Printer says Driver is unavailable on Windows 11: how to fix it

When Windows 11 says Driver is unavailable under your printer, the printer itself is almost always fine. Windows has lost or damaged the small program, called a driver, that lets the computer talk to the printer. This often happens after a Windows update, after moving to new internet, or with a new HP DeskJet, Envy or OfficeJet. Work through these steps in order and stop as soon as a test page prints.

Steps

1. Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on with its power button. Then restart the computer using Start, then the power icon, then Restart.
2. Make sure the printer is connected. If it uses a USB cable, push both ends in firmly. If it uses Wi-Fi, check that the printer and the computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Let Windows look for the driver. Open Settings, then Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Then click Advanced options, then Optional updates. If you see a driver update with your printer name, check the box and click Download and install.
4. Remove the printer. Open Settings, then Bluetooth and devices, then Printers and scanners. Click your printer, then click Remove, and click Yes.
5. Add the printer again. On the same Printers and scanners page, click Add device and wait a minute. When your printer appears, click Add device next to it. If it does not appear, click Add manually and follow the steps.
6. If it still says Driver is unavailable, get the driver from the maker. Type the address yourself: hp.com/support for HP, epson.com/support for Epson, canon.com for Canon, or support.brother.com for Brother. Enter your printer model, download the full driver for Windows 11, and open the file from your Downloads folder.
7. For HP printers, you can also install the free HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store. Open it, click the plus sign to add your printer, and let it set up the driver. HP+ printers like the DeskJet 2700e need HP Smart and an HP account.
8. Print a test page. Go back to Printers and scanners, click your printer, then Printer properties, then Print Test Page. If the page prints, you are done.
9. Never call a printer support number from a search ad or a popup. Real HP, Epson, Canon and Brother support will not ask you to pay with gift cards or let a stranger control your computer to fix a driver.

Common questions

What does Driver is unavailable mean?

It means Windows cannot find the small program that lets it talk to your printer. The printer is usually not broken. Installing the driver again fixes it.

Did a Windows update break my printer?

Sometimes an update replaces or removes a printer driver. Removing the printer and adding it back, or installing the driver from the maker, usually fixes it.

Do I need to buy a new printer?

Almost never. A printer that powers on and makes its normal start up noises is usually fine. The problem is on the computer side.

Is it safe to download a printer driver?

Yes, if you type the maker's own address yourself, such as hp.com/support. Avoid driver download sites from search ads, which often bundle unwanted software.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you sit at your own computer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms