When you try to install a corded or wireless printer for the first time, or you were attempting to share it on a local network, you will get this annoying “Windows cannot locate a suitable print driver” error. If you are still struggling to solve this frustrating problem, here are some potential solutions to repair it.
Install the Newest Printer Driver
To install the newest printer driver, follow these on-screen points mentioned below:
- To open the Run accessory, use the Win and R keys altogether over the keyboard.
- After that, input “control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters” into it and hit the Enter key.
- Once launched the ‘Device and Printers’ screen, choose the driver, and right-click on it, then pick the ‘Remove device’ option.
- Once uninstalled the driver, switch to the next step.
- Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the newest version of the driver associated with the Windows version.
- Now, install the driver via the installation package you have just downloaded and restart the system.
Make the Needed Share Permissions Changes
To make the needed share permissions changes, follow these on-screen points mentioned below:
- To invoke the Run accessory, use the Win and R keys simultaneously over the keyboard.
- After that, insert “control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters” into it and press the Enter button to open the ‘Device and Printers’ screen.
- You should select the printer, and right-click on it then pick the Properties option.
- Go to the ‘Printer Properties’ screen, select the Sharing option, and then hit on ‘Change Sharing Options.’
- You should tick the checkbox beside the Share the printer and give it a name.
- Then click on the Apply button to verify the modifications and shut the printer’s Properties screen.
- Once again, launch the Run accessory by using the Win and R hotkeys simultaneously on the keyboard.
- After getting the Run prompt, insert “control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter” into it and press the Enter button.
- Once launched the ‘Network and Sharing Center’ screen, select the ‘Change advanced sharing settings’ option.
10.In the Advanced sharing settings screen, turn on the ‘Turn on network discovery’ option and ensure that the checkbox beside the ‘Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices’ option is marked.
11.After that, move down to the ‘File and printer sharing’ option and turn on the ‘Turn on file and printer sharing’ option.
12.Now, ensure that you apply the changes by selecting the ‘Save changes’ option.
Share the Printer on a Local Network
To share the printer on a local network, follow these on-screen points mentioned below:
- Invoke the Run accessory by using the Win and R buttons at once on your keyboard.
- Thereafter, insert “sysdm.cpl” into it and press the Enter key to launch the System Properties screen.
- Go to the ‘System Properties’ screen and select the ‘Computer Name’ option.
- You should select the ‘Change (Change name)’ option.
- Then note down or copy the Computer Name, then shut the ‘System Properties’ screen.
- Later, once again launch the Run prompt by pursuing the above directions.
- Afterward, input “control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters” in it and press the Enter button to launch the ‘Device and Printers’ screen.
- In the Devices and Printers screen, select the printer, and right-click on it then pick the Properties option.
- Go to the Sharing option and note the printer’s name beside the Share name.
10.Once again, invoke the Run accessory by following the above instructions.
11.Later, insert “control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters” into it and press the Enter button to launch the ‘Device and Printers’ option.
12.Then select the ‘Add a Printer’ option and choose to Add a local printer.
13.Once pop-up to select the printer slot, choose the ‘Create a new port’ option and click on the Local Port as Type of port.
14.Now, hit the Next button to advance.
15.Once pop-up to locate the printer by TCP/IP address or name, select ‘Select a shared printer by name.’
16.Finally, you will be shown with a fresh ‘Add New hardware’ method. Pursue another pop-up to finish the printer installation on another system.
Source :- https://sofiejohn.blogspot.com/2021/09/windows-cannot-locate-suitable-printer.html
