Upgrading to Windows 11 or just installed it? Here's how to get your printer working again and fix the most common Windows 11 printing problems.
On the manufacturer's support site, confirm there's a Windows 11 (or Windows 10 — usually compatible) driver for your exact model.
Download and run the full driver & software package so both printing and scanning work, not just the basic driver.
Run Windows Update (including optional driver updates) — Microsoft ships many printer drivers this way.
If it still won't print, remove the printer and add it again — by IP address for network printers — then restart the Print Spooler.
Windows shows "Driver is unavailable" next to your printer, usually after a Windows update changed o…
ConnectivityYour computer lists the printer as Offline even though it is powered on. This is almost always a com…
PrintingThe Windows Print Spooler service crashes or stops, so nothing prints and you can't open the queue…
InstallationThe "Add a printer" wizard fails, doesn't find the device, or errors out. You can almost always add…
PrintingThe printer appears connected and "Ready", you send a job, but no page comes out. The cause is usual…
HardwareThe printer side works but scanning fails or the computer "can't communicate with the scanner". Netw…
Most printers from the last several years work with Windows 11, often with a built-in or manufacturer driver. Check the manufacturer's support page for a Windows 11 driver for your exact model before upgrading.
Remove the printer, install the latest Windows 11 driver for your model, and restart the Print Spooler. Adding the printer by its IP address often fixes "driver unavailable" cases.
Sometimes. If printing fails or features are missing after upgrading, install the current full driver package for Windows 11 from the manufacturer. Many printers also receive drivers automatically through Windows Update.
Usually a changing IP address or the SNMP status check. Reserve a static IP, uncheck "Use Printer Offline", and disable SNMP on the printer's port. See our offline fix guide for steps.
Browse step-by-step setup guides, error-code fixes and driver help for every major brand sold across the USA & Canada.