As someone who regularly works with computers and printers, you’ve probably encountered a situation in which you try to print a document, but your computer prompts you with an error message stating that the printer driver is unavailable. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a deadline to meet.

The good news is that this issue is relatively easy to fix. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of the “printer driver unavailable” error and how to resolve it.

What causes printer driver issues on Windows?

In most cases, the “printer driver unavailable” error message indicates that your Windows operating system is unable to communicate with the printer, and this could have happened due to several reasons.

One of the most common causes is an outdated or incorrect printer driver. If you’ve recently upgraded to a new version of the Windows operating system, your current printer driver may not be compatible with it.

Another potential cause could be an issue with your printer’s connection. If your printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable, check whether the cable is plugged in securely. If you’re using wireless printing, ensure that your printer and computer are connected to the same network.

Lastly, the problem may lie with your printer’s software. If your printer’s software isn’t installed correctly, or if there’s a problem with it, it can prevent your computer from recognizing your printer.

4 ways to resolve printer driver issues on Windows

1. Update your printer driver

Updating your printer driver is one of the most effective ways to resolve “printer driver unavailable” errors. You can search for your printer’s driver on the manufacturer’s website or use Windows’ built-in driver update tool.

To do this, open the Device Manager and locate your printer. Right-click on the printer, select “Update driver,” and follow the on-screen prompts to update the driver.

2. Check your printer’s connectivity

Ensure that your printer’s connection is secure, and your printer and computer are on the same network. If you’re still unable to print, try restarting your router and resetting your printer’s network settings, and reconnecting your computer and the printer.

3. Reinstall the printer software

If your printer’s software is outdated or if there are issues with it, try reinstalling it. You can do this by uninstalling your printer’s software, restarting your computer, and then reinstalling the software.

4. Use Windows’ built-in printer troubleshooter

Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and resolve issues with your printer. You can access it by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Printer.