Windows 10: "Unable to communicate with printer" message - I don't WANT to communicate with it!

We use our printer very infrequently and thus leave it unplugged most of the time. This seems to bother the computer, which gives us this message every 10 minutes or so. Is there a way I can have the message disabled?


When we do want to print, we can plug the printer in and have no problems printing or scanning or whatever, and we don't get the "Unable to communicate" message. Its an HP 5200 DeskJet all-in-one device.

:)

 

Printer and computer not communicating

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I would suggest you to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article:

Fix printer problems.

If you have recently upgraded your Windows and the printer is not working after that, I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned in article:

Fix printer problems after updating or upgrading to Windows 10.



Please write back with more information (error message or outcome of the above troubleshooting steps) in order to help him fix the issue.

 

Printer not communicating

Hello,

This issue may have occurred due to compatibility issues. For us to help you with this, kindly answer the following questions:

• What is the make and model of your printer driver?
• What is the current build and version of your Windows 10? To check type in
  winver on the search bar and press Enter.
• Are you getting an error message whenever you try to print?
• Have you tried
  installing a driver from Dell?

Meanwhile, we suggest that you check these articles and perform the troubleshooting steps given:

• Fix printer problems in Windows 10
• Fix printer problems (See the Advanced section)

We'll be waiting for your reply.

 

Computer not communicating with printer

Hi Willa,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. I understand the inconvenience you are facing. I will certainly help you with this.

I appreciate if you could answer few questions to narrow down the issue and to provide you better assistance.

• What exact error message do you receive when you try to print any document?
• Did you made any system changes prior to this issue?
• Does this issue persist while printing from specific app or from all programs/app?
• Is printer connected to PC with wired connection or wireless connection?

Method 1:

I suggest you to try running Printer troubleshooter and check if it fixes the issue. To do so kindly follow the below given steps:

• Type troubleshooting in the search bar.

• Select Troubleshooting.
• Select View all on the top left corner.
• Click on Printer.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
• Check if issue persists.

Method 2:

This issue may arise due to printer’s driver incompatibility with Windows 10. I suggest you to install the drivers in compatibility mode and check if it helps.
To do so kindly follow the below given steps:

• Right click on printer’s driver that you have downloaded from manufacturer website.
  
• Click/tap on Properties.
• Check the Run this program in Compatibility mode for under
  Compatibility tab
• Select Windows 8.1/8 from the drop down under
  Compatibility mode section.
• Click on Apply and Ok.
• Install the drivers, restart PC and check if issue is resolved.

Please post back with the results and the information asked, we will be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.