Earlier this week Microsoft released updates for Windows with several security improvements and bugfixes. But this has led to printing problems for many people. Several users complain that the printer stops working (printing from the PC) after Windows 10 is updated, or that documents cannot be printed after Windows 10 is updated, or that the printer does not appear in Windows 10 devices and printers.
If the printer does not work after the installation of the last Windows update, but everything was fine before the update, the problem is probably due to the installed printer driver. It is damaged or may not be compatible with the current version of Windows. Again, an incorrect printer configuration or a blocked print pooler service can cause the printer to shut down.
Troubleshooting printer problems in Windows 10
If you have a similar problem and the printer stops working after the Windows update, you can start troubleshooting the printer and reinstall the Printer Driver to fix the problem.
- Make sure the printer is properly connected to the computer’s USB port and that both are turned on.
- If your printer uses the USB protocol, try connecting it to another USB port, perhaps on the back of your computer.
- If you have a network printer, make sure that the network cable (RJ 45) is connected properly and that the lights are flashing.
- Temporarily disable the computer’s firewall and security software (antivirus) and check the status of the printer.
Operating frequency of the printer
Turning on the computer and printer is an effective way to solve temporary problems with different devices.
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet,
- Restart the computer and wait 30 seconds,
- Now reconnect the printer and turn it on again.
- Check the status of the printer to see if it is working properly.
Starting printer spool maintenance
Print Spooler, a service or, for example, a small application that manages print jobs sent from a computer to a printer. If the print pooler service does not start or freezes for any reason, you may experience print job problems that cause the printer to stop responding or stop working.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc and click OK,
- This opens the Windows services console
- Scroll down the page and find the Pressure Spooler service and check its status.
- If this works, right click on the print pooler and choose Restart,
- If the service does not work, double-click on the service to open the features, change the automatic start type and start the service next to the service status.
- Click Apply and correct, now check the status of the problem.
Starting troubleshooting the printer
Windows 10 has a built-in printer troubleshooting system, or you can download and run the Printer Troubleshooting Program, which automatically detects and corrects various problems that cannot complete a print job or shut down the printer.
Press the Windows + X button to select a setting,
Click Update and Security, and then click Troubleshoot,
Then click on the Additional Troubleshooting link, as shown below.
- The following windows show different troubleshooting tools
- Scroll down and locate the printer, select it, and press the start button for troubleshooting,
- This will start by diagnosing and solving the problem that caused the printer to shut down.
- After the diagnostic process is complete, restart the computer and check the status of the problem.
Printer Driver Update
Again, most printers need the latest printer driver to work properly. If you updated Windows 10 from a previous version and the printer no longer works, the problem may be caused by the printer driver. In addition, an unexpected power failure, computer viruses or other problems have damaged the printer driver. Downloading and installing the latest printer driver can often solve these problems.
In most cases, install the latest Windows updates, download and install the latest version of the printer drivers. You can also manually check for a driver update in the device manager or visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers.
Installing the latest printer driver also solves the problem when the printer does not appear in Devices and Printers or when the printer driver error is not detected.
Reinstall the Printer Driver in Compatibility Mode
If you still need help, there may be a compatibility issue. Let’s try installing the printer driver in compatibility mode.
Compatibility Mode is a mechanism by which software emulates an older version of software to keep incompatible software or files compatible with newer hardware or software.
uninstall the printer driver
- First download the latest printer driver from the manufacturer’s website.
- Then uninstall the current device driver using devmgmt.msc.
- In addition, uninstall the printer driver with appwiz.cpl from Programs and Features in the control panel.
- After rebooting the PC, remove the printer driver completely from the computer.
Installing the Printer Driver
- Now locate the downloaded printer driver on the manufacturer’s website, right-click and select Properties.
- Click on the Compatibility tab,
- Select the Run this program in compatibility mode check box and select the appropriate operating system from the drop-down list. (See image below)
- Click Apply and then double-click the driver to install it on your PC.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer and see if this solves the problem.
Check the printer configuration
Re-check and make sure the printer is properly configured and using the correct USB port.
- Open the control panel and then Devices and Printers.
- Find the printer, right-click on it and select Printer Properties.
- Click on the Ports tab and make sure the correct port (USB01) is selected.
- And after this small change, check that the printer is working properly.
In addition, remove the printer and try to add it again by following the steps below.
- Press the Windows + I key to enter the settings.
- Select Devices and then Printers and Scanners,
- Select the printer, selectDelete, then selectYes.
- Under Printer and Scanner, selectAdd Printer or Scanneragain and follow the instructions to reinstall the printer.
Have these solutions helped you solve your Window 10 printer problems? Please let us know in the comments below.
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