The Printer Stopped Working After Windows 10 Update 2023

For creating printed graphics or text that lasts, printers are a useful and frequently used tool. A printer is simple to use after being connected to a computer. Many users, though, are expressing frustration over their inability to print after updating to Windows 10. 

Microsoft regularly released various updates to offer new features, fix known bugs, address system problems, and enhance overall performance. Users benefit greatly from new Windows updates, but occasionally issues can arise as well. Many users claim that after the Windows 10 update, they are unable to print. Some people posted descriptions of their circumstances online and asked for assistance from others. Finding a user who claims he can’t print after a Windows 10 update is simple.

Please don’t panic if, after a Windows update, your printer stops functioning as well; you are not the only one. To solve Windows 10 printing problems on your own, use the techniques listed below. 

There are many bugs in Windows 10 updates, and whenever Microsoft acknowledges one of them, it typically states that a fix is in the works. The company has kept its promise in the case of printer problems caused by the most recent KB4560960 and KB4557957 updates.

Some users have reported experiencing printer issues with their PCs, which is consistent with some of the most significant issues brought on by the Windows 10 May 2020 update and the two security updates that followed.

Affected users discovered they are unable to print using printers made by several different manufacturers, including HP, Canon, Panasonic, Brother, and Ricoh. Even software-based printers are affected by the problem, rendering virtual PDF printers useless.

You can either wait for Microsoft to release a patch for your version of Windows 10 if you’re using one of the unfinished builds of the operating system, or you can uninstall the June updates that are causing the problem.

How to Fix a Printer Stopped Working After Windows 10 Update 2020?

The issue affected every version of Windows that was supported, including Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 versions 1507, 1607, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, and 2004.

Cumulative updates from Microsoft are now being released to fix the problem, but not for all versions. You can download it here for Windows versions 1903 and 1909, and there are updates available for versions 1809 and 1803.

Microsoft states that the correction “a problem that might make some printers unable to print is addressed. When printing, the print spooler might produce an error or abruptly shut down, leaving the affected printer without output. Additionally, you might experience problems printing from the apps you are using. For example, the app might crash or give you an error.”

It happens frequently that Windows 10 won’t print for no apparent reason, regardless of the printer you use: Canon, Ricoh, Zebra, Kyocera, etc. If you’re bothered by the Windows 10 printer not working issue, please follow the instructions below to resolve it.

1. Wait for the Patches or the Next Update

Waiting is the simplest solution to the computer problem of a printer not working. When Microsoft discovers the most common bugs in its new update, it will either release patches or a new update to address the issue for users. Users can therefore simply wait until the patches or new updates are available before installing them. In addition, if you can’t print after the Windows 10 update, you can uninstall the update or perform a system restore.

2. Uninstall the Update

How to remove the Windows 10 update:

• By pressing Windows + I, you can access Settings.
• Select Update & Security.
• By default, Windows Update is picked.
• Click View update history.
• The Installed Updates window will open after clicking Uninstall updates.
• Find the update you just installed (like KB5000802) and choose it.
• Select Yes when prompted to confirm your action by clicking Uninstall.
• Wait before restarting your computer.

You also need to temporarily pause the update:

• Then click Windows Update under Update & Security in Settings.
• Optionally select Advanced.
• Look for the section on paused updates.
• From the drop-down list of “Pause until,” select the appropriate date.

3. Restore to a Previous Point

By carrying out a system restore, you can also return your computer to the time before the printer problem appeared. On Windows 10, here’s how to activate System Restore, make a restore point, and go back in time:

4. Refresh or reset the print spooler

You should power cycle your printer and confirm that it is connected properly before beginning.

Restarting the Print Spooler service involves:

• Press Windows + R to open Run. Type services.msc and hit Enter to launch Services.
• Look in the list for the Print Spooler service.
• Right-click on it and select Restart if the Startup Type is Automatic and the Status is Running.
• Double-click on it and set the Status and Startup Type if it’s stopped or not set to automatic.

How to Reset Print Spooler: 

A Windows program called a print spooler controls the print jobs that are sent to the printer. You can restart the spooler service to check if it fixes the issue if your printer suddenly stops functioning.

Here’s how to go about it:

• Press the Windows logo key and R simultaneously on your keyboard, then type services.msc and press Enter.
• Locate Print Spooler in the Services window by scrolling down and then stopping it with a right-click.
• Press the Windows logo key and R simultaneously on your keyboard, then type %WINDIR%system32spoolprinters, and hit Enter.
• Choose every file in the folder and delete it. To clear the print queues, do this.
• Return to the Services window and double-click on Print Spooler to open it.
• To save the changes, click Start, choose Automatic for Start-up Type, and then click OK.
• Verify the functionality of your printer.

4. Update printer drivers

If your printer driver is outdated or incorrect, this issue might arise. To find out if updating your printer driver solves your issue, do so now. The driver can automatically update the driver if you don’t have the time, patience, or skills to do it yourself. 

Your system will be automatically recognized, which will then locate the appropriate drivers. You don’t need to be aware of the exact operating system that your computer is using, you don’t need to worry about downloading the incorrect driver, and you don’t need to worry about installing it incorrectly. The driver manages everything.

• Install the Driver by downloading it first.
• Launch Driver and select Scan Now from the menu. The next step is to run a computer scan with the Driver to identify any problem drivers.
• Click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of EVERY driver that is either missing or out-of-date on your system (this requires the Pro version; you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
• For the changes to take effect, restart your computer.
• Verify that the printer’s malfunction has been fixed. If so, kudos to you! Please continue to Fix 4 below if the issue is still present. 

5. Launch the printer troubleshooter.

Several “troubleshooters” that come with Windows are intended to identify the hardware components in your computer and fix the problems. To try and identify the issue and, hopefully, solve it, you can run the printer troubleshooter.

• On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and type troubleshoot. When the word appears in the search results, click Troubleshoot settings.
• Click Printer > Run the troubleshooter in the Getup and Running section of the Troubleshoot window.
• After waiting for Windows to identify the issue, resolve printing issues by following the on-screen instructions.

How to Make the Most of Windows 10’s System Restore:

Similar to Time Machine on a Mac, System Restore enables you to undo changes made to your Windows 10 system when issues arise. Numerous problems can be quickly resolved with the System Restore feature. Consequently, this article will cover how to utilize System Restore in Windows 10 to its fullest potential.

You can take a picture of your device and save it as a restore point by enabling System Restore in Windows 10.

From where do the System Restore points originate?

They typically result from the actions listed below:

• Update, install, or install a new driver.
• Make a manual restore point.
• You can always restore your device to a previous state to fix any issues that arise after changes are made. Your valuable data will be unaffected by this.

How to Get the Most Out of Windows 10’s System Restore

Where Is Windows 10’s System Restore?

You should be aware that Windows 10 by default disables System Restore.

How to activate System Restore and launch it? 

• On the keyboard, press the Start key.
• To access the Windows System folder, scroll down.
• Opt for Control Panel.
• Decide to view icons in small sizes.
• On the Recovery icon, click.
• Select “Configure System Restore” from the menu.
• Choose a system drive (usually C).
• Choose Configure from the menu.
• Select Enable system protection.
• Select the Apply or OK button.
• At the bottom of the System Protection tab, click the OK button.

You can use the command prompt in Windows 10 to access System Restore:

• Run the command prompt as an administrator.
• On the keyboard, enter after typing rstrui.exe.

How do you make a system restore point?

Everyone is aware that when new apps are installed or there is a significant system change, the system will automatically create a restore point.

Here’s how to manually create a restore point:

• On the taskbar, select the Cortana search box (fix Windows 10 taskbar not working).
• Create a restore point by typing.
• To access the System Protection tab of the System Properties window, choose to Create a restore point (Control panel) under the Best match option. To access the System Protection tab, you can also repeat steps 1 through 6 from the How to open and enable System Restore section.
• Select “Create” from the menu.
• To choose the correct restore point when your device needs to be restored, give the restore point a distinctive name.
• A Create button will appear. 
• Watch for the process of creating a restore point to finish.
• When the system indicates that the restore point was successfully created, click the Close button.
• The System Protection tab’s OK button should now be selected. 

Windows 10 System Restore from Boot

Another effective method for resolving computer issues that prevent you from starting Windows is the System Restore feature.

How to correct mistakes using System Restore:

• Switch off your computer.
• Hit the F8 key (or another key according to the hint on the screen).
• Under the Advanced Boot Options section, choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• Press Enter after entering rstrui.exe into the Command Prompt.
• Enter the text “system restore” into the textbox.
• From the list, pick a restore point.
• Watch for the restore to be finished.
• Restart the computer.

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