My Network Printers Stop Working After Windows 10 Update: How to Troubleshoot and Fix the Issue

Have you ever experienced the frustration of your network printers suddenly ceasing to function after a new Windows 10 update? This can be a particularly daunting issue, especially if you rely on these printers for important tasks. Fear not; with a bit of troubleshooting, you can often resolve the issue using common methods. Let's explore the steps to fix your network printers after updating your Windows 10 system.

1. Install New Device Drivers

The first step in troubleshooting your network printer issue is to install the latest device drivers. Printer manufacturers regularly release updated drivers to ensure compatibility with new software and operating systems. Here's how to update your printer drivers:

Go to the manufacturer's website and search for the latest drivers compatible with your printer model and your version of Windows 10. Note down the printer model number if prompted.

Download the appropriate driver package. Be sure to select the version that matches your printer model and your operating system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Open the downloaded file and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

After the installation is finished, restart your computer to ensure that the drivers take effect.

Once the drivers are installed, test your printer to see if the issue is resolved. If your printers are still not functioning correctly, it's time to move on to the next step.

2. Delete Printer and Add Again

If updating the drivers doesn't resolve the problem, the next step is to remove the printer from your system and add it back. This process forces Windows to reinstall the drivers, often with better compatibility:

Open the Start menu and search for "Device Manager."

In the Device Manager, expand the "Printers" section and find your network printer under the "Local printers" or "Network printers" category.

Right-click on the printer and select "Uninstall device." Confirm the action if prompted.

After uninstalling, right-click on the same device and select "Update driver."

Choose "Browse my computer for driver software" and point it to the directory where you saved the updated driver files if they are stored locally. If your network printer is still recognized by the manufacturer, the system might automatically download and install the updated driver.

Once the installation is complete, restart your computer.

If the printer is still not functioning after these steps, consider a more drastic measure: rolling back the Windows 10 update.

3. Uninstall the Windows 10 Update

Windows 10 updates sometimes have compatibility issues with hardware devices, and printer manufacturers may not immediately release updated drivers to address these issues. As a last resort, you can temporarily roll back the update to a previous version that was compatible:

Go to the Start menu and type "Windows Update."

In the settings, click on "View update history."

Select the update you want to roll back and click "Uninstall."

Follow the prompts to remove the update. This process can take some time and restart your computer automatically.

Once the update is rolled back, check if your printers work as expected. If everything is working properly, you can proceed with the update at your own pace or configure sleep mode to delay its installation. Keep in mind that rolling back the update might cause other issues, so it's a temporary measure until the manufacturer releases an updated driver or a permanent fix.

Conclusion

Network printer issues can be frustrating, especially when they occur after a system update. By following these steps, you can often resolve the problem and get your printers back online. If your printers still do not work, it's a good idea to contact the printer manufacturer's support team. They can provide further assistance or release updated drivers specifically tailored to address the issue caused by your Windows 10 update.

Remember, the key is to stay informed about software updates and promptly update your drivers to maintain compatibility with new software and operating systems. This proactive approach can help prevent future issues and ensure that your printers remain reliable and efficient.