Windows 10: Unable to add printer or scanner windows 11

I am unable to add a printer or scanner. When I hit add device it just locks up. I am using Windows 11 upgraded from v10 on 28/07/21. My original problem was all printers would disappear. I was able to resolve this by running the printer trouble shooter every time time I started the PC, but needed a permanent solution. To try to fix this I removed the printer, but now I'm unable to reinstall. The printer is a HP Photosmart B110a.

:)

 

Windows 10 recognizes my printer+scanner only as a printer.

Hello,

Another method you may try is to uninstall and reinstall the printer. The following are the steps:



Remove your printer

• Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners.
• Under Printers & scanners, find the printer, select it, and then select Remove device.

Install or add a local printer

• Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners.
• Under Printers & Scanners, see if your printer is installed.
• If you don’t see your device, select Add a printer or scanner. Wait for it to find available printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device.

On the other hand, we suggest also that you reach out the manufacturer of your printer/scanner for the driver availability or work around.



Regards.

 

Unable to access the printer/ scanner after upgrading to Windows 10

Hi Richard,

We appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

As you are unable to access the printer/ scanner on your device, do not worry we will help you with this issue.

Do let us know following to assist you better with this issue:

• Have you installed all the drivers for printer/scanner after upgrading to Windows 10?
• How have you connected the printer/scanner to your device?
• Is your printer/scanner device detect on your computer?
• Were you able to see any error code/ error message while trying to access the printer/ scanner?

This issue might have occurred due to outdated/ corrupted, let us try the below troubleshooting steps and check if it helps.

Step 1: If the drive is being detected in Device Manager try the below to update the drivers:

• 
  Right click on Start button and select
  Device Manager.
  
• 
  Expand Print queues, right click on the drivers and click on
  Update driver software.
  
• 
  Restart the computer and check if the issue persists.
  

Step 2: If the device is not detected on your computer try to run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
checks for common problems and makes sure that any new device or hardware connected to your PC is installed correctly.

• Press Windows key from the keyboard, type
  Troubleshooting and select it.
• Click on view all option on the upper left corner of
  Troubleshooting window.
• Select the Hardware and Device
  options from the list.
• Click Next to run the Hardware and Device
  Troubleshooter.

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of connecting the printer/ scanner for further assistance.

Thank you.

 

Since the upgrade, I am unable to open the scanner.

Hi Marvene,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience caused. I will be glad to assist you with this.

Thank you for mentioning the steps you have tried to resolve the issue. We appreciate your effort.

To better assist you, please answer the following questions:

1. You are unable to scan or unable to find the option to start scanning?

2. Do you receive any error message?

3. What is the exact model number of the printer/scanner?

Meanwhile, I would suggest you to try removing and re-adding the printer by following the steps below and check again.

1. Press Windows key + I to open settings.

2. Click "devices".

3. If the printer is listed, click on it and remove it.

4. Click "add printers and scanners" and follow the set up instructions.

Let us know the result.