DriverCove

“Printer driver is unavailable” on Windows

“Driver is unavailable” means Windows can't use the installed printer driver - it's corrupted, incompatible with the current Windows build, or was never fully installed. The fix is a clean reinstall of the correct driver for your exact printer model.

Why this happens

  • The printer driver is incompatible with the current Windows version (common after upgrading to Windows 11).
  • A corrupted driver installation.
  • Windows installed a generic driver that doesn't fully support the model.
  • Older printers (e.g. HP LaserJet 1018) whose drivers aren't distributed via Windows Update anymore.

Quick checks first

1Restart the print spooler

Win+R → services.msc → “Print Spooler” → Restart. Then check the printer status again.

2Check cable, power and the printer itself

Printer on, no error lights or messages on its display, cable seated on both ends (or the printer visible on Wi-Fi). Obvious - but it rules out half of “offline” cases in a minute.

3Remove and re-add the printer

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → select the printer → Remove. Then add it again - Windows will attempt a fresh driver installation.

4Did it break after upgrading Windows?

If the printer worked until a Windows upgrade or update, the old driver is likely incompatible with the new version - the manual reinstall below is the targeted fix.

If the printer still refuses to print, the next step is to identify the exact model and install the correct driver for your Windows version - the steps below cover both the identification and the install.

Drivers most often behind this problem

Fixing it manually

Install the exact driver for your model

  1. Find the exact model on the printer label (e.g. Epson L3250, HP LaserJet 1018 - the suffix matters).
  2. Search the model in our database and pick the driver matching your Windows version and architecture (64-bit for virtually all modern systems).
  3. Create a restore point, download from the official source and run the installer before connecting the printer (unless the instructions say otherwise).
  4. Reconnect the printer and let Windows finish the setup.

Clean out the old driver first (stubborn cases)

  1. Win+R → printui /s /t2 - opens Print Server Properties → Drivers tab.
  2. Remove the failed driver package (Remove driver and package).
  3. Reboot, then install the correct driver as above.

Know the exact device model?

Search the printer driver database by model name (e.g. from the label on the device) or Hardware ID. Review matching Windows versions and available driver releases.

For printers the exact model name is usually enough - it's printed on the device itself. USB-connected printers also expose a Hardware ID (USBPRINT\... or USB\VID_…) visible in Device Manager, useful when the label is gone.

Try for example: HP LaserJet 1018 · read the Hardware ID guide · or browse the driver category

Browse printers & scanners drivers by brand

Frequently asked questions

▸The printer worked on Windows 10 and broke after upgrading to Windows 11.

Some older printer drivers aren't compatible with Windows 11. Look for a newer driver version for your model; if the vendor never released one, a generic or universal print driver from the same manufacturer sometimes works.

▸The label is worn off and I can't read the model. What now?

Windows already knows the model: check Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, or Device Manager - the device entry carries the model name as the printer reports it, plus a Hardware ID that identifies it even without the label. Search either one in the database.

Other common problems