The “Driver unavailable” error in Windows means your printer has lost its driver — the software Windows needs to communicate with it. It sounds technical but it’s a straightforward fix. Here’s how to resolve it step by step.
What Causes the “Driver Unavailable” Error?
This error usually appears after a Windows update removes or corrupts the printer driver, or when the driver is simply out of date. It can also happen when a printer is moved to a new PC and the driver was never installed properly. The printer itself is almost certainly fine.
Fix 1: Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Start here — Windows can sometimes reinstall a missing driver automatically.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Click Run next to Printer.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
- If it finds and fixes a driver issue, try printing again.
Fix 2: Update the Printer Driver via Device Manager
- Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Print queues.
- Right-click your printer and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- If Windows finds an updated driver, it will install it. Restart your PC and test.
If Windows says the driver is already up to date but the error persists, move to Fix 3.
Fix 3: Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver
This is the most reliable fix for a corrupted or broken driver.
Step 1 — Remove the printer completely
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click your printer and select Remove.
Step 2 — Remove the driver package
- Press Windows key + R, type
printmanagement.mscand press Enter. - In the left panel, click All Drivers.
- Find your printer’s driver in the list, right-click it and select Delete.
If Print Management isn’t available on your version of Windows, skip this step and proceed to Step 3.
Step 3 — Download and install a fresh driver
- Go to your printer manufacturer’s website:
- HP: support.hp.com
- Canon: canon.co.uk/support
- Epson: epson.co.uk/support
- Brother: support.brother.co.uk
- Search for your exact printer model number (printed on the front or underside of the printer).
- Download the latest full driver and software package.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Restart your PC when the installation is complete.
Fix 4: Check Windows Update
Sometimes a Windows Update that caused the problem also has a patch available.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Also click Advanced options > Optional updates — driver updates for printers sometimes appear here.
- Install any available updates and restart.
Fix 5: Try a Different USB Port or Cable
If your printer is connected by USB, a faulty cable or USB port can trigger a driver error. Swap the cable for a different one and try a different USB port on your PC. This rules out a hardware fault before spending more time on software fixes.
Fix 6: Use a Universal Print Driver
If the manufacturer’s driver isn’t available or won’t install correctly, a generic Windows driver sometimes works as a stopgap.
- Go to Settings > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner.
- Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
- Choose your port, then on the driver screen, select Microsoft as the manufacturer and choose a generic postscript or PCL driver.
This won’t give you full features (no scanning, no ink levels) but will let you print.
Related Guides
- Printer Showing Offline — How to Fix It
- How to Add a Printer in Windows 11
- Printer Spooler Error: How to Fix It
