You update your Windows computer and notice a sudden change in your printer, such as not printing at all or printing random text. You send the print jobs, but do not get the intended print. Also, the printer’s icon is missing from the Devices and Printers section on the computer. 

A Windows update sometimes alters your printer’s compatibility with the computer system, which causes these issues. Here’s how to fix it.

Step 1: Run Windows Troubleshooter 

Basically, it is a tool built into your Windows computer to detect any error or issue in the hardware or software. This tool helps navigate the root cause of your printer’s errors. Once you run this tool, you’ll see the issue on the screen. 

1. First of all, click the Start button on your Windows computer’s taskbar and search for Troubleshoot, and select the Troubleshoot Settings option from the search results. 
2. Under the Troubleshoot window, click the Printer option, and then click the Run the Troubleshooter option just below it. 

Let your computer detect the possible reasons for the printer’s error. The computer will automatically rectify the error and solve your problem. If no problem is detected, you can manage the print settings. 

Step 2: Reset the Print Spooler Service 

The Print Spooler service is a feature on the computer that manages your print jobs and functions. If there is any fault in this feature, your printer will not work. Hence, you should reset this feature in order to allow your printer to print again. 

1. Press the Windows and R keys together to open the Run box on your keyboard. 
2. Then, enter services.msc in the run box. The services window will open. 
3. Now, navigate to the Print Spooler option by scrolling down. Then right-click on it, and select ‘Stop.’ 
4. Again, open the Run box by pressing the Windows and R keys together and type %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers and click OK. 
5. Once this window opens, all the print jobs will be displayed. Select all of them and delete them. 
6. After clearing the print queue, open the Services option, scroll down to the Print Spooler option, right-click on it, and select Restart. 

Once you clear the print queue by restarting the print spooler service, you will notice that your printer’s issue has been resolved. 

Still Stuck? What to Do Next? 

You have restarted the Print Spooler services and run the Windows troubleshooter, but nothing has been fixed. The printer is still not responding well. If that’s the case, you can cancel your Windows update and finish up your printing tasks. 

Cancel the Windows Update: 

1. Click the Windows icon on the taskbar at the bottom and search for the Settings option. Select it, and open it. 
2. Then, click the Windows Update option from the left sidebar at the bottom. 
3. Then, under Related Settings, click on  Update history and select Uninstall updates.

Once you cancel the Windows update, your printer will go back to printing normally. 

Printer issues are common after a Windows update, such as when your Tally printer stops responding and printing. But with some basic troubleshooting methods, you can fix the issue easily and continue printing again.