Printers are great tools; we can all agree on that. That is, however, until they start behaving like fiddly blocks of plastic whose only objective is to get your hands inky.
In this article, we’re talking about the printer driver not found issue and how you can fix it, regardless of your printer’s brand, make or model.
What does the error mean?
The error itself is pretty self-explanatory. Your printer’s driver is malfunctioning. Now can be caused by several reasons, including but not limited to an incomplete or corrupt installation of the printer driver itself.
Out-of-date drivers can also trigger the error, including corrupt system files and sometimes even Windows update.
Also read: How to fix Kernel Security Check Failure in Windows 10?
How to fix this error?
Fortunately enough, the solutions for this error are pretty simple. Here are a few that you can try.
Reinstall your printer’s drivers
This is the first thing you should be doing. Just head over to the Device Manager and reinstall your printer’s driver.
Step 1: Press Windows key + X to open the quick access menu and click on Device Manager.
Step 2: Double click Print Queues to show all installed printers.
Step 3: Right-click on the problematic printer and click on Update drivers.
Step 4: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will automatically look for driver updates and install them.
Now reboot your PC and try again.
Also read: How to fix Stop Code Memory Management in Windows 10?
Check default printer
Another reason you might be getting this error could be because your default printer and active printer are different. While this shouldn’t cause an error, it’s worth checking your default printer once.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Windows settings and click on Devices.
Step 2: Head over to the Printers & scanners tab.
Step 3: Select the printer you want to use and ensure it’s set as the default printer.
Check for Windows updates
Although it’s a bit of a long shot, there’s a chance that a pending Windows update might have already resolved the issue you’re facing. You should keep your OS up to date anyway.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to get to Windows settings. Click on Update & Security.
Step 2: Install any updates if available, restart your PC and try using your printer again.
Also read: How to fix Red Screen of Death in Windows 10?
Run the Windows troubleshooter
More often than not, the inbuilt troubleshooter in Windows 10 will resolve any issues you’re facing.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Windows settings and click on Update & Security
Step 2: Head over to the Troubleshoot tab.
Step 3: Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Step 4: Click Printer and then Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
Restart your computer and try again.
Reinstall printer software
Your printer’s software can also, at times, cause conflicts with printing. If you’re facing any such issues, you should try removing your printer’s software and installing it again.
Step 1: Press Windows key + X to open the quick access menu and click on Apps and Features.
Step 2: Find your printer’s software in the list and uninstall the application.
Now reboot your PC and try installing the software again.
Also read: Getting Windows Ready stuck: 5 Fixes
