Fix: Troubleshooting Printer Not Working Post-Win10 Update

If you’re facing issues with your printer not working after a Windows 10 update, don’t worry, I’m here to help. It can be frustrating when your printer suddenly stops functioning properly, but there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get it back up and running in no time.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the necessary steps to resolve the problem and troubleshoot any printer issues that may have arisen after a Windows 10 update. So, let’s dive in and get your printer back online swiftly.

Key Takeaways:

• Troubleshooting printer issues after a Windows 10 update is possible with the right steps.
• Restarting your Windows computer and checking for compatibility are essential first steps.
• Using HP Print and Scan Doctor can help diagnose and fix common printer problems.
• Reinstalling the latest HP printing software ensures compatibility with Windows 10.
• Checking network and computer connections helps establish proper communication.

Restart Windows and Check Compatibility

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting methods, it is always recommended to start with a simple yet effective step: restarting your Windows computer. It might sound basic, but this can help resolve temporary glitches that could be causing your printer to not work properly.

Once you have restarted your computer, it is essential to check the compatibility of your printer with Windows 10. Older printers may not be fully compatible and may require updated drivers or software to function correctly.

Ensuring compatibility is crucial for the smooth operation of your printer. Follow the steps below to check the compatibility:

1. Open the Start menu on your Windows computer.
2. Type “Device Manager” in the search bar and select it from the results.
3. In the Device Manager window, locate the “Printers” or “Print queues” category.
4. Expand the category to view the installed printers.
5. Right-click on your printer and select “Properties” from the context menu.
6. Navigate to the “Driver” tab.
7. Check the “Driver Date” and “Driver Version” to see if they are up to date.
8. If the driver is outdated, visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver for your specific printer model.

Verifying compatibility and updating drivers if necessary can significantly improve the functionality of your printer on Windows 10.

By restarting your Windows computer and ensuring printer compatibility, you have taken the initial steps towards resolving printer issues after a Windows 10 update. If these steps do not resolve the problem, don’t worry. We have more troubleshooting methods to explore in the following sections.

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

If your printer is an HP printer, you can try using the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool to diagnose and fix any issues with your printer. This tool can help identify and resolve common printing problems, such as print spooler errors or connectivity issues.

Follow these steps to run HP Print and Scan Doctor:

1. Open your web browser and go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/topic/printscandoctor.
2. Click on the “Download Now” button to download the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool.
3. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file and run it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install and open the HP Print and Scan Doctor.
5. The tool will automatically detect your printer. Select the problematic printer from the list if multiple printers are connected.
6. Click on the “Fix Printing” or “Fix Scanning” option, depending on the issue you are experiencing.

The HP Print and Scan Doctor tool will then diagnose the problem and guide you through the process of fixing it. It may suggest troubleshooting steps, such as resetting the printer, updating drivers, or reconfiguring the printer’s network settings.

“I had been struggling with my HP printer not working after a Windows 10 update, but the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool resolved the issue within minutes. It guided me through the troubleshooting process and fixed the connectivity problem. Highly recommended!” – Sarah

Reinstall the Latest HP Printing Software

If the previous troubleshooting steps did not resolve the issue with your printer after the Windows 10 update, it may be necessary to reinstall the latest HP printing software. By downloading and installing the latest software and drivers for your specific printer model from the official HP website, you can update the necessary components and ensure proper compatibility with Windows 10.

This process involves uninstalling the existing printer software and then installing the updated version. Follow the steps below:

1. Go to the HP Support website (https://support.hp.com/) and enter your printer model in the search bar to find the appropriate software and drivers.
2. Download the latest driver software for your printer model from the search results.
3. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file and double-click on it to begin the installation process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Make sure to select the correct options for your printer.
5. Once the installation is finished, restart your computer.

This reinstallation process can help resolve any compatibility issues between your printer and the Windows 10 update. It ensures that you have the latest software version and drivers, optimizing the performance and functionality of your printer.

If you are unsure about the precise steps to reinstall the HP printing software for your particular printer model, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation or seek assistance from HP Support.

In the next section, we will explore additional troubleshooting steps to help you get your printer back online after a Windows 10 update.

Check Network and Computer Connections

Ensuring that your printer is properly connected to your network or computer is crucial when troubleshooting printer issues after a Windows 10 update. By checking all cables and connections to make sure they are secure, you can eliminate potential issues caused by loose or faulty connections.

1. If you are using a wired printer, ensure that the USB or Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the printer and your computer.
2. If you are using a wireless printer, verify that it is connected to the correct network. Check the network settings on your printer and make any necessary adjustments to establish the correct connection.

Network Connectivity

When troubleshooting a wireless printer connection, it’s essential to check the network connectivity of both your printer and your computer. Ensure that your printer is within range of your Wi-Fi signal and that there are no obstructions or interference that may disrupt the connection.

Network Settings

Verify that the network settings on your printer are correct. Double-check the wireless network name (SSID) and password to ensure they match the network you want to connect to. Some printers may display a list of available Wi-Fi networks, allowing you to select the correct one manually.

Printer Detection

If your printer is not being detected by your computer, try the following steps:

1. Restart your printer and computer to refresh the connection.
2. Ensure that both your printer and computer are connected to the same network.
3. Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software that may be blocking the printer detection.
4. Try connecting your printer to a different USB port or using a different USB cable if you are using a wired printer.

By thoroughly checking the network and computer connections, you can fix potential issues that may be preventing your printer from working after a Windows 10 update. Once the connections are secure and the settings are correct, you should be able to successfully detect and communicate with your printer.

Power Cycle Your Printer

If you’re encountering issues with your printer not working after a Windows 10 update, power cycling your printer can often help resolve temporary glitches and restore its functionality. Follow these steps to power cycle your printer:

1. Turn off your printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from the printer.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds to allow any residual power to dissipate.
4. Plug the power cord back into the printer.
5. Turn on your printer.

This simple process can reset your printer and establish a fresh connection with your Windows 10 computer, potentially resolving the issue of your printer not working post-Windows 10 update.

Update Printer Driver

An outdated or incompatible printer driver can cause issues with your printer after a Windows 10 update. To fix printer not working problems, it is important to ensure that you have the latest printer driver installed on your computer.

Follow these steps to update your printer driver:

1. Visit the manufacturer’s website.
2. Navigate to the support section or drivers/downloads page.
3. Enter your printer model number or select it from the list.
4. Download the latest driver for your specific printer model and Windows 10 version.
5. Once the driver is downloaded, double-click on the file to start the installation process.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
7. Restart your computer and check if the printer is now working properly.

Updating the printer driver can help resolve any compatibility issues and ensure that your printer functions smoothly after a Windows 10 update.

Common Printer Driver Issues

Here are some common issues that may arise due to outdated or incompatible printer drivers:

• The printer is not detected by the computer or not listed in the devices and printers section.
• Print jobs get stuck in the print queue and don’t print.
• The printer is unable to communicate with the computer.
• Print quality is poor or distorted.
• Printer settings cannot be accessed or modified.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, updating the printer driver should be your first step in troubleshooting the problem.

Updating the printer driver can help address these issues and ensure smooth printing functionality on your Windows 10 computer.

Reset Print Spooler

If you are encountering issues with your printer not working after a Windows 10 update, resetting the print spooler can help resolve the problem. The print spooler is a software program in Windows that manages print jobs. If it encounters an error or becomes corrupted, it can cause issues with the printer’s functionality.

To reset the print spooler, follow these steps:

1. Open the Services window by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “services.msc” in the Run dialog, and pressing Enter.
2. Locate the Print Spooler service in the list of services.
3. Right-click on the Print Spooler service and select “Stop” from the context menu to stop the service.
4. Navigate to the following path: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
5. Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder to clear the print queues.
6. Go back to the Services window, right-click on the Print Spooler service, and select “Start” from the context menu to restart the service.

This process will refresh the print spooler and resolve any related problems that may be causing your printer to not work properly after the Windows 10 update.

Common Issues with Print Spooler

The print spooler can encounter various issues that affect the printing functionality. Some common issues include:

• Print jobs getting stuck in the queue and not printing.
• An error message displaying when attempting to print.
• The printer not responding or being recognized by the computer.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, resetting the print spooler can often resolve them and restore proper printing functionality.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

If you’re facing printer issues after a Windows 10 update, don’t worry! Microsoft has included built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix hardware issues, including problems with printers.

To access the printer troubleshooter, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
2. In the Settings window, select “Update & Security”.
3. On the left sidebar, click on “Troubleshoot”.
4. Scroll down to the “Find and fix other problems” section and select “Printer”.
5. Click on “Run the troubleshooter”.

The Windows printer troubleshooter will now automatically scan your system for any printer-related issues. If any problems are detected, it will provide you with recommended solutions or actions to fix the printer not working problem after a Windows 10 update. Follow the troubleshooter’s instructions and implement the suggested fixes to resolve the issue.

By using this built-in tool, you can quickly diagnose and address common printer problems without having to manually navigate through various settings. Windows Troubleshooter simplifies the troubleshooting process, making it easier for you to resolve printer issues and get your device up and running again.

Continue reading to explore additional troubleshooting methods if running the Windows Troubleshooter doesn’t resolve your printer problem.

Example: Troubleshooting Printer Not Working After Windows 10 Update with Windows Troubleshooter

Scenario: After a recent Windows 10 update, my printer stopped working. None of my print jobs were being processed, and the printer appeared to be offline. I decided to use the Windows Troubleshooter to identify the issue and find a solution.

I followed the steps outlined above to access the Windows printer troubleshooter. The troubleshooter scanned my system and detected that the print spooler service had stopped working. It recommended restarting the service and clearing the print queues.

I followed the troubleshooter’s instructions and utilized the suggested fixes. After restarting the print spooler service and clearing the print queues, I tested my printer again. To my delight, the issue was resolved, and I was able to successfully print my documents. The Windows Troubleshooter effectively diagnosed and fixed the problem, saving me from hours of manual troubleshooting.

Remember, running the Windows Troubleshooter should be one of the first steps you take when experiencing printer issues after a Windows 10 update. It’s a convenient tool that can quickly identify and resolve common problems, potentially saving you time and frustration.
For other troubleshooting methods, such as reinstalling printer drivers or checking network connections, refer to the other sections of this article.

Uninstall Recent Windows Update

If you’re facing issues with your printer after a recent Windows update, it’s possible that the update is causing compatibility problems. To troubleshoot this, you can try uninstalling the recent Windows update to see if it resolves the issue. However, please note that this method may not work for major updates. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall Windows updates and remove the problematic update causing the printer not working problem:

1. Press the Windows key and type “Control Panel.”
2. Click on “Control Panel” from the search results.
3. In the Control Panel window, select “Programs.”
4. Click on “Programs and Features.”
5. In the installed programs list, click on the “View installed updates” option on the left side of the window.
6. Locate the recent update that may be causing the printer not working issue. You can identify the updates by looking at the “Installed On” column.
7. Right-click on the problematic update and select “Uninstall.”
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

By uninstalling the recent Windows update, you can potentially resolve the compatibility issues that are causing your printer to not work properly. Remember to check if the printer starts working again after the uninstallation. If the problem persists, continue troubleshooting using the other methods mentioned in this article.

To uninstall a recent Windows update:

1. Press the Windows key and type “Settings.”
2. Click on the “Settings” app from the search results.
3. In the Settings window, select “Update & Security.”
4. Click on “Windows Update.”
5. Click on “View update history.”
6. Click on the “Uninstall updates” link.
7. In the list of installed updates, locate the recent update that may be causing the printer not working issue. You can identify the updates by looking at the “Installed On” column.
8. Right-click on the problematic update and select “Uninstall.”
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Uninstalling a recent Windows update can help resolve compatibility issues that may be affecting your printer’s functionality. However, proceed with caution as uninstalling updates can have other implications on your system. If this solution doesn’t fix the problem, move on to the next troubleshooting method.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting printer issues after a Windows 10 update can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can get your printer back online. By restarting Windows and checking compatibility, you can ensure that any temporary issues or incompatibilities are resolved. Running the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool can help diagnose and fix common printing problems.

If the issue persists, reinstalling the latest software and drivers specific to your printer model can improve compatibility with Windows 10. Additionally, checking network and computer connections, power cycling your printer, and updating the printer driver can further resolve the problem.

If you have tried all the troubleshooting methods and are still experiencing difficulties, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance or contact the printer manufacturer’s support for further guidance and assistance in resolving the problem. They can provide specialized help tailored to your specific printer model and Windows 10 configuration.