Printer Not Recognized by Windows: Troubleshooting and Fixes
What happened? Got printer not recognized by Windows error? Don’t worry, we will provide the solution. Read this blog and apply the troubleshooting steps carefully.
A printer is an essential peripheral device that allows us to convert digital documents into hard copies. However, encountering an issue where your printer is not recognized by Windows can be frustrating. This problem can occur due to various reasons, such as outdated drivers, connectivity issues, or conflicts with other devices.
In this article, we will explore the common causes behind this problem and provide effective printer troubleshooting steps to get your printer recognized by Windows again. However, if your printer is connected but not printing, you can read this guide to solve the issue.
Solve Printer Not Recognized by Windows in 6 Simple Steps
1. Check Physical Connections
The first step is to ensure that all physical connections between your printer and computer are secure. Make sure the USB or Ethernet cable is properly plugged in at both ends. If you are using a wireless printer, check if it is connected to the same network as your computer. Additionally, verify that the printer is powered on and there are no error messages displayed on its control panel.
2. Restart Devices
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve communication issues between the printer, and Windows. Begin by turning off both your printer and computer. After a few moments, turn them back on. Windows will automatically detect the printer during the startup process, and it may be recognized correctly, thus solving the printer not recognized by Windows issue.
3. Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can cause printer not recognized by Windows problems. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and locate the latest drivers for your printer model. Download and install them on your computer, following the provided instructions. Alterna tively, you can use the Windows Update feature to search for and install the most recent drivers automatically.
4. Check Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler service manages print jobs in Windows. If this service is not running or encounters an error, it can prevent your printer from being recognized. Check the Print Spooler service, and start the service if it is turned off.
5. Disable Conflicting Devices
Sometimes, conflicts with other devices can prevent your printer from being recognized. To troubleshoot the printer not recognized by Windows issue, disconnect any other USB devices connected to your computer, except for essential peripherals like keyboard and mouse. Then, reconnect your printer and check if it is recognized by Windows. If it works, you can reconnect the other devices one by one to identify the conflicting one.
6. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter to diagnose and fix common printer-related issues. To run the printer troubleshooter:
a. Open the Control Panel in Windows.
b. Go to “Hardware and Sound” and click on “Devices and Printers.”
c. Right-click on your printer and select “Troubleshoot.”
d. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Conclusion
Experiencing the frustration of a printer not being recognized by Windows can disrupt your productivity. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can often resolve the issue and get your printer up and running again. Remember to check physical connections, update printer drivers, verify the Print Spooler service, disable conflicting devices, and utilize the printer troubleshooter. By employing these techniques, you’ll be able to overcome the obstacle and continue printing without any issues.
Regular printer maintenance is required to keep your printer running in the optimal way. You can refer to this blog to see the importance of regular printer maintenance and how to do it.
Hope these printer troubleshooting steps solve your printer not recognized by Windows problem without going for online printer support services. To keep reading such printer-related informational blogs, visit the 24x7 Printer Support website’s blogs. 24x7 Printer Support is a US-based organization spreading knowledge about printers. They also provide Online printer support services to troubleshoot printer complications.
