Windows 10 Printers (Dec 2016)

 

 

Technology Tips – Published December 2016 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

 

Windows 10 has a bug, a printer bug. It manifests itself when you go to print something and the printer refuses to print. You check the printer and, of course, it’s powered on. Then you check the cables. No luck there either as they are all secure. You try restarting the computer and powering down the printer and turning it on again but it still refuses to print. What to do?

Some observations I have made indicate the problem comes from Windows 10 monthly updates. The printer software installation becomes either corrupt or is removed. At this point there’s nothing you can do to repair the existing installation of the printer software. The printer’s software must be reinstalled to allow the printer to function normally again.

What you need to do is to go to the printer manufacturer’s web site support area for your particular model printer. For example HP’s is http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers. Epson support is:http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/SupportIndex.jsp. Brother’s is: http://www.brother-usa.com/Support/. Paste the applicable link into your browser, press the Enter key on the keyboard and enter the model of your printer. Follow any screen prompts to download the necessary printer installation software. You should find the downloaded file in your computer’s Downloads folder. Double click it to start the installation.

This procedure applies to all versions of Windows, not just Windows 10. However, for some reason Windows 10 seems to be the only version adversely effected. Make sure to leave your downloaded printer file in your computer. You may need it again!

One other note, you may be asked prior to the download as to whether your computer is a 32-bit or 64-bit computer. Some printer manufacturers have a different file for each computer type. Most combine both types into one file which is a bit easier. To check your system go into the Control Panel, click System & Security then System. Note the System type then proceed to download the correct file type for your model printer.

Please come to the PC Club meetings. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday at 7 PM of each month at the Community Center.