If your computer is showing a “Printer in an error state” notification when trying to print,

There’s a printer port misconfiguration issue on your computer.

So, let’s start fixing it by assigning a correct port to your printer.

Configuring the Printer Port

1. Open Windows Settings on your computer.
   
2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices and then Printers & scanners.
   
3. Click Add device, wait a few seconds and click Add manually. If you are on Windows 10, you’ll see The printer that I want isn’t listed. Click that.
   
4. Choose this option at the end > Next.
   
5. Expand the drop-down and select the correct port.
   • Do note that, if you added the printer using its IP address, the port type will be Standard TCP/IP.
   • For wireless printers added through the Settings or Control Panel, the port will be WSD.
   • For wired printers connected directly, the port will be USB001.
     
6. Once you select the port, choose the correct driver for your printer. The driver will have exact name of your printer.
   
7. Click Next and tick Replace the current driver option.
   
8. Again click Next and complete the process.
9. Finally, try printing. You should not face the error.

But what if you did not see your printer driver while you are at step 6?

I see many users complaining the same.

The answer is straight. It is because you have not installed the printer driver from your manufacturer.

In such cases, the printer enters “Driver is unavailable” state and you see the “Printer in an error state” notification when you try to print anything.

If you are on the same shoes, here’s my article on how to install printer driver. It will guide you through the entire process.

Additional Fixes for Printer in an Error State

Well, if you followed my steps correctly, you should not face the “Printer in an error state” message again.

Just in case that didn’t work for you, here are few other things you should consider looking after.

• Check the power supply of your printer. Make sure it is turned on.
• Check/Re-plug USB cable connections (for wired printer) and verify the Wi-Fi connection is proper (for wireless ones.)
• If you have dual Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) available, always make sure you connect both, printer and computer to 2.4GHz band.
• Check if your printer is displaying error messages like low ink levels and paper jam. If yes, sort it out accordingly.
• Clear the print queue and restart the spooler using these commands:
  • net stop spooler
  • del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q
  • net start spooler
  • exit
    
• Run the Printer troubleshooter from Windows Settings > Troubleshoot settings > Additional Troubleshooters.
  
• Giving print command to a non-functional and inactive printer triggers the “Printer in an error state” error. To avoid this, always set your working printer as a default printer.

Well, that’s all for today. I believe you have fixed the issue now.

Please comment down below if you have any confusion or need any kind of assistance. PrinterArmy Deependra is always there to help you.😉