no access to installed printers

Tony Wright 0 Reputation points
2026-10-09T05:34:10.7533333+00:00

Intermittently word and excel will not access installed printers HP laserjet and HP inkjet. message is no printers installed.

current fix is to restart pc but it only works 50% of the time

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-09T05:34:25.9366667+00:00

    Since restarting the PC only helps part of the time, the next most relevant fixes are to restart the Print Spooler service, update or reinstall the printer drivers, run the Windows printer troubleshooter, and make sure the printer is set as default.

    1. Restart the Print Spooler service
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Type services.msc and press Enter.
      • Find Print Spooler.
      • Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
      This service handles print jobs, and restarting it can resolve temporary printer recognition problems.
    2. Update or reinstall the printer drivers
      • Select Start > Device Manager.
      • Expand Printers.
      • Right-click each HP printer and select Update driver.
      • If no update is available, select Uninstall device.
      • Restart the PC so Windows attempts to reinstall the printer drivers automatically.
      If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, install a compatible driver from the printer manufacturer that matches the Windows version and system type, then restart the PC.
    3. Run the printer troubleshooter In Windows settings:
      • Open Settings.
      • Select Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer.
      • Select More devices and printer settings.
      • Right-click the printer and select Troubleshoot.
      • Follow the wizard.
    4. Set the printer as default
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer and click Set as default.
    5. Restart Word or Excel after fixing the printer service
      • Close Word or Excel completely.
      • Restart the PC if needed.
      • Open the app again and test printing.
    6. If the printer disappears from Windows, remove and reinstall it
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer and click Remove.
      • Then select Add device next to Add a printer or scanner and reinstall it.
    7. If the issue is only in Word and the spooler stops when Word opens A reported resolution was to uninstall and reinstall Word after other troubleshooting did not help.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Senthil kumar 2,585 Reputation points
    2026-10-09T05:42:12.3333333+00:00

    Hi @Tony Wright

    For the best way to fix this issue. uninstall your printer driver restart your pc. then follow installation guide from printer manufacturer install the printer driver. may will fix your issues.

    Please try and give your feedback.

    Thanks.

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  3. DYARI BARHAM 37,761 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-09T06:09:39.82+00:00

    Hi,

    Does it happen for other apps? Are you able to print a PDF file? Is it connected with a cable? Please mention your full HP printer model so I can find you a compatible driver.

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