How to Troubleshoot HP Printer Driver is Unavailable Issue?

• Mr. Ryan
• on Jun 23, 2023

Printers are an essential device in our lives, both at home and in the workplace. Like all hardware, they require software or drivers to function correctly. Yet, it can be frustrating when you see the HP printer driver is unavailable error message. For this, we came up with this blog. This blog will provide you with the possible reasons behind it and solutions that will help you get your HP printer back smoothly and efficiently. But first, let’s know about this error message in detail.

What does HP Printer Driver is Unavailable Mean?

A printer driver is a software component that serves as a bridge between your printer and your computer. It translates your PC’s data into a language your printer understands, ensuring it performs the tasks you need. When your HP printer shows ‘Driver is Unavailable,’ it means that your computer can’t communicate with your printer.

After knowing about the driver’s unavailable HP error, also know the reasons.

Reasons for HP Printer Driver Unavailable

Following are the reasons why you are encountering the HP Printer Driver is Unavailable error message:

• Outdated Printer Drivers: Your printer driver might be out of date. With constant technological advancements, manufacturers regularly update printer drivers to keep them compatible with the latest systems and software. If your driver is not updated, it might lead to the ‘unavailable’ error.
• Corrupted Printer Drivers: Sometimes, drivers can get corrupted due to various reasons, such as improper system shutdown, virus attacks, or abrupt power failure. This corruption can render the driver unavailable.
• Incorrectly Installed Drivers: If the driver is not installed correctly, it can cause the HP Printer Driver is Unavailable error. It might be because the installation process was interrupted or the wrong driver was installed.
• System Update: A recent update to your computer’s operating system might create incompatibility between the printer driver and the system, leading to the error.
• Hardware Problems: Although less common, hardware issues with your printer or computer can also lead to the driver is unavailable printer HP error.

After knowing the reasons, let’s resolve the driver is unavailable HP issue.

Solutions to Fix HP Printer Driver is Unavailable Issue

When the driver is unavailable, printer HP error occurs, don’t get frustrated. With the help of the given solutions, you can get the driver back to work.

Solution 1: Update Your Windows

Updating Windows can solve the HP printer driver is unavailable issue, as updates often include the latest drivers. Microsoft collaborates with hardware manufacturers like HP to resolve compatibility issues. An updated Windows OS ensures you have your HP printer’s most recent compatible driver. The following are the steps:

1. Firstly, press the “Windows”
2. Secondly, click on “Settings”.
3. Then, choose “Update & Security”.
4. After that, click “Windows Update.”
5. Click on “Check for updates.” Automatic installation will occur for any updates that are detected.
6. After the updates, restart your PC.
7. In last, try using your HP printer again.

Solution 2: Manually Update the Printer

Manually updating the HP printer driver can resolve the HP printer driver is unavailable issue by replacing the old, potentially corrupted driver with the latest, compatible version directly from the manufacturer. This ensures optimal communication between the printer and your computer.

1. Begin with going to the official HP website.
2. From there, click on “Support & Drivers”.
3. Now, enter your printer’s model number.
4. After that, select your OS and its version.
5. Next, download the latest driver specific to your printer model.
6. Afterward, open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
7. Restart your PC.
8. Finally, test your printer to verify the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Reinstall the Printer Completely

Reinstalling the printer completely can resolve the HP printer driver is unavailable issue. It deletes potentially corrupted files and reestablishes fresh settings, ensuring your HP printer has the latest compatible drivers. This can restore optimal communication between your printer and PC. The following are the steps:

1. Open “Control Panel.”
2. Select “Devices and Printers.”
3. Right-click your HP printer to choose the “Remove device”
4. Confirm device removal.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Visit the official HP website.
7. Download the latest drivers according to your printer model.
8. Install the downloaded driver following the instructions.
9. After successful installation, try using your printer.

Solution 4: Use a Generic Printer Driver

Using the generic printer driver can help resolve the HP printer driver is unavailable issue. The generic driver, which works with many printer models, can be a reliable alternative if specific HP drivers are causing problems.

1. Firstly, open the “Control Panel”.
2. Then, select “Devices and Printers.”
3. Now, click “Add a printer.”
4. Here, choose “The printer that I want isn’t listed.”
5. After that, pick“Add a local printer or network printer“.
6. Choose “Use an existing port,” pick the port from it, then click “Next.”
7. Select “Microsoft” or “Generic” in the manufacturer list, then select the generic driver.
8. Click “Next” to install the driver.
9. Lastly, test your printer.

Solution 5: Disable Firewall

Disabling the firewall can help resolve the HP printer driver being an unavailable issue. The firewall might mistakenly block your printer’s communication with your PC, causing driver issues. Temporarily disabling the firewall allows you to check if it’s causing the problem. The following are the steps:

1. In the search, type “Firewall”.
2. Open “Windows Defender Firewall.”
3. Choose “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
4. Review “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” under both public and private settings.
5. Click “OK”.
6. Try using your printer. If it works, the firewall might be the issue.
7. Remember to turn your firewall back on afterward to protect your PC. Consult your antivirus or firewall settings if the issue persists.

Solution 6: Running the Printer Troubleshooter

The built-in Windows troubleshooter can help identify and fix common printer issues, including the HP printer driver is unavailable error. It scans your system for issues and automatically applies fixes. The following are the steps:

1. Type “Troubleshoot” in the search.
2. Choose “Troubleshoot settings.”
3. Click on “Additional troubleshooters.”
4. Select “Printer” and click “Run the troubleshooter.”
5. Follow the on-screen prompts and apply any recommended fixes.
6. Try using your printer again to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 7: Updating Your System BIOS

Sometimes, a system BIOS update can resolve peripheral device issues like the HP printer driver is unavailable. The BIOS performs data flow between the computer’s operating system and connected devices such as the video adapter, hard disk, keyboard, and printer. Go with the following means:

1. First, determine your current BIOS version by typing “System Information” in the Windows search bar, selecting it, and looking at “BIOS Version/Date.”
2. Then, visit your PC manufacturer’s website and navigate to their BIOS update section.
3. If a newer version is available, download it, ensuring it matches your specific system model.
4. After that, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the BIOS update.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Finally, try using your printer again to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 8: Checking Printer Spooler Service

The Printer Spooler service manages all print jobs and interactions between the printer and the computer. If it’s not running correctly, you might face issues with your printer drivers. Check with the accompanying:

1. Press “Windows” + “R,” type “services.msc”, and press “Enter.”
2. Scroll down to the “Print Spooler”
3. Right-click on it and select ““ If it’s stopped, select “Start”.
4. Double-click “Print Spooler”.
5. Set its Startup type to “Automatic.”
6. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
7. Try using your printer again to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 9: Using System Restore

If all else fails, you might want to use a system restore point to return your system settings to a point when the printer is working correctly. This can resolve the HP printer driver is unavailable issue if it was caused by recent system changes. The following are the steps:

1. First, type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and then choose it.
2. Then, click on “System Restore.”
3. After that, click “Next,” then choose a restore point from when your printer was working.
4. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to begin the restore operation.
5. Once your system is restored, try using your printer again.

Call to Action

Now, you get the solutions to fix the HP Printer driver is unavailable issue. You got the nine ways to fix the issue. However, if you still face the same, then our team is here to help you. Reach out to our Experts to get the issue fixed permanently. Thank You!