How to Fix Windows 11 Printer Showing 'Driver Unavailable' After a System Update

Windows KB-856

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix Windows 11 Printer Showing 'Driver Unavailable' After a System Update. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Quick Tip: Need immediate assistance? 💻 Open a Ticket

Common Causes

After installing a Windows 11 system update, your printer may suddenly display a "Driver unavailable" error. This usually happens when the update replaces or conflicts with the existing printer driver, leaving Windows unable to communicate with the device. Follow the steps below to restore printing functionality for your home office or small business.

Quick Fix Steps

Restart your printer and your computer.
Disconnect the printer cable (USB or Ethernet) and reconnect it.
Run the Windows Printer troubleshooter.
Update or reinstall the printer driver.

Detailed Instructions

1. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Select System from the left-hand menu, then click Troubleshoot.
Click Other troubleshooters.
Find Printer in the list and click Run.
Follow the on-screen prompts to detect and fix issues.

If the troubleshooter resolves the issue, try printing a test page before proceeding to the next steps.

2. Update the Printer Driver via Device Manager

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Print queues category.
Right-click your printer and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows finds a new driver, follow the prompts to install it and restart your computer.

3. Reinstall the Printer Driver

Open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Select your printer from the list and click Remove. Confirm the removal.
Visit the printer manufacturer's website (such as HP, Brother, Canon, or Epson) and download the latest driver for your specific printer model and Windows 11.
Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Reconnect your printer and print a test page.

Do not use driver updater tools from third-party websites, as these can install incompatible or outdated software.

4. Check Windows Update for Optional Driver Updates

Open Settings and select Windows Update from the left menu.
Click Advanced options, then select Optional updates.
Expand the Driver updates section.
If your printer driver appears in the list, select the checkbox and click Download & install.

Troubleshooting

Printer Still Shows 'Driver Unavailable'

Check the connection: For USB printers, try a different port or cable. For network printers, ensure the device is connected to the same network as your computer.
Check printer compatibility: Some older printers may not have a Windows 11 driver. Visit the manufacturer's support page to confirm compatibility.
Remove old drivers: If a previous driver installation failed, residual files may block the new driver. A clean installation of Windows 11 may be necessary in persistent cases.

If you have completed these steps and your printer still shows "Driver unavailable", Open a Ticket with our Brisbane support team for further assistance.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

💻 Open a Ticket