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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If your printer has disappeared from Windows, first check that it is powered on and connected, then look for it in Settings and try adding it again. In Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. In Windows 10, open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. The old “Devices and Printers” wording may not match the current Windows 11 path.
Check the connection before changing Windows settings
Windows cannot discover a printer that is switched off or disconnected. Match the check to how the printer connects:
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- USB: Make sure the cable is firmly connected to the printer and computer. Try another USB port on the PC. If the cable is missing or appears damaged, confirm the replacement has the correct connectors and is compatible with your printer before buying one; a cable is a possible cause, not a guaranteed fix. Microsoft’s printer setup guidance and its printer-not-found troubleshooting both start with connection checks.
- Wi-Fi: Check the printer’s display or network settings to confirm it is connected, then make sure the PC is on the same Wi-Fi network. A guest network or separate network name (SSID), including one created by an extender, may prevent the devices from finding each other.
- Bluetooth: Turn on Bluetooth and check that the printer is within range and ready to pair or connect.
Search for the printer and add it
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners in Windows 11, or Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners in Windows 10.
- Select Add device (or the equivalent add-printer control in Windows 10). Wait for the list to populate, then add your printer if it appears.
- If Windows does not find it automatically, select the manual-add option and follow the prompts. Microsoft’s Add or install a printer in Windows page describes the available setup routes.
Choose the next step based on what Windows shows
- Printer missing from the list: Keep troubleshooting discovery—recheck power and connection, then try manual addition.
- “Printer not found” or “Printer not recognized”: Check the cable, port, network, or Bluetooth connection that applies to your setup before moving on to Windows diagnostics. Microsoft uses both phrases in its error troubleshooting guidance.
- Printer listed but offline or not printing: Discovery has succeeded; focus on the printer’s status, driver, print queue, or Print Spooler instead. Microsoft treats offline and printing problems in its broader connection and printing troubleshooting.
Run Windows’ printer troubleshooter
For Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the automated printer troubleshooter in Get Help. Follow the Windows-provided diagnostic path; if you use Windows 10, use the corresponding Windows diagnostic option when available. Apply any suggested fix, then check whether the printer appears or responds.
Remove and reinstall a printer that is already listed
Removing a printer is not the first step when it is simply absent from the list. Try this if Windows lists the printer but it remains unusable, or if adding it again did not fix the problem:
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- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
- In Settings > Printers & scanners, select the affected printer and choose the remove option.
- Return to the printer list and add it again, using manual addition if automatic discovery fails.
- Print a test page to confirm that Windows can communicate with the reinstalled printer.
Microsoft includes removal and reinstallation in its printer connection and printing troubleshooting.
Update or reinstall the printer driver
Try driver steps after checking the connection and using Windows’ add or troubleshooting options. Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the first way to find and install printer drivers. If it does not provide a driver you need, get the exact model’s driver from the printer maker’s official support page, matching it to your Windows version and system architecture. See Microsoft’s driver guidance.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
On a Windows-on-ARM PC, do not immediately run a manufacturer installer unless the printer maker provides instructions specifically for ARM. Microsoft advises trying Settings > Printers & scanners > Add device instead; some manufacturer installers may not work on ARM-based PCs.
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Restart Print Spooler only if earlier steps fail
The Print Spooler manages print jobs. Microsoft describes it this way: “The print spooler is a file that manages the printing process.” A service restart may help when a printer is detected but jobs do not proceed.
Rank #3
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- Press Windows key + R, enter
services.msc, and press Enter. - In Services, find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.
- Check the printer list and try printing again.
If restarting does not help, Microsoft’s more involved reset procedure is to stop Print Spooler, delete the files in %WINDIR%system32spoolPRINTERS, start the service again, and set its Startup Type to Automatic. This deletes queued spool files and can clear pending print jobs, so use it only when you are prepared to lose those queued jobs. Follow Microsoft’s spooler reset instructions carefully.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The Settings path above still identifies where its printer list is located, but Windows 10 no longer receives standard support and updates from Microsoft. See Microsoft’s printer setup page for its Windows 10 and Windows 11 instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Bluetooth Printer: Portable thermal printer compatible with iPhone, Android phones, iPad and tablet computers via Bluetooth. For smartphones, please download the "Nada Print" App. You can also connect to laptops and computers for printing using a USB-C cable. (Note: Laptops and computers can only be connected via USB and require the installation of a driver first. Bluetooth connection is not supported.)
- No-ink printing: Only supports US Letter and A4 size thermal paper.(Doesn't support regular paper) The no-ink portable thermal printer uses direct thermal technology, requiring no ink, toner or ribbons, making it environmentally friendly, cost-effective and time-saving. The thermal printer package comes with a roll of US Letter thermal printing paper. Note: When installing the paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on APP
- Clear Print: NDYIN N80 portable thermal printer adopts high-definition printing technology, with a 203DPI resolution to provide you with clear printing results. This mobile printer is compatible with roll paper, folded paper and tattoo transfer paper, supporting printing from your mobile phone PDF, Word, pictures and web pages anytime and anywhere. It is recommended to use our NDYIN thermal paper to achieve good printing quality
- Portable wireless printer for travel: The thermal printer is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery, which can print 160 sheets of 8.5" x 11" thermal paper after being fully charged. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and is compact in size. This ink-free portable printer can be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase! It is perfect for business travel, cars, small offices, construction sites, schools and homes. You can print documents, contracts, invoices and boarding passes anytime and anywhere
- The N80 thermal printer has a wide range of uses. The package includes the N80 printer, a roll of US Letter paper(7m/roll), a user manual, a guide card, a type-C soft cable and a type C adapter. Note: The charging adapter is not included. Special thermal paper is required for use; ordinary paper cannot be used. This ink-free portable thermal printer is suitable for various scenarios such as home, school, travel, office, and outdoor, meeting the printing needs of different groups of people. This tattoo template printer is also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, making it an ideal choice for tattoo art
Rank #4
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
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