# [phone] How to Reset a Printer After a Major Software Update

Printers are essential devices in homes and businesses, serving a wide array of printing, scanning, and copying needs. However, after a major software or firmware update—whether it’s from Windows, macOS, or the printer manufacturer—your printer may experience compatibility issues, connectivity failures, or software glitches. In such cases, performing a **printer reset** is often the most effective solution.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through **how to reset a printer after a major software update**, covering all major brands (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.) and operating systems. Whether your printer is not responding, showing errors, or simply won’t print after the update, we’ve got you covered.

Need immediate help? **Call our USA-based support team at [phone]** for personalized assistance.

## **Why You May Need to Reset Your Printer After a Software Update**

Software updates can be beneficial, but they often bring changes that disrupt existing printer settings or drivers. Common issues include:

* Printer not recognized by the computer
* Jobs stuck in the print queue
* Network or Wi-Fi connection problems
* Driver or firmware incompatibility
* Error messages like “Printer Offline” or “Driver Not Available”

A full reset helps to restore default settings, clear caches, and remove corrupted configurations that may have developed due to the update.

## **Types of Printer Resets**

Before diving into specific steps, it’s important to understand the types of resets available:

### 1. **Soft Reset**

* Reboots the printer without erasing settings.
* Useful for minor glitches after an update.

### 2. **Network Reset**

* Resets Wi-Fi and Ethernet settings.
* Essential if your printer can’t connect to the network after an OS update.

### 3. **Factory Reset (Hard Reset)**

* Restores printer to original manufacturer settings.
* Clears all custom configurations and stored data.
* Recommended after major software updates or persistent issues.

## **General Steps Before Performing a Reset**

1. **Check for Firmware Updates**

* Visit the manufacturer’s website.
* Install the latest firmware before performing any reset.

2. **Uninstall Old Printer Drivers**

* On Windows: Go to *Control Panel > Devices and Printers*, remove the device.
* On macOS: Use *System Settings > Printers & Scanners*.

3. **Restart Your Computer**

* Ensures no pending system changes are interfering.

If all else fails, proceed to reset your printer.

## **How to Reset Your Printer by Brand**

### **HP Printers**

#### *Soft Reset:*

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug from the power source.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and power it on.

#### *Network Reset:*

1. From the control panel, tap *Settings*.
2. Navigate to *Wireless > Restore Network Settings*.
3. Confirm reset.

#### *Factory Reset:*

1. On the printer screen, press *Settings > Printer Maintenance > Restore*.
2. Choose *Restore Factory Defaults*.
3. Confirm the action.
4. The printer will restart.

Need help? Call **[phone]** for step-by-step HP support.

### **Canon Printers**

#### *Soft Reset:*

1. Turn off the device and unplug it.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug in and power back on.

#### *Network Reset:*

1. On the control panel, go to *Setup > Device Settings > LAN Settings*.
2. Select *Reset LAN Settings*.

#### *Factory Reset:*

1. Tap *Setup > Device Settings > Reset Settings*.
2. Choose *Reset All*.
3. Confirm the operation.

### **Epson Printers**

#### *Soft Reset:*

1. Power off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug it back and turn it on.

#### *Network Reset:*

1. On the control panel, go to *Home > Setup > Network Settings*.
2. Select *Restore Network Settings*.

#### *Factory Reset:*

1. Press *Home > Setup > Restore Default Settings*.
2. Choose *Clear All Data and Settings*.
3. Confirm reset.

### **Brother Printers**

#### *Soft Reset:*

1. Power off the device.
2. Unplug and wait for 60 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and power on.

#### *Network Reset:*

1. Go to *Settings > Network > Network Reset*.
2. Confirm the operation.

#### *Factory Reset:*

1. Go to *Settings > All Settings > Initial Setup > Reset*.
2. Choose *Factory Reset*.
3. Confirm with *Yes* and press *OK*.

For quick fixes, call **[phone]**.

## **Resetting Printer Settings on Windows 10/11 After a Software Update**

### Step-by-Step:

1. **Open Settings**

* Go to *Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners*.

2. **Remove the Printer**

* Click the printer name > *Remove device*.

3. **Clear Print Spooler**

* Open *Services (Windows + R, type `services.msc`)*.
* Find *Print Spooler*, right-click > *Stop*.
* Go to `C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS`, delete all files.
* Restart the *Print Spooler* service.

4. **Reinstall the Printer**

* Click *Add a printer or scanner* in *Printers & Scanners*.

5. **Install Latest Drivers**

* Visit the manufacturer’s website.
* Download and install compatible drivers.

## **Resetting Printers on macOS After an Update**

### Step-by-Step:

1. **Reset Printing System**

* Go to *System Settings > Printers & Scanners*.
* Right-click in the printer list area.
* Choose *Reset Printing System*.

2. **Re-add the Printer**

* Click the *+* sign.
* Select your printer from the list.

3. **Download Latest Drivers**

* Visit the official site (e.g., Canon, HP).
* Ensure driver is macOS-compatible.

## **Troubleshooting Common Issues After Reset**

### 1. **Printer Still Offline**

* Ensure it’s connected to Wi-Fi.
* Check IP settings.
* Disable SNMP in printer port properties (Windows only).

### 2. **Print Jobs Not Processing**

* Restart print spooler.
* Delete and re-add the printer.

### 3. **Driver Errors**

* Use generic drivers if manufacturer ones fail.
* Call support for driver compatibility at **[phone]**.

### 4. **Firmware Mismatch**

* Update firmware via USB or SD card.

## **Advanced Reset via Embedded Web Server (EWS)**

Many printers allow full reset through their web interface:

### Steps:

1. Type your printer’s IP address into a web browser.
2. Log in using admin credentials.
3. Go to *Settings > Maintenance > Restore Defaults*.
4. Choose factory reset.

## **When to Call Support**

If your printer still malfunctions after a reset, don’t waste time troubleshooting endlessly. Call a certified technician at **[phone]** for help with:

* Driver compatibility issues
* Firmware update complications
* Wi-Fi configuration errors
* Remote printer setup
* Hardware-level diagnostics

Our experts are available 24/7 for users across the USA.

## **Precautions Before Resetting**

* **Backup Settings**: If your printer stores custom settings (like Wi-Fi passwords, speed dials, or profiles), back them up before resetting.
* **Remove Ink Cartridges Carefully**: Some printers may require cartridge removal before reset—check manual.
* **Don’t Interrupt a Firmware Update**: Interruptions can brick the device.

## **FAQs**

### Q: Will a factory reset delete my ink levels or page counts?

**A:** No, physical ink levels and page counters are not affected.

### Q: Why does my printer need a reset after an update?

**A:** Updates may overwrite or corrupt configuration files, requiring a fresh setup.

### Q: How long does a reset take?

**A:** Most resets take less than 5 minutes.

## **Conclusion**

After a major software or firmware update, your printer may experience connectivity issues, driver errors, or performance drops. Performing the correct type of reset—soft, network, or factory—can resolve most problems and restore smooth functionality.

Still having trouble? Don’t let printer issues slow you down. **Call our toll-free support line at [phone]** and get expert help to reset, reconfigure, or repair your printer, no matter the brand or model.
**Reset smart. Print smarter. Let us help—call [phone] now.**