Windows 11 Computers Lose Wi-Fi Network Printer Connection

Samurai 0 Reputation points
2026-10-07T14:41:40.18+00:00

I spent over an hour reviewing somewhat similar questions on the community, but did not see a suitable answer.

Our family has 5 Windows 11 Professional computers sharing our Brother MFC-L2750DW on our Private (not Public) home network. All computers have that printer as the default printer. Our router is a dual-band 2.4/5GHz Nokia Fastmile 5G Gateway V3.2. Both network bands use the same SSID and P/W, and the router is expected to handle band-steering between numerous devices that are connected at 2.4GHz and our computers (and mobile phones) that typically connect at 5GHz.

Everything works well except that anywhere between 1-2 times/week and once every couple of weeks, one of our computers loses its connection to the printer but not to the network or internet. This happens to every one of the computers at one time or another. Our mobile phones have never failed to maintain connection to the printer but, of course, because we are not always home, they are not always connected to the network.

We only notice the dropped connection when we are attempting to print something. When it occurs, it takes a lot of troubleshooting, plus rebooting the printer and the computer and the router, and it is very frustrating and time-consuming.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-07T14:41:58.3333333+00:00

    For an intermittent Windows 11 wireless printer disconnect like this, use this order of troubleshooting on the affected PC first:

    1. Power cycle the printer.
      • Turn off the printer and unplug it.
      • Wait 30 seconds.
      • Plug it back in and turn it on.
    2. Verify the printer is still on the same Wi‑Fi network as the PC.
      • Since the printer is wireless, confirm its wireless option is turned on.
      • Run the printer’s wireless connectivity test if the printer supports it.
      • Make sure the PC is connected to the same network as the printer.
      • If wireless access points, extenders, or multiple routers are in use, confirm the PC and printer are on the same network.
    3. Restart the Print Spooler service on the affected computer.
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Type services.msc and press Enter.
      • Find Print Spooler.
      • Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
    4. Remove and reinstall the printer on the affected Windows 11 PC.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer and choose Remove.
      • Then return to Printers & scanners.
      • Make sure the printer is turned on and connected.
      • Select Add device or Refresh.
      • If the printer appears, select Add device.
      • If it does not appear, select Add manually.
    5. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app on Windows 11.
      • This automatically runs diagnostics and attempts to fix common printer problems.
    6. If the PC still cannot find the printer, use Network reset as a last step on that PC.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
      • Select Reset now > Yes.
      • Risk: this removes installed network adapters and resets their settings to defaults. After restart, some networking software such as VPN clients or virtual switches might need to be reinstalled or set up again.

    Because the issue affects different PCs at different times while phones continue to print, the most relevant Windows-side fixes are restarting the spooler, re-adding the printer, and using the built-in printer troubleshooter before doing a network reset.

    If the printer shows Printer in error state during one of these events, also check the printer itself for low paper, low ink/toner, an open cover, or a paper jam.

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

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