Even though Epson has a vast market share in the printer & office hardware market. Similarly, their product is prone to failure, too. In addition to offices, printers have also become part of our homes. Thus, we can’t all be expected to go to the dealers for every little problem. However, fortunately, you can solve most of these issues at home. Today, we will discuss one such situation – Epson Printer Driver Unavailable. Here, we will discuss the following:

• Firstly, the cause of this issue.
• Secondly, possible solutions to fix this problem.
• Thirdly, some FAQs, in case you have any queries.

So, let’s get down to it by talking about:

Why is My Epson Printer Driver Unavailable?

Outdated OS – An optimal operating system is vital for the smooth functioning of a printer. That is to say, your OS communicates data between your input & printer output. Thus, an outdated OS may result in your printer driver not functioning correctly. Corrupted Driver – Drivers are responsible for adequately operating our hardware. If your printer’s driver is corrupted, it will severely hamper the working of your printer. Therefore, you may need to uninstall & reinstall your printer’s driver. Outdated Driver – On the other hand, an outdated driver is just as bad as a corrupted one. To clarify, hardware manufacturers regularly release updates to fix bugs & problems.

However, obsolete drivers may cause a compatibility issue. Improperly Connected Printer – Generally, an improper connection between our system & printer is the cause of such problems. That is to say, your system cannot correctly communicate with your printer. This causes it to show – Epson Printer Driver Unavailable. Printer Error – Lastly, the fault can be in your printer, a defect, or a minor bug. Generally, these are rare & easily fixable issues. So, you need to reset your printer & it’s back to business. 

Also, check: Why my Epson printer keeps going offline

How to Update Your Operating System?

In short, people mainly use two types of Operating Systems: Windows & Macintosh. Thus, we will discuss how to update both of them. Windows – To summarize, there are two ways to update your Windows to the latest version. Therefore, let’s talk about how to do both, step by step.

Windows Check for Updates

• Firstly, click on Start & select Settings.
• Secondly, click on Update & Security and then click on Windows Update.
• Once the windows open, select Check for Updates.
• Then, wait for the update scanner to complete checking.

If our OS is outdated, the updater will show you available updates. After that, click on Install All Updates. Lastly, wait for the updates to install & restart your system.

Microsoft Windows Updater

• Firstly, download the Windows Update Assistant.
• At first, click on Download the Update Assistant. Then, in the next window, click on Update Now.
• Secondly, go to the download directory & open the file.
• Once the setup opens, click on Update Now.

Wait for the setup to complete the update download & installation. Once it’s finished, your system will restart a couple of times. Macintosh – To update your Mac, you need to go into settings & manually download the updates.

• Firstly, you need to uninstall the old printer drivers from your system.
  • Windows
    • First, go to Start, open the Control Panel & then select Devices & Printer. Then, select your printer & on the category bar, choose Server Printer Properties.
  Once the properties window opens, click on Drivers.
  • • Then, select the driers & click on Remove.
  • Macintosh
    • At first, open the Apple Menu () & click on System Preferences. Then, choose Printer & Fax, select your printer & click on the remove option.After that, open your Hard Drive & go to the Library. Then, select Printers & drag the Epson folder, and drop it in the trash.
    • Lastly, restart your system.

• Secondly, download the Epson driver for your system. Go to the official Epson website and select Support. After that, click on Printers to search for your printer.
  • On the one hand, put in your printer’s name & model, and click on search. On the other hand, manually browse your printer.
    • TypeSeriesModel
    Once you’ve opened your printer’s page, scroll down & select your OS.
  • Then, click on the (+) symbol next to Drivers & download the compatible driver.

• Thirdly, install the driver.
  • First, go to the download directory & open the setup.
  • Once the setup opens, follow the instructions & wait for it to complete installation.

• Lastly, restart your system & check if the problem persists.

Also check: How to reset the Epson ink cartridge chip

Steps to Check Printer Connections

Generally, there are two ways a printer connected to a system:

• Hardwire Connection – A wire runs from the printer into one of the system’s USB ports. Any breakage in this wire or connector can cause signal disruption.
  • Firstly, move your system & printer to the front. Then, check the USB port of the system to see if the wire is properly connected.
  • Secondly, remove the wire & check it for any breakage or damage.

• Wireless Connection – Any disruption or problem in your Wi-Fi network can result in a communication failure between your system & printer.
  • Firstly, take out your router manual & go to your router. Then, crosscheck if the lights show that the printer is working correctly.
  • Secondly, check your printer’s connection with your system.
    • First, enter your printer’s Setup mode using the user manual.
    • Then select Network Setting & open the Check Network Connection.
    • Afterward, return to the Network Settings menu & select Troubleshoot for Network Connection.

*The troubleshooting will inform you of any printer connection issues. 

Also check: Fix Epson error code 0xfa

How do you reset/hard restart your Epson printer?

The fault lies in your hardware at times due to some rare occurrence. Thus, the best way to fix this is a hard restart & a reset if that doesn’t work. Hard Restart

• Firstly, make sure the printer is powered on & remove the battery (if it has one).

• Secondly, turn off the wall socket and remove that end of the cable.

• Thirdly, remove the power cord from the back of the printer.

• Then, wait for 10 minutes for the power to cycle and discharge.

• After that, reinstall the power cord in the printer & socket.

• Lastly, please turn on the printer & wait for it to install.

Reset – Even though resetting is similar in all the printers, use your user manual as a reference.

• Firstly, using the power button, shut down your printer.

Then, locate the Reset button on the back of your Epson printer.

• Secondly, hold the reset button and power on the printer.

• Lastly, the printer will confirm reset by printing a message stating that reset is in process.

However, you will need to set up your printer again, do that & check if it’s working.

FAQs

Q. How do I install the Epson printer driver?

In short, you must first download the Epson driver from the official website & then install it. To do this:

• Visit the official Epson website & go to support.

• Then, select Printers from the options & browse for your printer.

• Once you’ve located your printer, choose drivers & download a compatible driver.

• Then, open the driver setup & follow the instructions to install it.

• Once the installation finishes, restart your system.

Q. Why is my printer not available?

To summarize, there could be several reasons your printer is not available. For instance:

• Firstly, your printer is not connected correctly to your system.

• Secondly, your printer isn’t connected to your Wi-Fi network.

• Thirdly, your printer’s driver is corrupted/outdated.

• Fourthly, your system’s OS is outdated.

• Lastly, there is a defect in your printer.

Q. What does it mean the driver is unavailable on the printer?

In short, your system cannot recognize/communicate with your printer’s driver. There can be two reasons for this:

• Firstly, the printer driver is not compatible with your OS.
• Secondly, your printer’s driver is outdated.

Also, check Epson Support