Windows 10: Drivers Missing for Printer

My PC recently died, and as a result the windows installation drive died. In reinstalling windows, i upgraded to windows 11. Now, my device can no longer connect to my home printer, a Brother mfc-885cw. The specific error is that the "Driver is Unavailable." Clicking "Find Drivers" Redirects me to a series of instructions that do no help. Going to Brother's own website also yields no useful results, just that "The drivers should be included with windows."

:)

 

win10 sez no drivers for brither hl5040 printer  

To be sure that you followed my suggestion correctly, I will specify some steps: CP>devices and printers>add a printer>the printer that I want isn't listed>add a local printer with manual settings>define port>Windows update and install

 

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.