Windows 10: Windows 10 update deleting printer drivers

I have two computers running Windows 10 OS. Every time Windows 10 does an update it deletes my printer drivers and I have to reinstall the printer. I have seen where someone else asked the same question but the response provided by Microsoft did not advise of a resolve on keeping Windows 10 from deleting the print drivers. Microsoft only advised on how to reinstall the print driver when it is obvious that the user already knows how to. I have a brand new PC and windows updated for the 5th time since I received it in December and yet again my drivers are missing for my printer. I have had to reinstall the printer on my older PC at least 4 times after a Windows 10 update. Microsoft should provide some type of resolve other than telling me how to reinstall the printer driver.

:)

 

Windows 10 update cause printer problem with: "Printer not activated - Error - 20"

Hi John,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

I understand your concern about accessing the printer after the Windows Update, we will help you with this issue.

Do let us know the following:

• What is the make and model of your device?
• How is the printer connected to the computer, locally or through network?
• Have you tried any troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue?

I suggest you to try the below and check if it helps.

Step 1: I suggest you to update the drivers for printer and check.

• 
  Right click on the Start button from the desktop and select
  Device Manager.
  
• 
  Locate and expand Print queue.
  
• 
  Right-click on the printer driver
  that is listed and click Update driver software.
  

Step 2: I suggest you to run the printer troubleshooter from
“Fix printer problems”
and then check if this fixes the issue.

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of this issue and required information, we will be happy to help you further.

 

Offline Printer--Windows 10

Hi James,



Thank you for positing your query in Microsoft Community. Let me help you.

• 
  What is the exact error message that you can see on the screen?
  

I suggest you to perform the following troubleshooting steps and check if it helps.



Method 1: Fix printer problems

I would suggest you to click on link provided below to Fix printer problems:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/fix-printer-problems

If issue still persists I would suggest you to try installing and updating drivers.



Method 2: Install and Update drivers in Windows 10

To update the drivers please refer to the link

How to: Install and Update Hardware Drivers in Windows 10



Method 3: Check in compatibility mode.

Download the printer drivers from your computer manufacture website for Windows 10.

Follow these steps to install the drivers in compatibility mode and check if that helps.

• 
  Download the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
  
• 
  Right-click on the driver setup file and click on ‘properties’.
  
• 
  Click on the ‘compatibility’ tab and check the box ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for’ and select Windows 8 operating system from the drop down menu and proceed with the installation.
  
• 
  Once this is done, restart the computer and check if the issue persists.
  

Method 4:

If the issue persist please follow these steps and check the issue.

• 
  Press Windows + R keys, type
  services.msc in run window and press Enter.
  
• 
  In services, stop "Print Spooler" service.
  
• 
  In Windows explorer, navigate to the following folder location and open "PRINTERS" folder.
  

C:\Windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS

• 
  Click "Continue" or "Yes", if message prompts.
  
• 
  Delete all files in "PRINTERS" folder and then close Windows explorer.
  

Note: Please do not delete "PRINTERS" folder. Only delete its contents.

• 
  Open services, and start "Print Spooler" service
  

I hope the information helps. Keep us posted on the issue. We will be happy to assist you further.

 

Windows update keeps replacing ALPS Touchpad driver with a Synaptics driver.

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. Appreciate your interest in using Windows 10.

I suggest you to uninstall and delete the previous drivers and the latest drivers for the touchpad and install the required version of the driver from Device Manager by following the steps below:

• Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
• Expand the Touch pad driver.
• Right click on the driver and click on update/install.
• Select the required version from the on-screen prompts.

And for the problem with the installation of printer drivers, I suggest you to run the Windows Update troubleshooter by following the steps below:

• Type “Troubleshooting” in search box and press Enter.
• Click on “View All” option on top left pane.
• Select “Windows Update” from the list and follow the prompts for troubleshooting.

Hope the information is helpful. Feel free to
write to us for any other assistance with Windows, we’ll be glad to assist you.