The Ultimate Guide to Fixing "Can't Add Printer in Windows 10"
Adding a printer in Windows 10 should be a straightforward process, but sometimes you encounter the frustrating "Can't add printer" error. This comprehensive guide offers solutions to troubleshoot and resolve this common issue, getting you back to printing in no time.
Understanding the Problem
Before diving into solutions, let's understand why you might be facing this problem. Several factors can contribute to the "Can't add printer" error, including:
- Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupt, or missing printer drivers are a primary culprit.
- Connectivity Problems: Ensure your printer is correctly connected to your network or computer via USB. Check cables and network settings.
- Windows Update Conflicts: Recent Windows updates might interfere with printer functionality.
- Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Security software might block printer communication.
- Permissions Errors: Insufficient user permissions can prevent printer installation.
- Spooler Service Issues: The print spooler service might be malfunctioning.
Troubleshooting Steps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's tackle these potential problems one by one. Follow these steps methodically:
1. Check Printer Connection and Power:
- Physical Connection: Verify that your printer is properly connected to your computer (USB) or network (Wi-Fi/Ethernet). Try different ports if using USB.
- Power: Make sure both your printer and computer are powered on.
2. Restart Your Computer and Printer:
A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches. Restart both your computer and your printer.
3. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers:
- Windows Update: Check for Windows updates, as these often include printer driver updates. Go to
Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update. - Manufacturer's Website: Download the latest drivers directly from your printer manufacturer's website. Search for your printer model and download the appropriate drivers for your Windows 10 version (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Device Manager: Open Device Manager (
search for it in the Windows search bar), expand "Print queues," right-click your printer (if listed), and select "Update driver." If not listed, uninstall the printer from Device Manager and then restart your computer. Windows should automatically attempt to reinstall the drivers upon restart.
4. Run the Printer Troubleshooter:
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can often automatically detect and fix printer problems.
- Search for "Troubleshoot settings" in the Windows search bar.
- Click on "Troubleshoot other problems."
- Select "Printer" and click "Run the troubleshooter".
5. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings:
Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are interfering with printer communication. Remember to re-enable them afterward. If this resolves the issue, configure your firewall and antivirus to allow the printer through.
6. Check Print Spooler Service:
The print spooler service manages printing jobs. Ensure it's running:
- Search for "services.msc" in the Windows search bar.
- Locate "Print Spooler" in the list.
- Right-click it and select "Properties."
- Set the startup type to "Automatic" and click "Start" if it's not already running.
7. Check User Permissions:
Ensure you have the necessary permissions to add printers. Try adding the printer using an administrator account.
8. Reinstall the Printer:
If all else fails, try completely uninstalling the printer from your computer and then reinstalling it from scratch, using the latest drivers.
Advanced Troubleshooting (For Tech-Savvy Users):
- Check Network Configuration: If using a network printer, verify your network settings and ensure your computer and printer are on the same network.
- IP Configuration: For network printers, check the IP address assigned to your printer and ensure it's accessible.
- Check the Printer's Physical Status: Check the printer's control panel for error messages or indicators.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Can't add printer" issue and get your printer working again in Windows 10. Remember to restart your computer after each major step to ensure changes take effect. If you still face problems after trying all these solutions, seek further assistance from your printer manufacturer's support or a qualified IT professional.
