printer driver unavailable

[debris63]

Hi,

My printer has been working beautifully until now. Suddenly, in device management sceen, it says that the driver is unavailable. I have twice downloaded full driver from HP which has not worked. At one point (can't remember where I saw this but) it said that it was unable to install because the digital signature was incorrect. It is showing up as 'unknown printer'. At this point I uninstalled the printer and reloaded the driver via the virtual chat link. Still no joy. Has anyone got  a solution for this? BTW I don't think a disc came with the printer so can't even do it that way.

Many thank in advance

[Repairatrooper]

How are you connecting, wireless, usb or wired network?

[printeruser3]

I have the same issue as above and have tried WiFi and USB connections, Driver Unavailable error persists with both connection methods.

[sandytechy20]

@printeruser3

Welcome to HP support community.

Provide the printer model number or product number?

Which operating system is installed on the computer to which this printer is connected?

Reply withe the requested information for more assistance.

Cheers.

[FRunner69]

I have the same problem, and as it says on the tags in this thread, the printer is HP Color LaserJet MFP M281fdw and the operating system is Windows 10 64-bit.

[FRunner69]

FYI, I managed to solve my problem by uninstalling *another HP printer* which I had also installed: it was an HP OfficeJet 5740, which I had installed a few months ago while at a different location. So the procedure I followed was:

- Using Win10 "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers & scanners", remove all HP printers, the M281fdw for which it says "Driver is unavailable" and also the OfficeJet 5740 which was working fine

- Reboot

- If connecting via WiFi, ensure that the PC is on the same WiFi network as the printer, and that the printer is turned on and connected successfully to the WiFi network

- "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers & scanners", use the "Add printer or scanner" button: hopefully the system will detect the networked printer; select it and press "add"

- The system will do the rest.

Note that I don't need to reinstall the OfficeJet 5740 printer right now, so I'm fine... but if one needs to have both printers installed at the same time and there is a conflict between the two printer drivers, then my solution may not help.

[sandytechy20]

@FRunner69

Good to know that issue is resolved.

Feel free to contact us in the future if you need any assistance.

Cheers.

[BIGD-NJ2020]

Hi FRunner69-Your problem is identical to mine including a printer that was previously installed but no longer used.  My problem is with a networked  Officejet Pro 6968 AIO and W10 and just started out of the blue.  Reloaded drivers numerous times to no avail.  I will definitely try your method and let you know how it works for me.