5 Ways to Fix Printer Driver Is Unavailable Error on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Running the Windows troubleshooter is an effective way to fix printer-related issues, including this one.
• Updating or reinstalling the printer drivers can also help resolve this specific error.
• If nothing else works, consider resetting your firewall settings, as they might be preventing Windows from communicating with the printer.

Fix 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes several troubleshooters that can help you fix common system-level issues. You can try running the printer troubleshooter to see if that fixes this particular error.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app and head to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Step 2: Choose your printer from the list.

Step 3: Click on Run the troubleshooter.

Windows will automatically detect any issues with your printer and suggest fixes accordingly. Apply the recommended fixes and try using your printer again.

Fix 2: Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

Outdated or incompatible printer drivers on your PC can also cause the “Driver is unavailable” error. You can try updating the current printer drivers to see if that improves the situation.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager from the menu that pops open.

Step 2: Double-click on Print queues to expand it. Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.

Step 3: Select Search automatically for drivers and allow Windows to install the best available drivers for your printer.

If the error persists even after updating the drivers, the current printer drivers may be corrupt. In that case, you’ll need to uninstall the printer drivers and install them again. Go to Device Manager again, right-click on your printer, and select Uninstall device. Then, restart your PC and Windows will automatically install the missing printer driver.

Fix 3: Switch to Generic Printer Drivers

You can temporarily switch to Microsoft’s generic printer drivers to solve the issue with the current printer drivers on your Windows computer. Here’s how.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager from the menu that pops open.

Step 2: Expand Print queues, right-click on your printer device, and select Update driver.

Step 3: Select Browse my computer for drivers.

Step 4: Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.

Step 5: Select Generic software device and hit Next.

Restart your PC and see if you can use your printer without getting the “Driver is unavailable” error. However, this might be a temporary solution to get your printer working. You still might need the latest driver for the printer.

Fix 4: Reset Firewall Settings

Your current firewall settings might be preventing Windows from communicating with your printer. Instead of going through the Windows Firewall settings individually, you should consider resetting them by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu. Type control panel in the box and press Enter.

Step 2: Switch the view type to Large icons and select Windows Defender Firewall.

Step 3: Select Restore defaults from the left pane.

Step 4: Click the Restore defaults button to confirm.

Fix 5: Install Windows Updates

Windows updates bring several new features, improvements, and bug fixes to your system. If the error is only occurring due to a buggy Windows build or compatibility issues, updating Windows 11 to its most recent version should help.

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Navigate to the Windows Update tab and click on Check for updates. Download and install any pending Windows updates and see if the issue is still there.