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“Driver is unavailable” and other printer driver errors

Updated 3 min readWritten by the HelpMeFixPrinter support team

A printer driver is the small piece of software that translates what you print into something your printer understands. When it’s missing, damaged or the wrong version, you’ll see messages like “Driver is unavailable” or the printer simply won’t install.

Quick answer

Remove the printer and its old driver, then install the official full driver from the manufacturer’s support website (or let Windows Update install it). Never download drivers from third-party “driver update” sites.

Why this happens

  • A Windows update replaced or damaged the existing driver.
  • The driver installed is for a different model or an older version of Windows.
  • A previous install failed halfway and left broken files behind.
  • Two drivers for the same printer are competing.

First: only use official drivers

Fix driver errors on Windows 11

  1. Open Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners, click the printer and choose Remove.
  2. Press Windows key + R, type printui.exe /s /t2 and press Enter. On the Drivers tab, select any driver for your printer and click Remove › Remove driver and driver package. (If it says the driver is in use, restart and try again.)
  3. Go to Settings › Windows Update › Advanced options › Optional updates. If a driver for your printer is listed, install it.
  4. If not, go to the manufacturer’s support site, enter your exact model, choose Windows 11 and download the recommended full driver or software package. Run it and follow the prompts.
  5. Restart and print a test page.

Fix driver errors on Windows 10

  1. Open Settings › Devices › Printers & scanners, select the printer and click Remove device.
  2. Press Windows key + R, type printui.exe /s /t2, and remove the old driver package on the Drivers tab.
  3. Check Settings › Update & Security › Windows Update › View optional updates for a printer driver.
  4. Otherwise download the full driver for Windows 10 from the manufacturer’s site and install it.
  5. Restart and print a test page.

Driver problems on a Mac

Most modern printers work on a Mac with AirPrint, which doesn’t need a separate driver at all. If you see a driver error:

  1. Open System Settings › Printers & Scanners, select the printer and click Remove Printer.
  2. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax…, select the printer and, in the Use menu, choose AirPrint if it’s offered.
  3. If you need features AirPrint doesn’t offer (some scanning or finishing options), install the manufacturer’s macOS software from its official site.
  4. Install any pending updates in System Settings › General › Software Update.

Older printers on new computers

Some older printers never got drivers for Windows 11 or the latest macOS. Before giving up, try: the Windows 10 driver on Windows 11 (they’re often compatible), a built-in Windows driver for a similar model in the same series, or connecting over the network with the IPP protocol. If none work, a technician can usually tell you within minutes whether the printer can be kept going.

Brand-specific tips

HP

HP’s support site offers a “full feature software and driver” package plus a basic driver. HP Smart (from the Microsoft Store) also installs what’s needed for most current models. More HP help

Canon

On Canon’s support site, pick your model and OS, then download the “MP Drivers” or full driver & software package for inkjets, or the UFR II / generic driver for imageCLASS lasers. More Canon help

Epson

Epson lists “Drivers and Utilities Combo Package Installer” for most models — it installs the printer and scanner drivers together. More Epson help

Brother

Choose the “Full Driver & Software Package” on support.brother.com. It includes the scanner driver and the Network Connection Repair Tool. More Brother help

Still stuck? Talk to a printer technician.

Call for a free diagnosis. If it needs a paid fix, you’ll get a flat price before we start — and if we can’t fix it, you don’t pay.

Call 1-866-656-6696

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Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use a driver updater program?

We don’t recommend them. Windows Update and the manufacturer’s website have everything you need, and driver updater tools often install the wrong drivers or unwanted software.

Why does Windows keep replacing my printer driver?

Windows Update sometimes installs its own version. If the manufacturer’s driver works better, reinstall it after updates or ask us to help lock in the right one.

Related fixes

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