Windows 10: Windows 11 - Unable to add a printer

I was having a problem sending print jobs to one of my printers, so I decided to remove and re-add the printer. I had no problem removing the printer from the system, but I'm not able to add it back again. When I go to Settings>Bluetooth & devices>Printers & scanners and click on the "Add device" button, the button dims, and I get the spinning circle, but nothing else happens. I tried re-installing Windows 11, but no dice. I tried restarting with only Microsoft services running, also to no avail. I tried going through the "Devices and Printers" control panel - also does nothing.

:)

 

Unable to remove a printer gone in "Unspecified" group

An outdated, or incompatible printer driver could be causing the issue. We suggest that you update your printer driver, or
uninstall the printer driver; then, restart the computer, and have Windows install the latest driver automatically. Check the steps below:

• Press Windows key + R.
• Type devmgmt.msc and press enter.
• Locate the printer driver and uninstall it.
• Restart the computer.

Keep us posted.

 

Printer

Hi Rodrigo,

I am sorry to know that you are having issues with Printer.

What and all steps have you tried so far?

Restart the computer and check.

Also, check for Windows updates.

I suggest you to run the Printer Troubleshooter and check if it helps.

• 
  In Search window type Troubleshooting and click on it to open it.
  
• 
  Click on Hardware and Sound.
  
• 
  Then click on Printer to run the troubleshooter. Follow onscreen steps.
  

 

Unable to access Wireless printer on Windows 10

Hi Santos,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

I understand the inconvenience your facing with accessing printer, do let us know the following to assist you better:

• Have you tried to connected the printer via wired connection and check?
• Did you connect this printer to different computer and check?
• Were you able to see any error message with this issue?

I suggest you to try the below and check if it helps.

Step 1: Steps to remove printer drivers from Device manager:

• Press Windows + R keys from the keyboard to open
  Run command.
• Type devmgmt.msc in Run window to open
  Device Manager window.
• Under Print queues, right click on the printer and
  uninstall.

Try to install the right drivers for the Printer from the Manufacturer’s website.

Step 2: I suggest you to check the status of
Print Spooler service and check.

Description: Print Spooler service, spools print service and handles interactions with the printer.

If you turn off this service you won’t be able to print or see your printer.

Steps:

• Press Windows + R to open Run command, type
  Services.msc and press Enter.
• Search for Printer Spooler service, right click on it and
  Start the service.
• Also, set the Startup type to Automatic.
• Now check if you are able to install the driver.

Also, I suggest you to refer to the below article about “Fix
printer problems” and check if it helps

Section: Why isn't Windows finding my Bluetooth or other wireless device?

(Applies to Windows 10 as well)

Hope it helps. Kindly update the status of the issue, we will be happy to help you.