Windows Ready Print replaced the manufacturer driver and features are missing

What causes it

• Windows chose the built-in class driver rather than a vendor package during installation
• The manufacturer no longer publishes a Windows driver for the model
• The vendor driver was present but Windows superseded it on reinstall
• The feature you want is exposed only through vendor software, not through IPP
• The printer advertises a limited feature set over IPP even though it supports more

How to fix it, in order

Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.

1. Decide whether you actually need the vendor driver

   Print a two-sided document and check the paper size and tray options in the print dialog. Ready Print handles duplex, colour, paper size and quality on most modern printers. If everything you use is present, leaving it alone is the more robust choice because it survives Windows upgrades.

2. Install the manufacturer's full software if you need scanning

   Driverless printing does not bring scanning with it on every model. Install the manufacturer's own utility, such as HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon's print app or Brother Mobile Connect, which adds scanning and maintenance tools alongside the existing queue.

3. Add a second queue using the vendor driver

   Download the manufacturer's driver, then use Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device › Add manually › Add a printer using an IP address or hostname, and select the vendor driver on the driver selection page. You end up with two queues to the same printer and can choose the vendor one when you need its extra options.

4. Check the printer's own settings for the missing feature

   Options such as stapling, hole punch, secure print or default tray may be configured on the device panel or its embedded web page, reachable by typing the printer's IP into a browser. Setting them there applies regardless of which driver the PC uses.

5. Update the driver on an existing queue

   Open the printer in Printers & scanners, click Printer properties › Advanced › New Driver, and point the wizard at the vendor driver you installed. This converts the existing queue rather than creating a second one, keeping your applications' saved printer choices intact.

6. Verify the printer's IP is reserved

   Driverless queues follow the printer over the network but still depend on a stable address. Reserve the printer's IP in the router so the queue does not silently break, and print a configuration page to confirm the address.

7. Restart the spooler after any driver change

   Press Windows+R, type services.msc, press Enter and restart Print Spooler so the new driver is loaded cleanly. Applications may also need restarting before the extra options appear in their print dialogs.

Frequently asked questions