Windows says Printer driver is unavailable
Windows has lost the printer driver. The software that lets your computer talk to your printer. The fix is simple: go to Settings and remove the printer, then add it again and let Windows reinstall the driver. This works for nine out of ten people.
A printer driver is like a translator between Windows and your printer. When the driver goes missing or gets corrupted, Windows can't send print jobs to the printer at all. This happens after a Windows update or restart. The good news is Windows will automatically download and reinstall the driver if you remove the printer and add it again.
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step — just tap, no typing needed.
Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Trying to use the printer while Windows is still installing the driver. Wait for the installation to complete
- Removing the printer but not waiting long enough for the removal to finish before adding it back
- Assuming a USB printer doesn't need a driver. USB printers still need drivers to work
Signs you need professional help
- You've removed and re-added the printer but it's still saying driver unavailable You've downloaded the driver manually but it won't install The printer works on other computers but not this one
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