Is your printer connected to your computer but missing from Devices and Printers? This issue can be confusing, especially when your printer is switched on and connected through USB or Wi-Fi. You may also find that Windows cannot detect the printer when you try to print a document.
This problem can happen because of missing printer drivers, Windows detection errors, a stopped Print Spooler service, or incorrect printer settings. Fortunately, you can try several simple solutions to make your printer appear again.
Why Is My Printer Not Showing in Devices and Printers?
There are several possible reasons why Windows may not display your connected printer.
- Outdated or missing printer drivers
- Loose USB cable or an unstable wireless connection
- Print Spooler service problems
- Incorrect printer installation
- Temporary Windows errors
- Incompatible printer software
- Network discovery issues
The best approach is to check the connection first and then troubleshoot the Windows settings.
Check Your Printer Connection
Start by checking how your printer connects to your computer.
For a USB printer, make sure the cable is firmly connected to both devices. Try another USB port if Windows does not recognize the printer. You can also test a different compatible USB cable.
For a wireless printer, confirm that the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you use multiple routers or network extenders, check that both devices are on the correct network.
Restart your printer and computer after checking the connection. This can resolve temporary detection problems.
Open Printers and Scanners in Windows Settings
Your printer might be installed even if you cannot find it in the traditional Devices and Printers window.
On Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Start and select Settings.
- Select Bluetooth and devices.
- Open Printers and scanners.
- Check whether your printer appears in the list.
- If you find your printer, select it to view its available settings.
If it is missing, select Add device and allow Windows to search for connected printers. If Windows finds your printer, follow the instructions to complete the installation.
On Windows 10, open Settings, select Devices, and then choose Printers and scanners.
Restart the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler is a Windows service that manages printing tasks and communication between your computer and printer. If the service stops working, Windows may have trouble displaying or using the printer.
Here is how to restart it:
- Press Windows and R together.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Find Print Spooler in the list.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Wait for the service to restart.
If the service is stopped, select Start instead. Check your printer list again to see whether the issue is resolved.
Update or Reinstall Your Printer Driver
A missing, outdated, or incompatible driver can prevent Windows from detecting your printer correctly.
To check the driver:
- Open Start and search for Device Manager.
- Open Device Manager and look under Printers or Print queues.
- If your printer appears, right-click it and check for driver updates.
- Follow the available instructions to install an update.
You can also check Windows Update for available printer drivers. If necessary, visit your printer manufacturer’s official website and download the driver for your exact model and Windows version.
If the driver appears damaged, removing the printer and reinstalling it with the correct driver may resolve the problem.
Remove and Add the Printer Again
If Windows still cannot display your printer, reinstalling it may help.
- Open Settings and go to Printers and scanners.
- Select your printer if it appears in the list.
- Choose Remove device.
- Restart your computer.
- Turn on the printer and reconnect it.
- Return to Printers and scanners.
- Select Add device and follow the installation instructions.
If Windows cannot find the printer automatically, look for the option to add it manually. The available options may differ depending on whether you use a USB, network, or wireless printer.
Before removing the printer, make sure you have access to the correct driver if Windows does not reinstall it automatically.
Check Devices and Printers in Control Panel
Windows may display printers differently in Settings and Control Panel.
To check the traditional view:
- Open Start and search for Control Panel.
- Select Hardware and Sound.
- Open Devices and Printers.
- Look for your printer under the available devices.
If the printer is missing from both Control Panel and Settings, the problem may involve its installation, driver, or connection rather than just the display window.
Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Windows includes troubleshooting tools that can detect common printing and connection problems.
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run the printer troubleshooter. Follow the instructions to check for problems with printer detection and printing.
You can also restart your computer after troubleshooting to refresh Windows services and device connections.
FAQs
Why does my printer show as connected but not appear in Devices and Printers?
Windows may not have installed the printer correctly, or the driver may be missing or incompatible. Check Printers and scanners in Settings, restart the Print Spooler service, and reinstall the printer if necessary.
Why is my USB printer not detected by Windows?
A faulty cable, damaged USB port, missing driver, or temporary system error can prevent detection. Try another USB port and cable, restart both devices, and check Device Manager.
Can I print if my printer is missing from Devices and Printers?
Possibly. If the printer is installed through Windows Settings or another application, it may still be available for printing. Check Printers and scanners and try printing a test page.
Why did my printer disappear after a Windows update?
A Windows update can sometimes affect printer drivers or device settings. Check for updated drivers through Windows Update or your printer manufacturer’s website, then reinstall the printer if needed.
Conclusion
If your printer is connected but not showing in Devices and Printers, start by checking the USB or Wi-Fi connection. Then review Windows printer settings, restart the Print Spooler service, and update the printer driver.
If these steps do not resolve the problem, remove and reinstall the printer or run the Windows printer troubleshooter. These methods can help Windows detect your printer and make it available for everyday printing.
