Windows 10 does not see the network printer

The main task of the printer is to print the necessary files. To do this, it is connected to the system unit or laptop. The occurrence of any malfunction in one of the connected devices leads to the fact that the computer is not able to see the printer connected to it. This makes it impossible to print the required files.

There may be several reasons why a printer is not visible on a windows network. The most common include:

1. The USB connection is broken. This type of malfunction can lead to: damage to the USB cable, malfunctioning of the USB ports of one of the devices or the plug, poor contact quality.
2. Incorrect driver operation. It is usually caused by a virus.
3. Incorrect connection settings. If several printing devices are connected to the system unit, it can designate the inactive printer as the main one.
4. Failure to make a connection may result in updating Windows to a newer version.
5. Turn off Auto Print Services.
6. Product malfunction.

There are several ways to solve the problem if the computer does not see network printers.

Diagnostics and verification of physical malfunctions

First of all, you need to check the operability of the USB cable and ports. Very often, even slight mechanical damage can lead to the failure of the cord or socket on one of the connected devices. To check the health, it is advisable to conduct a diagnosis. This can be done using the special tools of Windows. To do this, you must:

• go to the "Control Panel" menu and go to "Devices and Printers";
• find the necessary printer and click on the icon with its image with the right mouse button;
• in the window that appears, select "Troubleshoot";
• after the program finishes its work, it can offer other options for resolving the problems found: update the driver, check if the printer and computer are connected correctly, and others.

REFERENCE! To check the operability of the printing device, you can use a special program produced by Microsoft.

It is also necessary to check the plug of the USB cable for damage and whether it is connected to both devices. The plug must be inserted tightly, the presence of play is not allowed. In addition, it is worth checking whether the printer is turned on and if there is ink in the toner.

Driver update

The reason for the printer to work incorrectly on a Windows computer may be incorrectly installed drivers or a malfunction in their work. To verify this, do the following:

• go to the "Control Panel" and find in it the item "Device Manager";
• in the window that appears, all devices connected to the system unit will be displayed - you need to find the desired printer in the list, then click on its name with the right mouse button;
• in the tab that opens, select the "Properties" item and read the information indicated there;
• if it is written that the drivers necessary for the operation were not found, you need to install the required software.

ATTENTION! Before proceeding with the installation of the necessary software, you must remove the previously installed.

Drivers can be installed using the DVD-ROM that comes with the printer. If this is not available, then they can be downloaded from the official website of the developer. It should be borne in mind that the software should be for this particular model.

The drivers are installed as follows:

• You must run the driver installation program;
• following the prompts, install the software;
• make sure that the connected printing device is detected;
• print a test page.

Other solutions to the problem

If the printer is connected to the system unit for the first time, and another device was previously used, then you need to check the print settings. By default, a previously installed printer can be specified.

To check this, and if necessary fix it, you need to go to the "Devices and Printers" tab and find the required one. Its icon should be clicked with the right mouse button. In the window that opens, you need to find the line "Use by default" and check the box next to it.

If you connect using a local area network or wireless, you must do the following:

1. There are several PCs in the local network, one of which is the main one - it should be turned on.
2. Then check the settings. Often, the set IP address flies. If it is not written in the corresponding line, you must enter it again.
3. When connecting via Wi-Fi, you need to restart the network. You should also check the presence and quality of the signal.
4. If the router is located far from the PC, you must place it closer to the system unit.

Some users experience this problem after upgrading the operating system to Windows 10. Despite the fact that the developers claim that the printer should not fail, the drivers should be reinstalled. Download the current version on the official website.

If none of the methods helped, then you need to contact a service workshop, since the cause may be a failure of the product itself.