7 Ways to Fix HP Printers ”Driver Is Unavailable” Error on Windows PC

Instead of banging your head against the wall

Do you see a “Driver is unavailable” error for your HP printer in the Windows Settings app or Control Panel? This occurs when Windows encounters a corrupt or incompatible HP printer driver. We’ll show you how to fix that.

When Does the “Driver Is Unavailable” Error Happen?

The “Driver is unavailable” error shows up for an HP printer in instances where Windows has trouble loading the relevant printer driver. Various reasons—such as outdated driver software or an incomplete printer setup—often cause that. Work through the fixes below to resolve the HP printer issue in Windows 10 and 11.

1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in Printer troubleshooter that can fix most printer driver issues andother common printer problems. Run it before moving on to the rest of the fixes.

  1. PressWindows Key+S, typeTroubleshootSettings, and pressEnter. On the Settings window that shows up, selectOther/Additionaltroubleshooters.

  2. Locate thePrintertroubleshooter and selectRun/Runthetroubleshooter.

  3. Select your HP printer and follow the on-screen instructions to fix issues the Printer troubleshooter detects.

2. Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor App

Next, run the HP Print and Scan Doctor app on your PC. It’s a dedicated troubleshooter by HP that can diagnose and fix issues specific to HP printers. You candownload the HP Print and Scan Doctorfrom the HP website.

If the HP Print and Scan Doctor detects issues with your HP printer, let the tool automatically fix them for you or follow any suggestions to do that yourself.

3. Update Your HP Printer

VisitHP’s Software and Driver Downloads portaland search for your HP printer model. Then, download and install any recommended support software (e.g., HP Smart or HP Easy Start) that you don’t already have on your computer. Also, install any firmware or device driver updates.

If you have trouble installing device drivers via HP’s driver updater tool, try using the Device Manager in Windows instead. To do that:

  1. PressWindows+Rto open a Run box. Then, typedevmgmt.mscand selectOKto open the Device Manager.

  2. ExpandPrint queues, right-click your printer hardware (e.g.,HP ENVY), and selectUpdate driver.

  3. SelectBrowse my computer fordriverson the Update Drivers dialog.

  4. Check the box next toInclude subfolders. Then, selectBrowseand pick the downloaded driver file or folder.

Note: If the driver file is in the ZIP format, Windows may not detect it unless you extract it first.

  1. SelectNextto update the HP printer driver. Once that’s done, selectCloseto exit the Update Drivers window.

4. Install New Windows Updates

If your PC runs on an early build of Windows 10 or 11, your HP printer driver or support software may encounter compatibility issues unless youupdate the operating system.

To do that, open theStart menuand selectSettings. Then, selectWindows Update>Check for updates>Download and installto install available Windows updates.

Also, selectAdvanced options>Optional updatesorView optional updateswithin the Windows Update pane and install any Microsoft-verified printer updates if available.

5. Remove and Re-install Drivers for HP Printer

If the “Driver is unavailable” error persists, try removing and re-adding the printer to your computer. That also involvesdeleting and reinstalling the relevant HP driversand support software.

  1. Open the Settings app and go toBluetooth & devices>Printers & scanners.

  2. Choose your HP printer and select theRemovebutton to confirm. Then, selectRemove deviceon the pop-up to confirm.

  3. Open the Device Manager.

  4. ExpandPrinter queues, right-click your HP printer, and selectUninstall device.

  5. Right-click theStart buttonand selectApps and Features.

  6. Locate and uninstall any HP drivers or support software.

  7. Restart your computer.

  8. Re-open theSettingsapp and go toBluetooth & devices>Printers & scanners.

  9. SelectAdd deviceand set up the HP printer from scratch.

  10. Reinstall the latest drivers and support software for the device. Again, search for the printer model onHP’s Software and Driver Downloads portalto ensure you install everything.

6. Switch to the Generic Printer Driver

Switch to the generic printer driver in Windows. That will likely resolve the “Drive is unavailable” error but at the expense of losing various features specific to your HP printer. Regardless, it’s a good idea to try that if the issue persists.

  1. Open the Device Manager and select the problematic HP printer underPrinter queues. Then, right-click and chooseUpdate driver.

  2. SelectBrowse my computer for drivers.

  3. SelectLet me pick from the list of available drivers.

  4. Check the box next toShow compatible hardware. Then, selectGeneric software device>Next.

  5. SelectFinishto install the generic printer driver for your PC.

7. Perform an SFC and DISM Scan

System file corruption can be another reason for your HP printer’s “Driver is unavailable” error. Running theSFC and DISM command-line toolsusually helps fix that.

To initiate an SFC (or System File Checker) scan, right-click theStart buttonand selectWindows PowerShell/Terminal(Admin). Then, typesfc /scannowand pressEnter.

Once the System File Checker finishes scanning your computer, launch the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool with the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

The DISM tool takes a long time to complete and may appear to get stuck. However, keep the Windows PowerShell window open, and it should end eventually.

HP Printer Driver Unavailable Error Fixed

Did you manage to fix your HP printer’s “Driver is unavailable” error on your computer? If you did, try keeping the printer drivers and the operating system up-to-date to minimize the chances of running into the same problem going forward. If not, contactHP Supportfor model-specific fixes that could help resolve the driver issue.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Website

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved