Printer not working in Windows 10 – How to Fix

Amongst the various errors faced by the users after the Windows 10 Anniversary update, Printer not working is the worst error for Windows 10 users . It might happen that sometimes you get an error message saying the printer driver is not recognized or the printer not working on Windows 10. But don’t worry guys. You can easily fix the issue as the reason behind such error is an incompatible driver.

Also Read: Fix Mouse and Keyboard not Working on Windows 10

How to Fix Printer not Working on Windows 10?

So by updating the damaged driver, you can get your printer back to work. So here are several workable solutions that you can try to troubleshoot all the printer related errors.

Method 1- Fix Printer not working by Running Printer Troubleshooter

The first things that you should use to troubleshoot the printer not working issue are to use the in-built troubleshooting tool for Windows. It will help you to diagnose and resolve the errors related to your printer. Start by downloading the Microsoft’s Windows printer troubleshooter and follow the steps given a blow.

Step 1: Open the Run and type msdt.exe/id Printer Diagnostic. Hit the Enter key. Then from the list of the printer, click on the problematic printer.

Step 2: Now click on the Next option to begin the troubleshooting process.

Method 2- Install Driver in Compatibility Mode on Windows 10

For this method, you require the complete printer driver package file of Windows 10. Save his file on your desktop and follow the steps given below to install it in Compatibility mode.

Step 1: Find the Printer Driver file. Right click on it and then choose Properties.

Step 2: Under the Compatibility tab, check the checkbox against the Run this program in compatibility mode for an option.

Step 3: Then choose your Operating system from the drop-down list given just below it.

Step 4: Now check the checkbox on the Run as administrator option.

Step 5: Save the changes by clicking on the Apply option. Click on Ok.

Step 6: Now double click on the printer file to install it.

Method 3- Restore System to Resolve the Printer

Rolling back the Operating System to the previous version is another potential solution to get back your printer to normal functioning.

Step 1: Open the Settings of your system by pressing the Windows icon key+ I.

Step 2: Now follow the given path- Update and Security>> Recover>> Advanced Startup>> Restart and Troubleshoot.

Step 3: Click on the Go back to the previous build option.

Complete the rollback process by following the on-screen instructions. Also, you will have to choose the Windows version to which you want to restore your system.

Method 4- Update Your Printer Driver Manually to Fix Printer not Working

You can check the manufacturer’s website for the printer driver that supports Windows 10. After downloading the latest driver, just double click on the downloaded file and install it on your system. In case your driver is outdated, and you wish to update it manually, then you can do by following the steps given below.

Step 1: Open Control Panel. Then click on Device Manager.

Step 2: Here locate your printer device. You will observe a yellow exclamation mark against the problematic driver.

Step 3: Right-click on the concerned driver and then click on Update Driver Software.

Step 4: In the next pop-up window, click on the Search automatically for updated driver software. Then just follow the instructions that come on the screen. Windows will automatically search the correct driver s for you and install it on your system.

In case you have the driver file available on your system, then you can choose the second option- browse my computer for driver software. Also in case, you do not have enough time to download and install the printer driver manually, then you can update it with tools like Driver Talent or Driver Easy.

So, guys, these were the methods that will come to your rescue when your printer stops working. In case you face issue while troubleshooting the error, do let us know.