Windows 10 has been around for over four and a half years now. Despite being around for over four and half years and receiving multiple major/feature updates, the recent version of Windows 10 is not free from issues.
While most users are happy with Windows 10, a small section of users has been experiencing issues with hardware and drivers.
Many users are reporting issues with the printer after upgrading to the latest Windows 10. Some users say that Windows 10 is unable to detect their printers, and while some of them are having issues while printing on a Windows 10 PC.
If you’re also having issues with the printer, you can try out the following methods to sort out printer problems.
Before trying any of the given below methods, please make sure that the printer is properly connected to your Windows 10 PC and is switched on.
Method 1
Run the official printer troubleshooter
Microsoft is aware that some Windows 10 users are having issues with printers. In order to help them, Microsoft has released a troubleshooter to detect and automatically fix most issues related to printers.
Click here to download Windows 10 printer troubleshooter from Microsoft servers. After downloading it, double-click on the file to run it, select Printer from the list, and then click the Next button to begin the troubleshooting. It checks for:
# Print spooler service errors
# Printer driver update
# Printer connectivity issues
# Errors from the printer driver
# Printers that are not shared with the HomeGroup
# Printer queue
The troubleshooter also checks the toner cartridge and paper jam before trying to fix the issue. As said before, this troubleshooter takes care of most of the problems, but if you’re unable to fix, try out the instructions in Method 2.
Method 2
Reinstall or update drivers to resolve printer errors
If your printer is not being detected by Windows 10, it’s likely because of the outdated or corrupt driver. To fix the issue, we recommend you manually uninstall the driver and then install the latest version of the driver. And please download the driver only from the manufacturer’s website.
If you’re sure that the installed printer driver is up to date, we recommend you cross-check the latest available version of the driver with the one installed on your Windows 10 PC. To know the driver version, go through our how to check the version number of an installed driver in the Windows guide.
The uninstall the driver, open Programs and Features applet of Control Panel, right-click on the driver, and then click Uninstall button.
Method 3
Reinstall the printer
If the printer is already installed, try removing the printer and then connect/install again (see how to install a printer in Windows 10). To remove the printer:
Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Click on your printer to see the hidden Remove device.
Step 2: Click the Remove device button.
Step 3: To add your printer again (make sure that the printer is turned on and connected), click the Add a printer or scanner option on the same page. Select your printer from the list and then click the Add button.
How to fix printer jam error even after removing the paper and how to fix printer offline issue in Windows 10 guide might also interest you.
monjurul islam khan says
add canon lbp3150 printer to my laptop
Thassim Akbar says
When I go to Printer Properties / Process and set Driver as Lexmark 500-600 and Data EMF 1.008 and send a Test it shows a print job in the queue but does not print.
Thassim Akbar says
I have a Lexmark Z510 Inkjet Printer which worked with Windows 8.1. When I upgraded to Windows 10 it stopped working but after some efforts I reinstalled the driver from C:/Drivers folder and it worked. Now there was a major update and I cant get it to work. Tried all sorts of methods suggested,