Windows 10: All Printer Drivers Suddenly Missing

A Windows 10 laptop suddenly can't print. There are three printers that the PC can see and it is configured to print to. All three at the same time now show "driver unavailable" and I've lost control of, and connectivity to, those printers.Windows updates is current. There were two Windows patches installed the day before this happened. I have uninstalled them and the problem persisted. I have reinstalled them and the problem persists. I am unable to use HP Smart and/or other HP utilities to install drivers, it fails when trying to contact the printer even though I can browse or ping to it.I h

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Printer Class Drivers Missing

I am able to go and download individual drivers from the Manufacturer's Websites. The drivers I am talking about being missing are when you get the pick list while installing a new printer where you could select from hundreds of drivers from dozens of
manufacturers. My pick list only lists Generic and Microsoft as manufacturers. Others such as Zebra, HP, Xerox, Canon, etc are not even listed. I have some vbs scripts that references these class drivers to install the printers, but they will not work because
the class drivers are actually missing.

 

Missing Devices & Printers

Hi Tony,

Thank for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concerned. Let me help you to fix the issue.

To assist you better, please provide us more information.

• 
  What is the make and model of the printer?
  
• 
  What is the exact issue are you facing?
  
• 
  When you say ‘’ Most of my devices’’ what are device that is missing?
  

Let’s try simple troubleshooting steps and check if this helps in resolving the issue. Follow the below methods.

Method 1.

I suggest you to run Printer troubleshooter and check if it this helps.

• 
  Type troubleshooting on the search bar and click on
  Troubleshooting.
  
• 
  Click on Troubleshooting and click on print on
  printer Hardware and Sound.
  
• 
  Click on Advanced on the Printer troubleshooter dialog box and click on Run as administrator (Enter the credentials if required).
  
• 
  Click on Next and follow onscreen instruction complete the Printer troubleshooter.
  

If the issue still persist try the method.

Method 2.

I recommend you to update the printer driver and check if it helps to resolve the issue.

• 
  Press Windows Key + X and click on
  Device Manager.
  
• 
  Locate for the Print Queues and expand it.
  
• 
  Right click on the printer and click on
  uninstall.
  
• 
  Once you are uninstalling the driver, restart the computer.
  

If that does not help fix the issue, I suggest you to go to the printer manufacturer website, download the latest printer driver and install the same.

Hope this helps. Post us with status we will be glad to help you.

 

printer driver is unavailable

Hi Robert,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I regret the inconvenience caused to you. We will be glad to assist you with this issue.

It would be grateful if you can reply to this question in order to assist you further:

• How exactly did you try to download the drivers?
• Did you try to check if the printer driver's are shown in the device manager?

Let's try the following steps and check if it helps:

Step 1: Run Hardware and device Troubleshooter.

• Type troubleshooting in the search bar and select it.
• Select View all on the top left corner.
• Click Hardware and device
  troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
• Check if issue persists.

Step 2: I suggest you to visit the manufacturer website of the printer and download and install the latest drivers and check if it helps.

Let us know the status of the issue. We will be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.