# [phone] Printer Not Working After Software Update? How to Fix It

Software updates are essential for maintaining the security and functionality of your operating system and connected devices, including printers. However, it’s not uncommon for printer issues to arise after a major update—especially on Windows or macOS platforms. If your **printer has stopped working after a software update**, you’re not alone. Users frequently report problems such as the printer not responding, being unrecognized by the system, or throwing driver errors.

This comprehensive guide (approx. 3000 words) will walk you through **troubleshooting and fixing a printer that’s not working after a software update**. Whether you use an **HP, Canon, Epson, Brother**, or any other brand of printer, the solutions below will help you get your device back online. And if you need expert help, don’t hesitate to call our **toll-free printer support number: [phone]** (for USA users).

## Common Symptoms of Printer Issues After an Update

Before diving into fixes, it's important to identify the exact problem you’re experiencing:

* Printer not recognized by the computer
* Printer status shows "Offline" or "Paused"
* Error messages such as “Driver Unavailable”
* Print jobs get stuck in the queue
* Printing fails midway or produces blank pages
* Scanner not working on all-in-one printers
* Connection issues over Wi-Fi or USB

Understanding the nature of the problem helps in applying the right solution.

## Why Do Printers Stop Working After Software Updates?

Here are some reasons why your printer might stop working after a system update:

1. **Driver Conflicts**: Updates may overwrite or remove essential printer drivers.
2. **Compatibility Issues**: Your printer driver may not be compatible with the new OS version.
3. **Settings Reset**: Updates might reset your system preferences, including printer configurations.
4. **Security Restrictions**: Updated firewalls or permissions can block printer access.
5. **USB Port or Network Configuration Changes**: Changes in how your OS handles ports and networks can break connections.

## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

### 1. **Restart Printer and Computer**

* Power off your printer and unplug it from the power source.
* Shut down your computer completely.
* Wait for 60 seconds.
* Plug the printer back in and restart your computer.

*Why it works:* Restarting helps clear any temporary glitches or cache that may have occurred during the update.

### 2. **Check Physical and Network Connections**

#### USB Printers:

* Ensure the USB cable is securely connected.
* Try plugging into a different USB port.
* Avoid USB hubs; plug directly into the computer.

#### Wireless Printers:

* Make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
* Re-enter Wi-Fi credentials on the printer screen if needed.
* Print a network configuration page to verify connectivity.

### 3. **Set the Printer as Default**

After an update, your OS might change the default printer.

#### On Windows:

* Go to **Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners**.
* Click on your printer and select **Set as default**.

#### On macOS:

* Go to **System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
* Right-click your printer and choose **Set as default**.

### 4. **Run the Printer Troubleshooter (Windows)**

* Navigate to **Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters**.
* Select **Printer** and run the troubleshooter.

This built-in utility automatically scans and resolves common issues.

### 5. **Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers**

An outdated or incompatible driver is one of the most common issues after a software update.

#### Option 1: Update via Device Manager (Windows)

1. Right-click **Start** > choose **Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers** or **Print queues**.
3. Right-click your printer and select **Update driver**.

#### Option 2: Reinstall the Driver

1. Go to **Control Panel > Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click your printer > **Remove device**.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Visit the printer manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers compatible with your OS.
5. Install the driver and restart.

#### On macOS:

* Go to **System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
* Remove the printer.
* Add it again. macOS will automatically download the latest driver from Apple or prompt you to install it.

### 6. **Uninstall Windows Update That Caused Issue (Optional)**

If your printer worked fine before the last update and suddenly stopped, you can uninstall the problematic update.

#### Steps:

1. Open **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history**.
2. Click **Uninstall updates**.
3. Select the most recent update and uninstall it.

**Note**: This is a temporary fix. Windows may reinstall the update later.

### 7. **Clear Print Spooler Files**

The print spooler may get corrupted during an update.

#### On Windows:

1. Type `services.msc` in the search bar and hit Enter.
2. Locate and right-click **Print Spooler** > **Stop**.
3. Navigate to `C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS`.
4. Delete all files in this folder.
5. Go back to the **Services** window and **Restart Print Spooler**.

### 8. **Update Operating System Again**

Sometimes, minor follow-up patches are released after a major update to fix bugs.

* Go to **Settings > Windows Update** or **System Settings > Software Update** (on Mac).
* Install any available updates.

### 9. **Reset Printing System (Mac Only)**

If you're on macOS and still facing problems:

1. Go to **System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Right-click anywhere in the list of printers and choose **Reset Printing System**.
3. Confirm and re-add your printer.

### 10. **Use Printer Manufacturer’s Support Tools**

Many brands offer diagnostic utilities:

* **HP Print and Scan Doctor** – [Download from HP.com](https://support.hp.com)
* **Epson Printer Utility** – [Available on Epson’s site](https://epson.com)
* **Canon IJ Network Tool**
* **Brother Printer Driver Installer**

These tools can detect firmware mismatches and repair printer functions after OS updates.

### 11. **Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings**

After updates, firewalls or antivirus software might block printer access, especially if you're printing over a network.

* Temporarily disable your firewall and test printing.
* Add your printer and related applications (like spoolsv.exe or wuauserv) to the exception list.

### 12. **Check for Firmware Updates (on Printer)**

Some printers have firmware updates available to align with OS changes.

* Visit your printer manufacturer’s support site.
* Download and install firmware for your printer model if available.

## Brand-Specific Tips

### **HP Printers**

* Use the **HP Smart App** to reinstall or diagnose your printer.
* Check for Windows compatibility on HP’s support page.
* Firmware update via HP’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) is often required post-OS upgrade.

### **Canon Printers**

* Reinstall Canon software suites like **IJ Network Tool** and **Canon Print Utility**.
* macOS users should ensure the latest ICA driver is installed.

### **Epson Printers**

* For Wi-Fi printers, reconfigure your network using **Epson Connect Printer Setup Utility**.
* Update using the **Epson Software Updater**.

### **Brother Printers**

* Use the **Brother Printer Driver Information Cleanup Tool** before reinstalling drivers.
* For scan issues, update the **Brother ControlCenter software**.

## Preventing Future Printer Issues After Updates

1. **Delay Major OS Updates**: Especially if you depend heavily on printing for business.
2. **Regularly Update Printer Drivers**: Don’t wait for issues to arise.
3. **Create System Restore Points**: Before updating Windows or macOS.
4. **Use OEM Ink and Cartridges**: Some printers malfunction if third-party cartridges are detected after firmware updates.
5. **Keep Firmware Updated**: Match your printer’s firmware with the latest OS version.

## When to Call Professional Support

If you’ve followed all the above steps and your printer still won’t work, it may be time to consult experts. This is especially important if:

* Your printer model is old and may not be supported anymore.
* The update caused severe driver conflicts or registry issues.
* You need fast resolution for a business-critical task.

📞 **Call Toll-Free Printer Support at [phone] (USA)**
Our certified technicians can guide you step-by-step or take remote control (with your permission) to resolve the issue quickly.

## Conclusion

Software updates are crucial, but they can occasionally wreak havoc on connected peripherals like printers. When your **printer stops working after an update**, it’s usually due to driver conflicts, setting changes, or connectivity issues. Thankfully, with the right troubleshooting steps—ranging from driver reinstalls to print spooler resets—you can restore printing functionality.

If you’re overwhelmed or time is of the essence, don’t hesitate to call our toll-free help line at **[phone]** for expert assistance across all major printer brands including HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark, and more.