Methods to Fix 'HP Printer Driver Is Unavailable'
During the use of HP printers, some users may encounter the "Driver Unavailable" issue. This article provides detailed and practical methods to help you resolve the problem effectively.
1. Check for Driver Updates
Outdated or corrupted drivers are common causes of the "Driver Unavailable" issue. Checking for and updating your printer drivers is an effective solution. We recommend using Driver Sentry for automatic driver detection and updates, saving time and avoiding errors during the download or installation process.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry. After installation, open the software and click "Scan".
Once the scan is complete, the results will display drivers that are missing or need updates. Find your printer driver in the list and click "Upgrade".
After the update, restart your computer to ensure the updated driver takes effect.
2. Restart the Print Spooler Service
Press Win + R, type "services.msc", and press Enter.
In the services list, locate "Print Spooler", right-click it, and select "Stop".
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. Delete all files in this folder.
Return to the services window, right-click "Print Spooler", and select "Start".
Restart your computer and test the printer functionality.
3. Adjust Default Printer Settings
Open Control Panel and select "Hardware and Sound" > "Devices and Printers".
Find your HP printer in the list, right-click it, and select "Set as Default Printer".
If a green checkmark appears next to your printer, it has been set as the default printer.
Try printing again to see if the issue is resolved.
4. Roll Back the Printer Driver
Press Win + X and select "Device Manager".
Locate "Print Queues" or "Other Devices", right-click your HP printer, and select "Properties".
Go to the "Driver" tab and click the "Roll Back Driver" button.
Follow the prompts to complete the process, then restart your computer and test the printer.
Note: If the "Roll Back Driver" button is grayed out, there is no older driver version available in the system.
5. Run Windows Troubleshooter
Press Win + I to open Settings, then select "Update & Security".
Click "Troubleshoot" from the left menu, then select "Additional Troubleshooters".
Under "Additional troubleshooters", click "Printer" and select "Run the Troubleshooter".
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process and test your printer.
6. Check Windows Updates
Press Win + I to open Settings, then select "Update & Security".
In the "Windows Update" section, click "Check for Updates" and allow the system to search for and install available updates.
Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and test the printer.
If the issue persists, visit the HP Official Website to manually download and install the latest drivers.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Driver Unavailable" issue for your HP printer. If the problem persists, contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.
See also:
Guide to Fix a Computer That Shuts Down Randomly
Resolve Error Code 0x80072f8f on Windows 10
