Fix The Printer driver is Unavailable Error With Easy Steps

A printer driver is an essential part of software that enhances the interaction between your computer and printer. It translates the digital data of your computer into a format that the printer understands. When a request to print is sent then the printer driver becomes an interpreter and makes sure the data is processed and the desired output is obtained. 

There are times when the printer shows the printer driver is unavailable error. This means that either the printer driver is unavailable or the printer is unable to find the right driver. Due to this error, you will not be able to print out documents. The connection issue may cause this printer driver to be unavailable error issue. If your printer driver is facing such a problem then there are ways you can fix this problem. 

 How do I fix my printer driver is unavailable? 

 The problem can be fixed in the following ways-

 Updating the latest printer driver

Always make sure that you are using an updated printer driver from the website of your printer manufacturer. Download the latest printer driver according to your printer model. After downloading the driver install the driver carefully by following all the instructions. 

Try uninstalling and reinstalling 

 Have access to the control panel, select “Devices and printers”, and select “Remove device” by right-clicking on the printer. After this download the printer driver and reinstall the driver by carrying out the instructions. 

Run the printer troubleshooter

The built-in printer troubleshooter in Windows helps in identifying the issues related to the printer and fixes some common issues as well. Click Windows key +X, choose the “settings” option, go for “update and security”, choose the “ troubleshoot” option, and click on “printer” to run the printer troubleshooter and carry on with the instructions.

Check connection issues

Make sure that the printer is connected to the network properly. Make sure the USB cable is plugged into the printer and computer. Also for network connection printers make sure the printer and computer are connected to the same network.

What Leads to the Printer driver is Unavailable Issue?

It happens so many times that users get the error message that their printer driver is unavailable and they want to find a solution to it.  However, before proceeding to the solution one should know what is the reason for this issue. Below, we have shared the significant points which will explain the printer driver is unavailable issue.

1. Outdated printer drivers

If the printer drivers installed on your computer are outdated, then it won't recognize the printer that you wish to use. To fix this problem, you need to update your printer drivers.

2) Wrong driver installation

You may see the printer driver is unavailable error message because of incorrect installation of the printer driver. When this happens, your computer fails to communicate with your printer.

3) Faulty hardware

If the fault exists within the printer device that you are using, then also there will be a communication failure between your computer and printer.

4) Conflict with the software

Did you recently install new software on your system? If yes, then there is a chance that the newly installed software is incompatible with your printer, which is causing this problem.

Conclusion 

 You might come across several errors while operating a printer. It's best to have a full understanding of your printer model. So, in the future, you can troubleshoot minor issues all by yourself and save your time. 

FAQs of Printer driver is unavailable

Q1. How do I fix my printer when it says driver unavailable?

Ans: One of the ways to fix the printer driver is unavailable issue is to reinstall the printer. You can also resolve this problem by manually updating your printer driver.

Q2. How do I reinstall my printer driver?

Ans: You need to disconnect your printer from the computer system and uninstall the printer drivers from your computer. Then, you need to reconnect the printer and then install the drivers on your system once again.

Q3. How do I enable printer drivers?

Ans: Open the printer manufacturer's website on your computer and then start looking for the needed driver. Once you find it, download it on your computer.

Q4. Why does it say my printer isn't available?

Ans A faulty hardware or conflict with the software can lead to the problem of the printer is unavailable. You may also encounter this problem if your printer drivers are outdated or corrupt.