If your printer is not found when you try to install it on Windows, you may need to troubleshoot the issue first before taking any other steps. Troubleshooting can assist in diagnosing the cause of the issue and provide the necessary steps for resolving the problem.
There are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot why your printer is not being detected by Windows:
1. Check Cable Connections
The first step you should take when troubleshooting your printer setup is to check all the cables and connections between your computer, printer, and any other peripherals. Check to ensure the printer is powered on and that all cables are securely connected and undamaged. If one of these components is disconnected or damaged, the system will not be able to detect the printer.
2. Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer Driver
If the above step did not resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the printer driver. To do this, open the “Device Manager” window in Control Panel and locate the entry for the printer driver. Right-click on it and choose “Uninstall”. Once the driver is uninstalled, reboot the computer and then reinstall the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Update Printer Firmware
In some cases, a more recent firmware version may be needed for the printer to interact with your computer’s operating system. Check the manufacturer’s website for the most updated version of your printer’s firmware and download it. Once downloaded, you can use the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new firmware and make sure it is properly configured.
4. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
If the previous steps have failed to resolve the issue, you can find a built-in troubleshooter in Microsoft Windows. Open the Start menu and type “troubleshoot” in the search bar. Select “Printers” from the list of results, and follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer
If none of the previously listed steps resolved your issue, the last resort would be to uninstall and reinstall the printer. To do this, navigate to the “Printers & Scanners” page of Settings, select the printer, and click “Uninstall Device”. Once the printer has been removed, reinstall it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have followed the steps outlined above and you still cannot get the printer to work on Windows, you may have a hardware issue or a compatibility issue with the printer and your operating system. If this is the case, it is advised that you contact the printer manufacturer’s technical support team for further advice.