The computer does not see the printer – what to do

The content of the article

• Why the computer does not see the printer via USB
• What to do if the computer does not recognize the printer
• Checking the usability of the USB cable and connectors on devices
• Printer driver not recognized – action algorithm
• Software installation
• Reinstalling the driver
• Connecting a printer by default
• Using Auto Print
• Resolving operating system crashes
• Virus scan
• Disabling antivirus software
• USB port activation
• Rollback to recovery point
• Contacting a service center

A USB cable, connection ports, drivers, OS crashes, and hardware failures are at the heart of a printing device malfunction. If the computer does not see the printer, then, as a rule, for these reasons. In addition to them, other difficulties are attached. We are talking about the automatic printing function, the operation of the antivirus, and installing the device “by default”. The source of the problem can be in any of them, so the diagnosis begins with basic methods.

Why the computer does not see the printer via USB

The malfunction happens due to various factors: flaws in the connection, problems with the operating system, malfunctions in the device itself. If the printer is not detected by USB, then the following options are possible:

• The user simply forgot to turn it on.
• Incorrect connection of the device to the computer. The USB cable, not fully inserted, often causes the printer to “ malfunction ”. This also includes damage to the wire and / or connectors.
• Another device selected as the “default printer”.
• Disable Auto Print Service.
• The driver of the specified device has flown. It is possible that it was not even installed.
• USB controller disabled in BIOS settings.
• Viral programs. A similar problem arises on the other hand. Sometimes antiviruses can mistakenly cause device dysfunction..
• Windows crashes due to corrupted system files.
• Hardware breakdown.

What to do if the computer does not recognize the printer

The range of possible causes is wide, so it’s wiser to start solving the problem with simple methods. The user will step by step determine the source of the problem and fix it. To do this, you need:

• Make sure that the printer is at least turned on. One press of the power button and the corresponding indicator should light up on the device.
• Check the quality of the connection to the computer. Pushing the cord into the USB connector all the way is only half the battle. It is also important to monitor its integrity..
• Install / reinstall device driver.
• Set printer as default.
• Activate Auto Print Service.
• Scan your computer for viruses.
• Temporarily disable antivirus. Security programs may mistakenly conflict with device drivers, because of which the computer does not see the user printer.
• View the status of USB ports in BIOS settings (enabled or not). It is advisable to check their physical condition, dust contamination.
• Check the integrity of system files. By running the command line as administrator, you must enter “sfc / scannow” (without quotes) in it, then press the Enter key.
• Roll back the system to the previous recovery point when the printer was recognized by the computer and printed without fail.
• Try connecting a print device via Wi-Fi.

Checking the usability of the USB cable and connectors on devices

The main reason why a PC or laptop does not see the printer. The cable connecting the devices must be removed on both sides and reinserted into the USB connectors all the way. The latter should be in working condition. If necessary, connect the printer in turn to each of the ports on the computer. Sometimes it is necessary to disconnect the mouse with the keyboard to check these connectors. This technique is developed under the USB 2.0 standard, but it works without problems with version 3.0 and later..

Printer driver not recognized – action algorithm

The second most common problem is the failure of the program instructions necessary for the device to work on Windows. There are times when drivers are not installed at all. They are recorded on a special disc that is supplied with the device. If this is not at hand, then it remains to find and download them from the manufacturer’s website. Moreover, drivers must be selected not only for a specific model, but also for the version of the OS on the computer.

Software installation

Recent Windows revisions automatically download drivers for each connected device. This function does not always work correctly, and in older versions of the OS it is completely absent. Then the driver CD is the easiest solution. Installation is as follows:

1. Need to start disk.
2. After that, wait for the automatic installer to open.
3. Following his instructions, install the driver on the computer.
4. Next, the printer should be recognized as a connected device. A software disk is no longer required to run it.

If the CD is not included in the package, then the package or instruction should contain a link to the required driver, otherwise you will have to look for it on the Internet. You need to go to the manufacturer’s official website by entering the name of the printer brand in the search box. You can simply request “driver for * specific model *”. Among the first results will be a link to download from a certified resource. Third-party sites are recommended to be avoided – there is a high chance of catching viruses.

After downloading the required installer, the user begins the installation of drivers. Additional instructions will speed up the process:

• It is necessary to check in advance the compatibility of the software found with the printer model and supported OS version.
• Restart the computer after installing the driver.
• After rebooting, check if the device is displayed in the “Printers and Faxes” section of the Control Panel.

Reinstalling the driver

The computer can recognize the technique, but it still does not work correctly. This is a clear sign of a driver problem. Reinstalling it should fix the problem:

1. Open “Device Manager” or “Properties and Server” by going to the “Drivers” tab.
2. Find the name of the connected device in the list.
3. Click on it with the right mouse button and select the “delete” option.
4. Install a driver that matches the printer model..
5. To restart a computer.
6. Go to the “Printers and Faxes” section in the Control Panel. The computer should see the device, displaying its name in the proposed list.

Connecting a printer by default

Other printing devices sometimes become a problem. If they were previously connected to the user’s computer, then the system may not recognize the current printer. This is fixed by reassigning one parameter:

1. Open the “Equipment and Sound” section in the Control Panel.
2. Go to the “Devices and Printers” subsection.
3. Find your model name.
4. Right-click on it and select “Use default” in the menu that appears..

Using Auto Print

This parameter is activated through the “System and Security” section. You need to launch the Control Panel, open it and act on the following items:

1. Select the “Administration” subsection.
2. Open the Services shortcut.
3. Find “Print Manager” and right-click on this item, choosing “Properties”.
4. In the window that appears, check that the startup type is set “automatically”, and the status parameter is “working”.

Resolving operating system crashes

If the computer does not see the printer after all the instructions above, then it’s time to diagnose Windows itself. The system may be outdated, just crash or third-party programs interfere with its operation. There are many possible reasons, so the ideal option is to connect the problematic equipment to another computer. After installing the necessary drivers, you need to try to print something. If everything is in order, then the source of the problem lies in your PC or laptop.

Virus scan

Scanning is carried out with several tools in turn. This increases the reliability of the scan, since each antivirus runs on different algorithms. This means that the results on the threats found will differ. It is recommended to use proven solutions:

• Dr. Web CureIt;
• Malware Anti-Malware;
• Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool;
• Hitmanpro 3.

Disabling antivirus software

A problem can arise from a completely different perspective. Antiviruses are not ideal, therefore, they can mistakenly conflict with safe files and programs. Printer drivers are not immune to this either. Even if they are downloaded from the manufacturer’s website, they can still be hit, so if the computer does not see the printer, they turn off the antivirus before checking the device. This is done in a simple way:

1. Go to the “Administration” section in the Control Panel.
2. Select “System Configuration”.
3. Click on the “Services” and “Startup” options one by one.
4. Uncheck all items where the name of the antivirus is written.
5. To restart a computer. After that, the program will stop starting with the system.

USB port activation

BIOS or UEFI is the basic software of each computer. From there, the USB connectors to which the printer is connected are also regulated. Through the basic microcode, it is necessary to check the status of the ports and, if necessary, enable them. It is a common tradition for BIOS / UEFI manufacturers to call this option differently, introducing a bit of confusion. You need to navigate by the following examples:

• USB Function;
• Legacy USB Support;
• USB Controller Mode.

The procedure must be carried out accurately and accurately. Incorrect settings can lead to the failure of USB devices. By turning on this controller, or making sure that it is activated, you must apply the selected settings. For this, the BIOS / UEFI is responsible for the item “Exit and Save Changes”. Then the computer will reboot and the USB ports will work normally.

Rollback to recovery point

If the printer is not detected via USB after some time, then you need to use a comprehensive solution. Windows automatically creates a recovery point – backups of system files under which the computer and devices connected to it worked without interruption. It can also be organized manually, without waiting for updates to the OS or drivers. Recovery does not affect the user’s personal files. This procedure reserves only those components that are necessary for the proper operation of Windows itself.

Rollback is possible only with the activated recovery function. The system save point is configured as follows:

1. Open the Recovery section in the Control Panel.
2. Select the option “System Restore Setup”.
3. Open the “Configure” item and make sure that “Enable system protection” is selected.

There are backup copies of system files – there will be a recovery procedure. It is launched through the Control Panel, in which you need:

1. Open the Recovery section.
2. Select the option “Start System Restore”, then click “Next”.
3. Select a specific recovery point at which the printing device worked normally. As a rule, the problem arises due to third-party programs, faulty drivers or system updates.
4. Click “Next” and wait for the procedure to complete.

Contacting a service center

A difficult case for the user is when the computer does not see his printer, even after all the repair methods described above. Two options are possible here:

1. Man did something wrong.
2. The device is malfunctioning at the hardware level. This means a breakdown of the equipment itself..

Any of the options leads to the only way to solve the problem – a service center. This should be addressed to those users who do not have the time and / or desire to personally deal with the malfunction. The cost of the service depends on the nature of the problem. For this price, the client receives two advantages:

• experience of masters in the diagnosis and repair of equipment;
• guarantee for the work performed.