Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows

Make sure your printer is turned on and there are no loose or incorrect connections.

USB Printer:

• Ensure that the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.

• Try connecting the printer to a different USB port to rule out port issues.

If your USB isn’t recognized, see how to diagnose and fix Windows USB problems.

Wi-Fi Printer:

• Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

• Check the printer’s display screen or settings for any connection issues.

If you're having issues related to network, see Fix network connection issues in Windows.

Bluetooth Printer:

• Verify that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer and the printer.

• Make sure the printer is within range of your computer.

If you're having trouble connecting to a Bluetooth printer, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.

The print spooler service handles print jobs and restarting this can resolve temporary issues with printer recognition.

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.

3. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.

Outdated or incompatible drivers may cause recognition issues. Ensure that the latest printer drivers are installed.

1. Select Start > Device Manager.

2. In Device Manager, expand the Printers section.

3. Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.

4. If no update is available, select Uninstall device. After uninstallation, restart your computer, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the printer drivers automatically.

For more information, see Download and install the latest printer drivers.

If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Printer problem.

Run the troubleshooter in Get Help

If Windows is not recognizing your printer as the default, it may not be used to print documents. Setting your printer as the default can resolve issues related to printing errors.

1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

2. Select your printer and click Set as default.

Remove the printer:

1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

2. Select the printer and click Remove.

Reinstall the printer:

1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

2. Select Add device next to Add a printer or scanner.

3. Follow the prompts to reinstall the printer.

For more information see how to install or add a printer.

Make sure your printer is turned on and there are no loose or incorrect connections.

USB Printer:

• Ensure that the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.

• Try connecting the printer to a different USB port to rule out port issues.

If your USB isn’t recognized, see how to diagnose and fix Windows USB problems.

Wi-Fi Printer:

• Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

• Check the printer’s display screen or settings for any connection issues.

If you're having issues related to network, see Fix network connection issues in Windows.

Bluetooth Printer:

• Verify that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer and the printer.

• Make sure the printer is within range of your computer.

If you're having trouble connecting to a Bluetooth printer, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.

The print spooler service handles print jobs and restarting this can resolve temporary issues with printer recognition.

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.

3. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.

Outdated or incompatible drivers may cause recognition issues. Ensure that the latest printer drivers are installed.

1. Select Start > Device Manager.

2. In Device Manager, expand the Printers section.

3. Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.

4. If no update is available, select Uninstall device. After uninstallation, restart your computer, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the printer drivers automatically.

For more information, see Download and install the latest printer drivers.

If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated Printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this Printer problem.

Run the troubleshooter in Get Help

If Windows is not recognizing your printer as the default, it may not be used to print documents. Setting your printer as the default can resolve issues related to printing errors.

1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

2. In the Printers & scanners section, locate and select your printer from the list.

3. Click on the printer name, then select Manage.

4. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Under the printer settings, Select Set as default.

Remove the printer:

1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners

2. Select the printer and click Remove device.

Reinstall the printer:

1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners

2. Under Printers & scanners, select Add a printer or scanner.

3. Choose Add device next to Add a printer or scanner.​​​​​​​

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall the printer.

For more information see how to install or add a printer.