FIX: Printer Unspecified Device in Windows 10 Bug

Learn about the main causes of your printer's functioning issue and try our recommendations to fix it

Fix

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by Madalina Dinita 

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If you’ve encountered a problem where your printer is listed in the Unspecified device section and can’t run the device, you’re not alone. This issue is usually caused by the system’s inability to detect the printer.

Luckily, it’s easy to fix. Just follow the step by step instructions below.

How to stop my printer from showing as an Unspecified device?

1. Run the Windows Troubleshooter

  1. Type Troubleshoot in the Windows search box > click Troubleshoot in the search results.
  2. Click Printer in the right pane > select Run the Troubleshooter.
  3. Wait for the process to take place and restart your computer to see if it fixed the issue.

2. Update the printer driver

  1. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard > type devmgmt.msc in the Run box and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  2. In the top menu, click View > select Show hidden devices.device manager printer is unspecified device
  3. Expand the Printers menu > Right-click on the available device > select Update driver.update printer driver printer is unspecified device
  4. Alternatively, you can select to Uninstall driver, restart the computer and it will automatically reinstall the printer’s driver.

A quicker, and oftentimes safer option is to use dedicated updater software. They can automatically update your drivers and fix the damaged ones.

3. Remove and then install the printer

  1. First, go to your printer’s manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your device.
  2. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard > type devmgmt.msc in the Run box and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  3. Click View on the top menu > select Show hidden devices.printer is unspecified device
  4. Expand the Printers menu > right-click on your device > select Uninstall device.printer is unspecified device
  5. Unplug your printer from the computer
  6. Press the Start button > open Settings
  7. Click Apps > find associated software to the printer and uninstall it.
  8. Open the Control Panel > select View by Large icons.
  9. Select Devices and Printers > right-click on the printer and select Remove device.devices and printers printer is unspecified device
  10. Open the setup downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and try running it. When prompted that it can’t find the printer reconnect your device to the computer and the installation should resume.

4. Update Windows

  1. Press the Start button > open Settings.
  2. Click Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Update
  4. Click Check for updatescheck for windows updates printer is unspecified device
  5. If it finds any updates, let it complete the process and restart your computer
  6. After rebooting your PC, check if updating Windows fixed the issue

We hope that our solutions helped you fix this issue. If you liked this article, leave a comment in the comment section below.

More about the topics: Printer Errors, windows 10 fix

Madalina Dinita

Madalina Dinita Shield

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies -- AI and DNA computing in particular. Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.

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