How to fix printer problems in Windows 7?

Problems in printer might occur with improper cable connections, problems in wireless and adapter settings, incompatible printer drivers or untimely updates. Read on to better identify and fix such printer-related issues in Windows 7.

What is a troubleshooter? 

A troubleshooter is a Windows tool that can identify and fix problems automatically. The printing troubleshooter can fix problems related to installing and connecting a printer to the system.

How to update drivers?

Almost every printer requires driver software to work. Outdated or incompatible drivers can stop communication between a computer and a printer. If you have recently updated to Windows 7, then there might be a possibility that your drivers will not support the current OS. Also, if you have faced any problem such as computer malfunctioning or Windows related issues, the drivers might have damaged. Thus, reinstalling the driver can help you resolve this issue. 

Follow the instructions to find and install a driver:

·        Update your Windows

You can set Windows update to Automatically Download and install recommended updates.  

·        Download updates from the manufacturer

You might have received a disc along with the printer. That disc contains software that will install the driver for the printer. 

·        Download and install the driver manually

Drivers are readily available on the manufacture’s website. Search on the internet for the details of the driver that you want.

If you want to know more on updating your printer driver, follow the steps below:

Update the driver using Windows update tool 

(1) Click Start button. In the search bar, type Update. You will see a list on the screen. Select Windows Update from the list.

(2) Select Check Windows Update on the left pane. If there are any recent updates, Windows Update will classify it into- Recommended, Important or Optional. 

(3) Go to Select the updates you want to install page, look for printer-related updates and then click OK.  

(4) Go to Windows Update page, and click Install Updates.

Windows Update will prompt a message if the updates installed are successful.

Note - Some updates will require you to restart your computer.

How to download and install driver manually

If your Windows couldn’t find the drive for your printer, then it is possible that the printer didn’t come with one. Now, you can look for a driver on the printer manufacturer’s website. Remember that drivers vary from one operating system to another. Hence download them carefully. You can find the driver updates in the support section. 

To identify the driver, find the manufacturer or model name of your printer, and then visit the support section of the vendor’s website.

Once you have identified your printer manufacturer, go to its website and download the latest driver for your printer. 

If you identify an updated driver, follow the installation process on the website carefully. You might be surprised though that most of the drivers are self-installing

However there are some printers whose driver’s require self installation. If you are having trouble downloading the driver, follow the steps below:

1.     Click the Start button and open the device manager. Go to Control Panel, select System and Security, and under System, select Device Manager. 

2.     From the list of hardware categories, find the printer that you want to update, and double click on the name.

3.     Go to Driver tab; select Update Driver; and then follow the onscreen instructions.  

Hope the solutions provided above help. If not, you are welcome to leave technical queries for experts to answer.