Windows 10: After a recent Windows update my printer was no longer available.

I tried to reinstall the printer (HP) but it will not complete the install. I reset my computer (Win 10) to no avail, the issue is still with me. I checked device manager and the printer does not show up. I understand it is an update problem and I am now at Windows Home, Version 1909 (installed 11/20/19) OS build 18363.476 and still the problem persists. What can I do?

:)

 

No printer drive available for Printer under Devices and Printer

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand that you see “No drivers available” for printer under Devices and Printers in Control Panel. However, it would be great if you can help us with the details requested below:

• What is the make and model of the printer?
  
• Are you able to print documents using the printer?
  
• When you say, “Is this why my fax isn't working” what happens when you try to use fax?
  
• How is the printer connected to the computer?
  
• Which build version of Windows 10 is installed on the computer? To check type:
  winver in the search bar on the Taskbar and hit
  Enter.
  
• May I know which update was installed recently? To check go to
  Start >> Settings >> Update & Security >> Windows Update >> View update history.
  

We would suggest you to check if the drivers are installed on the computer or not. Please refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Printers and see if the printer is listed.
   

If the printer driver is not installed, we would suggest you to download the drivers from the printer manufacturer’s website and install them.



For more information, see
Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows 10.



Let us know the results, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Recent Windows 10 update and printer problems

Hi Kathie,



This issue could be an incompatibility with the setting or some corruption within the device driver after the update. As initial troubleshooting, we suggest running the built-in printer troubleshooter on your Windows PC. To access and run the troubleshooter,
follow these steps:

• Click the Windows icon.
• Choose Settings.
• Under Settings, choose Update & Security.
• On the options on the left hand side of the window, click Troubleshoot.
• Under Get up and running, select Printer and click Run the troubleshooter.

We’ll be waiting for any updates regarding the issue.

 

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.