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Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer? 6 Best Solutions

Driver issues will usually cause printer problems

7 min. read

Updated onApril 11, 2024

updated onApril 11, 2024

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This article is translated in

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Key notes

Many reported that Windows could not connect to the printer and this can prevent you from performing any future printing tasks.

This can be a major problem, but luckily, there are few solutions that can help you with that.

How to fix Windows cannot connect to the printer?

Before we try anything, ensure that your system is up to date to prevent any issues.

1. Check if your printer is an Unspecified Device and update the drivers

Another method you can use to update your drivers is a tool such asOutbyte Driver Updater. Install it, and you’ll automatically update all outdated drivers with just a few clicks.

This method is perfect if you don’t want to search and download drivers manually, so be sure to try it out.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Uninstall and reinstall your printer

If you have problems with this step, we also have an article on what to do if youcan’t remove the printer in Windows 10.

3. Temporarily disable your antivirus security software

Another option is to uninstall third-party software on your PC, such as computer cleaners or antivirus tools.

When protecting your PC – use an antivirus- temporarily disable it because you need it to prevent your computer from security threats.

Immediately after fixing the connection error, you can enable it back. However, if the antivirus is indeed causing this issue, perhaps this is a good moment to consider switching to a different one.

4. Check Default printer settings

5. Clear spooler files and restart spooler service

We also have a helpful article that will guide you on what to do if thePrint Spooler keeps stopping on Windows 10.

6. Use the built-in Printer troubleshooter

Thus, it is one of the most efficient and fast solutions you can try if you come acrossWindows cannot connect to the printerin Windows.

Why does my computer say it Cannot connect to the printer?

There are many causes for the Windows not connecting to the printer issue. It’s possible that your USB cable is broken or your computer just isn’t recognizing your printer.

Moreover, there might be an issue with the driver for your printer, or your Windows operating system needs an update. The antivirus software you use or anaccess point channel conflictare other possible causes.

How to make sure that my printer is working?

Firstly, check if the printer is powered on and connected properly. This goes for both USB and the power cable. Turning the necessary network components can also help with shared printers.

If the issue is still there, a quick reboot might help.

How do I know what IP address my printer is on?

How to access the printing preferences in Windows 10?

If none of our solutions worked, contact your printer’s manufacturer for more troubleshooting and support based on your specific issue.

Because the main problem when it comes to such an issue is a malfunctioning driver, we also recommend consulting our guide onhow to remove a corrupted printer driver.

We also have a guide on what to do ifWindows can’t find the printer, so be sure to check it out for more solutions.

We also have a guide onPrinter sharing not working, and a useful guide on what to do if you’reunable to install printer on Windows.

Share with us your experiences in the comments section below, and write us any questions or suggestions you might have.

Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer? 6 Best Solutions#

How to fix Windows cannot connect to the printer?#

1. Check if your printer is an Unspecified Device and update the drivers#

2. Uninstall and reinstall your printer#

3. Temporarily disable your antivirus security software#

4. Check Default printer settings#

5. Clear spooler files and restart spooler service#

6. Use the built-in Printer troubleshooter#

Why does my computer say it Cannot connect to the printer?#

How to make sure that my printer is working?#

How do I know what IP address my printer is on?#

How to access the printing preferences in Windows 10?#