Steps to Fix HP Printer Driver Error on Windows PC

This error message is often frustrating for HP printer owners on Windows PCs. The error usually occurs when Windows has trouble loading the printer driver. It could be due to either outdated software or an incomplete printer installation. This problem can be resolved in various manners. The HP printer error can be fixed easily with the following step-by-step process on Windows 10 or 11.

When does the “Driver is Unavailable” error occur?

Users of HP printers using Windows PCs may find the “Driver Is Unavailable” error frustrating. This annoying message appears when Windows has trouble loading the printer driver for HP devices. This error can occur in several different scenarios:

1. Outdated Driver Software: Over time, printer drivers can become obsolete, either because they are not updated by the manufacturer, or due to compatibility issues. Windows may not connect to the printer with an outdated printer driver. This will result in the error “Driver Is Unavailable”.
2. This error may also caused by an incomplete printer set-up. It could happen when the printer was not configured or installed properly during the initial setup. Windows might struggle to find the printer driver in such cases. This can lead to an error message.
3. Corrupted driver files: Due to malware infections or software conflicts, driver files may become corrupted, and Windows may no longer access necessary driver files when this occurs, leading to the “Driver Is Unavailable” error message.
4. Operating System Issues: Your printer driver might no longer work correctly with the version of Windows you are currently running, such as when updating or installing major updates to your operating system or software updates. In such an instance, existing printer drivers might no longer be compatible with these changes, leading to driver-related problems and further complications.
5. Hardware issues: Error “Driver not available” may occur due to hardware connectivity problems. This could involve anything from USB cables and network connections to Windows reporting that no driver was found for a printer and creating stable network connections that the OS cannot detect or establish itself. You can learn more by clicking here and running the printer troubleshooter tool. 

Solutions

1. Run the printer troubleshooter

Windows includes an inbuilt printer troubleshooter which can help address many printer drivers and related printer issues. To use it: hold down Windows Key + S and press Enter, type Troubleshoot Settings into the Settings window; choose Other/Additional Troubleshooters from that drop-down list, and then find and run Printer Troubleshooter to complete its operation.

Follow the onscreen instructions to fix any problems identified by the Troubleshooter. 

2. HP Print and Scan App

HP offers a special app known as HP Print and Scan App, intended to detect and fix issues with HP printers. To use it effectively:

HP Print and Scan Doctor can be downloaded directly from HP’s website and used with their Printer Diagnostic Tool to quickly diagnose problems with your printer. With its advice and suggestions for fixing detected issues, use HP’s HP Printer Diagnostic Tool for diagnosis.

3. Update your HP printer

Install the latest driver and software updates for your HP printer. Search for your HP Printer model on HP’s Software & Driver Downloads Portal and download the recommended updates.

You can manually update drivers through Device Manager if you have problems using HP’s Driver Updater Tool.

• Type devmgmt.msc in the Run box by pressing Windows + R.
• Right-click on your printer hardware and choose Update driver.
• Update the driver by following the instructions on the screen.

4. Install the latest Windows updates

Update your Windows OS. Older versions of Windows may not be compatible with HP printer driver software. How to update Windows

• Select Settings > Windows Update from the Start menu.
• Install any available updates.
• Install any optional printer updates if they are available.

5. Install Drivers for HP Printers Again

If the problem persists, remove the printer and add it again to your computer.

• Go to Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners in the Settings app.
• Remove your HP printer.
• Uninstall the HP printer by expanding Printer queues in Device Manager.
• Install any HP drivers and support software via the Apps & Features menu.
• Restart your computer, and then reinstall the HP driver and software.

6. Generic Printer Driver

As a possible workaround, consider switching to a generic driver:

• Update the driver by opening the Device Manager and selecting the HP printer that is not working.
• Select the generic software device and browse for drivers on your computer.
• Install the generic driver for your printer.

7. SFC Scan and DISM Scan

The “Driver Is Not Available” error can also be caused by system file corruption. Use the System File Checker and Deployment Image Service and Management (DISM), to fix this error.

• Execute the command sfc/scannow by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Windows PowerShell/Terminal as an administrator. 
• Next, use DISM with the command DISM.exe /Online /CleanupImage /Restorehealth to use its tool.

Conclusion

These steps will assist in fixing the “driver not available” error for HP printers connected to Windows PCs. You can avoid driver-related issues by systematically addressing and troubleshooting potential problems.