So you just added printer to your computer.

But when you try to print, it shows the “Driver is unavailable” error, right?

I found so many incorrect articles on the Internet about this error.

They were suggesting fixes like update Windows, update/roll back printer driver from Device Manager and so on.

I was like, Seriously?🙄

Printers aren’t like other devices, and they don’t work that way.

I’ve been tinkering with printers for decades and been through this error a lot.

So, today I will show you what I exactly do when this happens.

Install Driver From Your Manufacturer

Once you add the printer to your computer, you must also install the printer driver.

It is a mandatory step while installing the printer.

Although printers are plug and play, that generic driver is not going to make your printer fully functional.

So, you must install the compatible driver from your printer manufacturer.

Here are the official websites of Canon, HP, Epson and Brother printers to help you.

As you can see, this is the screenshot of me downloading printer driver for one of my HP printer.

Similarly, download and install it for your printer.

• Please make sure you restart your computer before installing the driver.
• Shut down everything; do not open any apps on background while doing it.
• Also, make sure to follow the on-screen instructions correctly to avoid any kind of error.

Once the driver installation completes, the “Driver is unavailable” error will go away.

Install the Driver Locally

But sometimes, I have also been through situations when the error still does not go away after running the driver setup file from manufacturer.

It is due to communication issue between your printer and driver file during installation.

In that case, you should install the printer driver locally to fix the error.

1. Open Windows Settings.
   
2. Go to Printers & Scanners.
3. Click Add device or Add a printer or scanner and wait some time.
   
4. You’ll see The printer I want isn’t listed (Windows 10) or Add manually (Windows 11). Click it.
   
5. Tick last option > Next.
   
6. Use an existing port > select port.
   
7. The port will be Standard TCP/IP if you added printer using its IP address.
8. Similarly, WSD for network printers added via Settings/Control Panel. And, USB001 for wired printers.
9. Select printer driver on the next window.
   
10. Replace it. The error will go away.
    

Note: Chances are rare, but if you don’t see the driver while at Step 9, again run the driver setup file you downloaded earlier, and repeat the steps from 1 to 10.

• If you are still having the problem, remove everything you see under this section. Do not remove Fax and Microsoft printers though.
  
• Then, go to Print server properties > Drivers and for all drivers, Remove driver and driver package.
  
• After that, again run the driver setup file and repeat steps 1-10.

That’s all. You won’t face the error after that.

Please let me know if you are confused or get stuck anywhere during the process. I will reply to you shortly.