturer Website
Go to the official support website for your printer brand. Enter your specific model number, download the latest driver package, and run the installer.
Only download drivers from official manufacturer websites to avoid malware.
- 3
Uninstall the Existing Driver
Open Print Server Properties from the Control Panel, go to the Drivers tab, and remove the old driver package. Restart your computer before reinstalling.
Removing a driver in use by active print jobs may cause errors. Clear the queue first.
- 4
Use Device Manager to Update
Right click the Start menu and open Device Manager. Expand Print queues or Printers, right click your printer, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- 5
Clean Reinstall via Add Printer
Remove the printer entirely from Printers and Scanners. Restart the computer. Re-add the printer using the Add device button to force a fresh driver installation.
When to contact a professional
Call a professional if your operating system bluescreens or crashes every time you try to install a printer driver. You also need help if a bad hardware port stops your computer from seeing the printer, even with the right drivers installed.