First of all, we would like to cover on how you can add a printer to your computer. Press Windows + S to launch the search bar and type “Printer” in the search bar.
Once you have opened the Printer settings, click on “Add a printer or scanner”. Now windows will automatically start searching for connected printers either through a cable or in the network. Make sure that your printer is connected properly before going through the detection.
Solution 1: Running the Printer Troubleshooter
Windows has an inbuilt collection of troubleshooters meant to troubleshoot problems in various categories. We can run the printer troubleshooter and check if it detects any problems and fixes them.
Solution 2: Stopping the Spooler Service, Deleting Printer Files, and Restarting Service
We can try stopping the Spooler Service from the services window, deleting temporary internet files and restarting the service. It is possible that the drivers couldn’t function properly due to any discrepancy, and restarting the service might fix it.
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS Permission might be needed to access the following folder. If prompted, press Continue.
Solution 3: Updating your Printer Drivers Manually and Automatically
We can try updating the Printer driver manually and check if this solves the problem. In order to update it manually, you need to have the driver from the manufacturer’s website. Since there are hundreds of printers out there, it is not feasible for us to list each one of them.
Select the driver file you downloaded using the browse button when it appears and update it accordingly.
We can also try using Windows Update for it to automatically search for different drivers available online and update it automatically. Windows roll out important updates targeting the bug fixes in the operating system. If you are holding back and not installing the Windows update, we strongly recommend that you do. There are a lot of issues still pending with the OS and Microsoft rolls out frequent updates to target these issues.
Solution 4: Uninstalling the Printer
If the above methods don’t work, we can try uninstalling the printer and then update it accordingly. Uninstalling the printer removes all data related to the printer from your computer so you can install it from scratch.
Note: If your computer doesn’t detect the printer on your network, try resetting your router and reconnecting both, your computer and your printer. You should always as a precaution, restart your router every once in a while to avoid problems like these.
Solution 5: Changing Printer Connection Port
You should try changing the printer’s port from LPT1 to USB001. Although this is an insignificant change, sometimes it does the trick. Also if you are trying to access and install the printer using a network, you should connect it manually to your computer and then try installing using the steps mentioned. For first-timers, it is often necessary that the printer gets a wired connection to your computer in order to configure the settings. Once the printer has been detected and installed successfully, head over to your devices, right-click on the printer and mark it as default.
How to Fix Printer Driver ‘Error 0x80070705’ (Unknown Printer Driver)Fix: Windows cannot locate a suitable printer driverHow to Turn USB Printer into a Wireless Printer using Airport ExpressFix: Windows cannot Load the Device Driver for this Hardware because a Previous…
