After a Windows 10 update, you might experience network printer issues due to various reasons like driver incompatibility, network connectivity problems, or settings changes. To fix network printer problems, follow these steps:
Restart the computer and printer:
- Restart your computer to ensure any temporary issues are resolved.
- Turn off your printer, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
Check network connectivity:
- Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check if your printer is online by accessing its web interface through the printer's IP address.
Update printer drivers:
- Press the Windows key + X and click on "Device Manager."
- Locate your printer under "Print queues" or "Printers," right-click on it, and select "Update driver."
- Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Run the Windows Troubleshooter:
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to "Update & Security" and click on "Troubleshoot."
- Click on "Additional troubleshooters."
- Find "Printer" and click on "Run the troubleshooter."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix the issue.
Reconfigure the network printer:
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to "Devices" and then "Printers & scanners."
- Click on "Add a printer or scanner" at the top of the page.
- Windows will search for available printers. If your printer appears in the list, click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer.
- If your printer doesn't appear in the list, click on "The printer that I want isn't listed" and follow the instructions to add your printer manually using the IP address.
Reset and reinstall the network printer:
- Remove the network printer as explained in the previous answer on "resetting a printer in Windows 10."
- Restart your computer and printer.
- Reinstall the network printer by following the same steps as in the previous answer.
Check Windows Firewall settings:
- Press the Windows key + S and search for "Windows Defender Firewall."
- Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
- Make sure the "File and Printer Sharing" option is checked for both private and public networks.
Roll back the Windows 10 update:
- If you're sure that a specific Windows 10 update is causing the network printer issue, you can uninstall the update as described in previous answers.
If you're still experiencing issues after following these steps, consult your printer's user manual or contact the manufacturer's support for further assistance.