Printer driver is unavailable
Windows shows Driver is unavailable under your printer and it won't print. Clear out the broken driver and install the right one for your PC.
Quick fix
Remove the printer in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, restart the PC, then add it again with Add device. If the message returns, install the full driver for your model and Windows version from the manufacturer's official support site.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- Driver is unavailable appears under the printer in Settings
- The printer is listed but nothing prints
- Printing preferences won't open
- The message appeared after a Windows update or upgrade
Usually caused by
- Driver damaged or removed by an update
- Driver written for an older version of Windows
- Wrong driver type for the PC, such as an x64 driver on an Arm-based PC
- Windows protected print mode blocking manufacturer drivers
Step-by-step fix
Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 6 steps tried
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Check Windows Update for a driver
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and expand Driver updates. If your printer is listed, install it and restart. In Windows 10, look under Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates.
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Remove and re-add the printer
In Printers & scanners, select the printer and choose Remove. Restart, then click Add device. Many current printers install with the driver built into Windows, with no download needed.
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Remove the old driver package
Press Win + R, run the command below, and on the Drivers tab select your printer's driver. Click Remove, choose Remove driver and driver package and confirm. If Windows says it's in use, restart the Print Spooler and try again.
printui /s /t2 -
Install the maker's full driver
Download the driver for your exact model from the manufacturer's official support site, choosing the Windows 11 or 10 version. Run it and follow its prompts, connecting a USB cable only when asked.
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Check your PC's processor type
Go to Settings > System > About and look at System type. If it mentions an ARM-based processor, you need an Arm64 driver or the driver built into Windows; many older x64 printer drivers won't work.
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Check Windows protected print mode
On recent Windows 11 versions, a Windows protected print mode setting may appear on the Printers & scanners page. When it's on, only printers that work with the driver built into Windows are allowed. It's off by default; turning it off gives up that extra protection, so leave it on if your printer works with the built-in driver.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Try these next
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
What does Driver is unavailable mean?
Windows has an entry for the printer but can't load the software that translates your documents for it. Until a working driver is installed, the printer can't print.
Do I need the manufacturer's software at all?
Not always. Many printers from the last several years work with the driver built into Windows. The maker's software adds extras such as ink levels and scanning tools.