If your printer is not recognizing your Windows computer, there are several potential causes that could be responsible.
A malfunctioning USB port, incompatible driver or outdated printer firmware are all possible reasons why the printer may not be correctly communicating with the computer.
It is important to first troubleshoot the connection between the printer and the computer by ensuring that the USB cable is securely plugged into both devices and that it is properly seated in the USB port of both devices. If a USB Hub is being used, it is best to plug the printer directly into the computer so as to achieve the most reliable connection.
Once the USB connection has been verified, it is recommended that you check to make sure that the printer driver has been installed correctly on the computer. To do this, open up the Control Panel, find the Device Manager and verify that the printer model is listed correctly. If the printer is not listed correctly, you should reinstall the latest driver for the printer.
In some cases, the problem may also be related to an outdated version of the printer firmware. To check if the printer firmware needs to be updated, consult the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to update the printer firmware.
In addition to checking the USB connection, printer driver and printer firmware, you should also turn off any antivirus software on the computer, as this can sometimes interfere with the connection between the printer and the computer.
If all of the above steps fail to resolve the issue, it is likely that the printer has some hardware issue. In this case, it is best to contact the manufacturer for information on how to repair or replace the printer.