Tips : [Resolved] Printer Driver is Unavailable Error in Windows 10

How to fix Printer Driver is Unavailable Error in Windows 10. Most of the printer problem occurs due to Driver related issues. Users reportedly complaint of this error “Printer driver is unavailable” in windows 10. There are various reasons behind it. Initially you must check the following before proceeding further to another fixes: –

1. Check whether printer is connected with USB properly.
2. Power switch of printer is on.
3. Cartridge is not missing/misplace.

How to Fix Printer Driver is Unavailable Error in Windows 10

The following are the ways by which you may easily fix the issue related with Printer Driver: –

1. Re-Install the Printer Driver
2. Update Printer Driver
3. Check Availability of Windows update
4. Try to Install Printer Driver in Compatibility Mode

Ways-1 : Re-Install the Printer Driver

You must once re-install the printer driver to resolve this error. First, uninstall the printer. Follow these steps: –

• Open Run Dialog Box.
• Type “control printers” in typing field and press Enter.
• Device and Printers window will be opened.

• List of available printer will appear on screen.
• Select the printer in which “The printer driver is unavailable” error shows.
• Make a right click on it.
• Then click on the “Remove Device“.
• This will remove the device from your computer.

Here, click on “Yes” to confirm the removal of the device.

• You must Reboot your system.

Now we will re-install the printer.

• Press Windows key+R to launch Run.
• Write “control printers” under typing field and hit Enter.
• Device and Printers window will be opened.

• Devices and Printers window will appear on screen.
• Here, click on “Add a printer“.

• Don’t worry. Windows will automatically detect the printer.
• Click on “Next“.
• Now, check the “Set as the default printer”.
• Then click on “Finish“.

Ways-2 : Update Printer Driver to Fix Printer Driver is Unavailable Error in Windows 10

Sometimes outdated Printer Driver may be a cause of “Printer Driver is unavailable Error in Windows 10. You must update your Printer Driver to resolve this issue.

• Press Windows key+ R to open Run.
• Type “devmgmt.msc” and hit Enter.
• Device Manager utility will open.

• In the Device Manager window, locate “Print queues” from the list of the devices.
• Click on it to expand it.
• Now, from the drop-down select the printer device which you are using.
• Right click on it.
• Now click on “Update driver”.

• A pop up windows will appear asking “How do you want search for the drivers?“.
• You should select the option “Search automatically for updated driver software“.

• Windows will automatically search for compatible driver for your printer driver.
• Download it and installs it.
• Must, Reboot your computer.

Check if your problem has solved. If the problem still persists then go for the next fix.

Ways-3 : Check Availability of Windows update

• Open Windows Setting.
• Click on “Update & Security” settings.

• From the right side, click on “Check for Updates“.

• Windows will check for updates, and then it will download the update.
• Let you choose a time to restart your computer to complete the update procedure.
• Wait till the whole update process is complete.

If your issue still, try next ways to resolve it.

Ways-4 : Try to Install Printer Driver in Compatibility Mode

• Open Run Dialog Box.
• Now, type “devmgmt.msc” and hit Enter.
• Device Manager utility will open.

•  Locate “Print queues” from the list of the devices under the Device Manager window.
• Click on it to expand it.
• Now, from the drop-down menu, select the printer device which you are using.
• Right click on it and click on “Uninstall device“. 
• Click on “Uninstall” to confirm the initialization of the uninstallation process.

• Now, download the latest driver for your printer device from the Printer manufacturer’s website.
• Go to the downloaded driver location.
• Here, right click on the driver package.
• Make a click on “Properties“.
• Under the Properties window, go to the “Compatibility” tab.
• and then check the “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”
• After that select “Windows 8” under windows section.
• Now, check “Run this program as an administrator“.
• Make a click on “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes on your computer.

• Make a double click on the driver package.
• Installation process will start.
• Click on “Yes” to confirm the User Account Control.
• After the installation process is over, reboot your computer.
• After rebooting, try to print something and you should be able to print it.

Hopefully, your problem has been resolved.