If you want to convert an electronic copy to paper, a printer is an indispensable device. Printers are usually used in the business world for creating documents, but you can also find them for personal use. Since the printer is the only device that makes prints, users are often upset and panic when the computer cannot find the printer.
Since there are two types of printers, namely . Whether they are wired or wireless, there may be several reasons why you cannot detect them on your PC. So, if you are having trouble detecting the printer on your computer, you need to determine the type of printer and then consult the appropriate solutions to solve the problem.
The computer cannot find the printer? 22 Corrective action solutions
On the other hand, it is also important to know that internet plays an important role in using a wireless printer. If you are using such a printer, make sure you have a stable internet connection without connection problems. Consider what to do if the computer cannot find the printer.
1. Reboot your PC
Restarting the computer is one of the easiest things you can do if you have trouble detecting a new printer. It’s not a guaranteed solution, but restarting a Windows 10 PC helps many users resolve various issues with the Windows operating system.
2. Checking the printer connection
Before concluding that one of the printers or the computer has connection problems, make sure the printer is properly connected. A green light on the printer indicates that the connection is stable. If the light is not visible, unplug the unit and replace it. You can also restart the PC to see if a stable connection can be established.
3. Check other printer parts
If the computer cannot find the printer in Windows 10 or another Windows operating system, check to see if the printer tray contains paper. If you run out of print paper, the printer may stop working. If there is not enough ink or toner, this may also cause the device to malfunction. To check its level, you can keep an eye on the front panel display. If everything is fine, check if the paper that caused the machine to stop is jammed.
4. Disable antivirus software for.
Antivirus software helps users protect their Windows computers from phishing attacks and various threats and viruses. However, these tools can interfere with the normal operation of other applications on your Windows 10 PC. If you can’t see your printer or scanner on the network, you can turn off the antivirus software for a while and see if the problem is resolved. If the result is positive, you should consider replacing the antivirus software.
5. Restart the router and modem
If you are trying to connect the printer to the Internet, reboot the router and modem to see if they are causing problems. If you have a WLAN router, restart it as well. This is not a guaranteed solution, but it is one of the most important solutions when the printer is not connected to a PC.
6. Router firmware update
If a Windows computer cannot find the printer, you may want to check whether updating the router firmware solves the problem. To do so, enter the router’s network address and go to the router’s administration page. Follow these instructions only if you have determined that rebooting the router and modem does not solve the problem.
7. Windows 10 Update
Sometimes older systems can prevent the printer from establishing a stable connection. Therefore, you should check for new updates to avoid this problem.
Open the Settings window by pressing Win + I and select Update and Security from the list of options.
alt= Click Update and Security ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png /> Click Update and Security.
Then click on Check for updates.
alt=Check for updates data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169655_914_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Check for updates
When a new update is available, it is automatically downloaded and installed. Restart your computer and see if your Windows computer can find the printer with this solution.
8. Troubleshooting printer starts
Windows 10 computers have a built-in printer troubleshooting feature that you can use to assess a printer problem.
Press Windows key + I to open Settings; type Troubleshooting in the search box and press Troubleshooting Settings.
alt=Open troubleshooting options data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169656_499_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Open troubleshooting options
Now go to the printer icon and select Run this troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen troubleshooter instructions and wait for the process to complete.
alt=Execute this diagnostic tool data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169657_728_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Execute this diagnostic tool
After solving the problem, restart the PC and check that the printer is connected in this way.
9. Updating the printer driver
Updating the printer driver is an important thing to do if your computer cannot find your printer in Windows 10. Driver updates are important to improve security and fix different types of bugs that affect the speed of your Windows computer. Installing the wrong version of the driver may affect the performance of the PC. To solve the spooler problem, update the printer driver. Check out this concise guide on updating different types of drivers in Windows 10.
10. Delete unnecessary print files and restart spooler service
Unnecessary print files in the spooler can also cause the printer not to be found.
To avoid this situation, open the Run command by pressing Win + R. Then run the command services.msc to open the Services window.
alt=Open Service Window data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169658_87_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Open Service Window
Locate the Print Spooler service, right-click on it and select Stop; minimize the Services window after this stop.
alt=Stop print spooler service ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169659_954_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Stop print spooler service
Now open Windows 10 File Manager and navigate to the following locations. Make sure you accept administrator rights when opening these folders.
C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS
C:WindowsSystem64spoolPRINTERS
Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder in both paths. Remember that you are only deleting the contents of the folder, not the entire folder.
alt=Delete contents of the PRINTERS folder data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169659_349_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Delete contents of the PRINTERS folder
Now open the service window you minimized earlier. Right click on Print Spooler and start it.
alt=Execute Document Exchange service-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169660_150_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Execute Document Exchange service for printing
Then disconnect the printer from the PC and reconnect it after a few minutes. Check that the computer cannot find the wireless printer after this selection.
11. Add a network printer Correct
Users often obstruct the process of adding a new printer to the network. If you are using a wireless printer, you must first add it to your local network and then make some important changes to your Windows 10 or Windows 8 system in order for the printer to be recognized.
First, turn on the wireless printer and follow the instructions to understand how to properly connect the printer to the network. Once the printer is visible, you need to configure a few things on your computer.
First open the Settings window by pressing Win + I. Select Devices from the list of available options.
alt=Open devices data-ezrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169661_535_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Open devices
Then select Printer and Scanner from the left pane; click Add Printer or Scanner from the right pane.
alt=Click Add Printer or Scanner to correct if the computer cannot find the printer data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169662_839_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Click Add Printer or Scanner.
When the computer starts searching for new devices, check to see if the wireless printer appears in the search results.
12. Using advanced printer setup
If you uninstalled the printer because you cannot find it on your computer, you can try to install it using the advanced installation method. This method allows you to install the printer correctly.
To get started, open the Settings window and click the Devices tab.
Then select Printers and Scanners in the left pane and click Add Printer or Scanner in the left pane.
Select The desired printer is not in the list.
alt= Click “The desired printer is not in the list”. data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169663_443_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png /> Click “The desired printer is not in the list”.
In the dialog box, select My printer is slightly older. Help me find him. Then select a printer from the list and click Next.
alt=Select an option to correct if the computer cannot find the printer data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169664_835_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Select an option
Enter a printer name and click Next again.
Select Do not share this printer and click Next again.
Then click the Print a test page option to confirm that the machine is working properly. Click Finish to complete the installation and verify that the printer can be found on the same network as your computer.
13. Reset power supply
If the Network Adapter is causing problems with printer detection, you can turn it off and on again. You can use this method to measure when your computer cannot find the printer because of an adapter.
Open the Settings window and click Network and Internet in the given options.
alt=Select Network and Internet data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169665_928_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Select Network and Internet.
There’s no reason not to. There’s no reason not to.
alt= Выберите Изменить параметры адаптера data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169666_882_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Выбрать Изменить адапараметры
There’s no reason not to. There’s no reason not to. There’s no reason not to. There’s no reason not to. Отключить.
Отключить сетевой адаптер для исправления того, что компьютер не может найт данные принтера-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169667_301_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Отключить сетевой адапер
There’s no reason not to. There is no reason not to do it. включить. There’s no reason not to. There’s no reason not to, there’s no reason not to.
14. Запустить устройство поиска и устранения неисправностей сети
There’s no reason not to. There’s no reason not to.
There’s no other way to do it.
alt=Открыть данные панели управления-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169669_155_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Открыть панель управления
The network troubleshooting tool is not available and can only be used when needed. There is no alternative for the children to go to school.
alt=Нажмите кнопку Troubleshooting and fixing Network problems the computer cannot find the printer data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169669_752_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png /> Нажмите кнопку Troubleshooting and fixing Network problems (Определить и устранить проблемы в сети).
There’s no reason not to. There’s no reason not to, there’s no reason to.
15. Check printer status and compatibility
If the computer cannot find the printer in any of the Windows operating systems, you should check the printer status to determine what to do.
First, open Control Panel and select Devices and Printers from the Options list.
alt=Select the devices to repair if the computer cannot find the printer data-ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169671_377_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png />Select the devices.
Go to the device list and find the name and icon of the printer.
If the printer is under Unspecified, the object may not be compatible with the operating system.
In this case, update the driver and make sure the printer is physically connected correctly. Users can also connect the printer to a PC via the USB port using a USB cable.
If this does not work, you can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer to solve the problem.
16. Check printer default settings.
If your computer cannot find the printer in Windows 10, you should thoroughly check the default printer settings to make sure there are no changes causing the problem.
First, open the Settings window by pressing Windows + I and select Devices from the options list.
Then click Printers and Scanners in the left pane and uncheck the Let Windows manage default printers check box.
alt= Uncheck the box to correct the fact that the computer cannot find the printer data. ezsrc=http://server.digimetriq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1618169672_207_22-Solutions-To-Fix-Computer-Cant-Find-Printer.png /> Uncheck the box.
This step is useful if your computer automatically changes the default printer. Check if this solves the problem of the printer not being connected to the computer.
17. Delete unnecessary print jobs
Placing too many print jobs in the spooler queue can affect the printer. The easiest way to reduce the number of print jobs is to use printer management software and check the status of all print jobs. You can cancel or restart any job, reducing the load on the existing printer.
18. Updating the printer firmware
The printer firmware is software installed in the printer that gives it all the essential information needed to work properly with a computer. You can update the firmware from the user guide or from the printer menu. Download and install any newly detected firmware updates; restart the computer for those updates to take effect; and check whether or not the computer can find the printer.
19. IP address configuration
You can configure the router to assign a static IP address to the printer if the computer cannot detect it. Allows you to locate your wireless printer at a specific address. Reboots often tend to change this address. To do this, it’s best to open the router’s administrator page, find the device in the list of available devices on the network, and configure the settings to assign a specific address to the device.
20. Selecting an alternative connection method
If you have trouble connecting the printer to your computer over a Wi-Fi network, you can choose Bluetooth or a direct Wi-Fi connection. You can also connect the printer to your computer using Apple AirPrint or Google’s Cloud Print. Make sure that network printing is enabled in the printer settings.
21. Enable connection and playback settings on the router.
If your computer cannot find a printer in Windows 10, you can enable Universal Connection and work on your router to connect your printer. To make this change, you must enter the administrative settings. To activate these settings, simply check the box; the Plug and Play settings allow you to easily connect the printer to your computer.
22. Contact the printer manufacturer
If you have tried all the above solutions and the problem with your printer persists, your last resort is to contact the printer manufacturer and explain the problem. If this does not work, you may need to replace the printer.
Supplement
Not recognizing and adding a printer to your Windows 10 PC can be annoying if you use the printer daily. After all, it is the only device that converts digital files into paper. However, you don’t have to worry too much about this because there are many solutions that will help you.
But before you go any further, you need to know what type of printer you have. Once you have made your choice, you can easily make a decision. If the computer cannot find the printer even after trying all of the above solutions, it is recommended that you contact the service department.
frequently asked questions
Why can’t my computer find my printer?
If the printer does not respond even after you plug it in, you can try several things: Restart the printer and try again. Unplug the printer. … Check that the printer is correctly configured or connected to the computer system.
How do I fix a printer that is not recognized?
Knowing how to repair…
How do you make a printer detectable?
Printer with built-in Bluetooth Open the Bluetooth settings on your computer or mobile device and make sure the feature is turned on. Wait until the name of the printer appears in the list of detected devices, and then select the printer to confirm that you want to pair the devices.
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