How to Fix Printer After Upgrading to Windows 10

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

  • Troubleshoot your printer issue on your Windows 10 computer.
Printer disconnected icon.

2. Reboot

The following illustrations are a general representation of what your printer's power button/switch may look like. Your power button/switch will vary depending on the manufacturer and model printer you have.

  1. Press the Power button on the front panel to turn the printer off. Wait a few moments, and then press the Power button again. This should restart the printer.
Illustration of a user pressing the power button on the front of a printer.
  1. If the power button will not turn the printer off, turn off the printer by using the power switch at the rear of the printer, if your printer has one.
  2. Remove the power cords from the power sockets.
Illustration of a common power rocker switch and removable power cable on the rear of a printer.
  1. Wait for 10 seconds.
  2. Reinsert the power cords into the power sockets and turn on the power switch if necessary.
  3. Press the Power button to turn on the printer on again.

3. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

  • Using the Mouse
  • Select the Start menu.
Windows 10 Start button

  • By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
  • Select Power, then select Restart.
Start menu with Power and Restart highlighted.
  • Using the Keyboard
  • Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Keyboard with Windows and X keys highlighted.
  • Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Keyboard with Alt and F4 keys highlighted.
  • Select Restart, then OK.
Shut Down dialog with Restart and OK highlighted.

4. Check Connection

This only applies if you have a USB, or Wired printer. It is safe to skip this step if you are using a Wi-Fi connected printer.

The following illustrations are a general representation of what your USB ports may look like. The location of your USB ports will vary depending on the manufacturer and model printer and computer you have.

  1. If your printer does not connect via Wi-Fi, it will connect directly to a computer with a USB cable. One end (1) goes into the computer and the other end (2) goes into the printer.
Photo of a USB printer cable with the physical differences between the two ends being highlighted.

  1. Locate the USB cable that connects the printer to the computer. Ensure the flat end is plugged into the computer correctly and securely.

Stock photo of a desktop computer with the available USB ports highlighted.
  1. Locate the USB port on the side or back of the printer. Make sure not to confuse it with the any other ports that might be next to it. Look for the USB symbol next to the port. The number and layout of the ports varies by printer. Ensure this end of the USB cable is plugged into the printer correctly and securely.
Stock photo of the backside of a common USB printer highlighting the USB port it would use to be connected to a computer.

5. Re-Install

In the following steps we are going to uninstall your printer from your system and reinstall it. A generic printer may be pictured as a reference.

6. Uninstall Drivers

  1. Click Start then Settings.
Start menu with Settings selected. Screenshot.
  1. Next, Select Apps.
Windows Settings with Apps option selected. Screenshot.
  1. Scroll down and click on the program with your printer name listed.
Apps list with Printer app selected. Screenshot.
  1. Click on Uninstall.
Uninstall button on Printer app. Screenshot.
  1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.

7. Install Printer Software

  1. To proceed, you should now install the software that came with your printer onto your PC or Mac computer, following the prompts accordingly.
Example of printer installer.

  1. If you are unable to locate your original disc, you may be able to download the installer from the manufacturer's website.
  2. During the installation, you will be prompted to connect the USB and allow the computer to detect the printer.
Connect computer to printer via USB prompt.

  1. Answer the decision point after your computer has failed to detect the printer or when you are prompted to review available networks.

8. What's next?

9. Check Wireless Connection

  • Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when a wireless connection option for the printer is available. To learn where this button is located on your printer and to find instructions about how to turn it on, see the instructions that came with the printer or check the manufacturer's website for instructions.
HP Printer Wireless Icon
  • Run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Many printers have a menu option to test the printer’s wireless connectivity. Normally you do this by tapping the wireless icon. It will give you an option to print out the test.
HP Printer Network Test
  • If those check out and you’re still having problems, your PC may not be connecting to your wireless network.

10. What's next?