Printer not working after Windows 11 update
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 11, version 25H2
- Windows 11, version 26H1
Daniel Okafor4 min readQuick answer
If your printer stopped working after a Windows 11 update, start by running the guided printer troubleshooting options inside the built-in Get Help app. You can also check Windows Update for out-of-band updates designed to fix known security update issues. If the print queue remains stuck or offline, uninstalling the recent Windows update will restore your printer to working order.
A Windows 11 update can occasionally disrupt local printer connections, leaving your hardware unable to process print jobs or communicate properly with your computer. This issue usually occurs when a recent security update or feature release alters system drivers, network printing configurations, or device spooler routines. When these underlying settings change, Windows may report that your printer is offline, display unexpected printing errors, or ignore print jobs entirely.
If your printer stopped responding immediately after installing a new Windows update, you do not need technical expertise to resolve the issue. This guide walks you through clear, step-by-step methods to restore your printing capabilities on Windows 11. We will start with the simplest built-in diagnostic tools and progress to checking for official patches or rolling back recent system updates.
Method 1: Run printer diagnostics in the Get Help app
Illustration: the Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters page under Settings > System
When to use this method: Use this as your very first step when your printer fails to print or appears offline right after a system update.
What to expect afterwards: Windows will run automated diagnostic checks on your print services and connections. It will either fix minor issues automatically or show guided instructions on screen to resolve the connection.
- Click the Start button on your taskbar and type Get Help into the search bar at the top.
- Click the Get Help app from the search results to launch the application.
- In the search field inside the Get Help app, type Fix printer connection and printing problems and press Enter.
- Review the diagnostic options that appear on your screen and select the automated troubleshooting routine.
- Follow the step-by-step prompts on screen, selecting your printer model when asked, to allow Windows to check device states and apply fixes.
Method 2: Check Windows Update for out-of-band fixes
Illustration: the Windows Update page in Windows 11 Settings
When to use this method: Use this method if Microsoft has released a patch or out-of-band update specifically designed to resolve printing issues caused by a prior security update.
What to expect afterwards: Your computer will download and install the latest servicing fixes, updating system components and restoring broken printer communication.
- Click the Start menu on your taskbar and select the Settings gear icon.
- In the Settings window, click on Windows Update in the left-hand navigation column.
- Click the Check for updates button located near the top right of the screen.
- Wait while Windows searches for available patches, including any out-of-band updates released to address issues from recent security updates.
- Click Download and install if a new update is listed, then restart your PC when prompted by Windows to complete the installation process.
Method 3: Uninstall the recent Windows update
When to use this method: Use this method if automated diagnostics do not resolve the problem and you need your printer working immediately before a permanent fix is released.
Warning: Uninstalling a recent update removes security patches and system updates included in that release. Only proceed if immediate printing functionality is necessary for your daily work.
What to expect afterwards: Windows will roll back system files to the state they were in before the update was installed, returning your printer drivers and services to normal operation.
- Open the Start menu and click Settings.
- Click Windows Update in the left navigation panel.
- Scroll down the main page and click on Update history under the More options area.
- Scroll down to the Related settings section near the bottom of the page and click Uninstall updates.
- Locate the recently installed update that caused your printer to stop working.
- Click the Uninstall button next to that specific update entry, then click Uninstall again when the confirmation prompt appears on your screen.
- Allow the process to complete, and restart your computer when prompted to finish removing the update.
Method 4: Check official Windows release health resources
When to use this method: Use this option to check if your specific Windows version is experiencing an acknowledged printer bug and to report feedback directly to developers.
What to expect afterwards: You will gather information regarding whether Microsoft is actively working on a fix for your printer issue and learn about potential official workarounds.
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official Windows release health portal.
- Select your installed operating system version from the menu on the left side of the screen.
- Review the Known issues and Resolved issues sections to see if printing problems are listed for your build.
- If a known issue is documented, read the recommended official workarounds provided on the page.
- Open the Start menu on your PC, search for Feedback Hub, and launch the app to submit diagnostic details about your printer issue directly to Windows technicians.
If nothing worked
If your printer is still not working after trying these methods, you can open the Get Help app on your Windows device to access additional hardware repair resources and support options. You can also run the PC Health Check app to ensure your system is fully healthy. Microsoft regularly updates the Windows release health portal with details on emerging issues, so keep checking Windows Update for upcoming out-of-band updates and cumulative quality patches.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Why did my printer stop working after a Windows 11 update?
Windows 11 updates can sometimes modify background system drivers or spooler settings required for hardware communication. When these files change, your computer may lose connection with your printer.
How do I fix printer connection problems in Windows 11?
You can launch the Get Help app from the Start menu and search for printer connection tools. The app guides you through automated fixes to restore communication between Windows and your device.
Will uninstalling a Windows update fix my printer?
Yes, uninstalling the update that triggered the failure reverts your system files to their previous state, restoring normal printing functions until a permanent fix is released.
Where can I check if a printer issue is a known Windows bug?
You can check the official Windows release health site to see if Microsoft has documented known issues or released out-of-band patches for your version of Windows 11.
Checked against Microsoft's release notes on ; re-checked when a new build ships.
Writes Thea's error-code and app-breakage guides. Each fix is checked against Microsoft's documentation and community reports, and updated when a new Windows 11 build changes the steps.
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