how to restore printer properties greyed out windows 10

Hi Jesse. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

Rather than spending too much more time fiddling I'd simply Clean Install the printer which always works, lasts longer and actually saves time:

1. Power up the printer, if wired unplug it's USB cable from PC.
2. Go to Settings>Apps>Apps and Features to find and Uninstall any printer software.
3. Use one of these methods to remove all of the old printer drivers:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/101274-unin...

4. Now type Control Panel in Start Search, open CP, choose Icon View. In Control Panel open Devices and Printers, right click printer to delete Printer and any scanner or fax of the same name. Restart PC.
5. Go to the printer model’s Support Downloads webpage to download and install the latest full software package. Now is also the time to check for any newer printer firmware to install which matters a lot.
6. Extract Printer software, right click Setup file to Run as Administrator. Follow the setup screens closely as you install the software. For USB it should prompt when to plug in the printer.

Older software may need to be installed in Compatibility Mode to run correctly: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/run-old-softwa...

If you have further problems reply back with results of each step.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hi Jesse

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 2-Year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

Haven't heard this before but a search on Bing reveals that you need to click Change Settings button if it is there on the general tab.

http://techspeeder.com/2014/03/06/how-to-fix-pr...

Disclaimer:

This is a non-Microsoft website which would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site which are frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they do more harm than good sometimes.

Hello JesseCahue

I'm Independent Advisor and Microsoft MVP, here to help you with your question.

Please refer Anna Wang' response here:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/ie/...

Let us know if this helps!

Hi JesseCahue,

I am Vijay, an Independent Advisor. I am here to work with you on this problem.

Before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps, Connect your Printer to the computer and Switch it ON. In case of Wireless printer, Switch it ON and connect it to the Wifi network.

1. Run printer troubleshooter

Type Troubleshoot in Windows Start Search box > Click Troubleshoot > On the right side, Click Printer > Run the troubleshooter

If you have HP Printer - HP provides a tool for HP printers to troubleshoot - HP Print and Scan Doctor. Download it, launch it and follow the onscreen directions to locate problems and fix them

Download Link - http://ftp.hp.com/pub/printers/hppsdr/HPPSdr.exe

2. Update Printer Driver

Download printer driver from printer manufacturer's website and reinstall.

3. Uninstall and reinstall the Printer (Credit to Andre Da Costa, MVP for providing steps)

A. Uninstall Printer

Click on Windows Key+X > Apps and Features > Scroll down and click Programs and Features > Select your printer > Select Uninstall

Type Printer in Windows Search box > Printers & Scanners > Select your printer > Remove device

Type Printer in Windows Search box > Click Printers & Scanners > Scroll down and click Print server properties under Related settings > Under Driver tab, look for your printer > Select it and click Remove button at the bottom

B. Install Printer

Go to the Printer manufacturer’s website and search for the latest Windows 10 drivers > Reinstall the Printer driver > Reboot the computer

Type Printer in Windows Start Search box > Click Printers & Scanners > On Right side, Click Add a printer or scanner > If Windows detects your printer, it will be listed > Select the printer and follow on screen directions to set it up (In case of Wifi printer, your computer should also be logged into Wifi network)

If Windows doesn't detect your printer, then you will get a blue message - Click The printer that I want isn't listed

If you are using Bluetooth / Wirelss printer > Select Add a Bluetooth, wireless or network discoverable printer > Choose the printer > Select your Printer and follow on screen directions

If you are using wired printer > Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings > Select Use an existing port > Select your Printer and follow on screen directions

Do let me know if you require any further help on this. Will be glad to help you.

(Source - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/401540...)

Disclaimer 1 - Using Third Party Software is completely at your own risk. This advice is in my personal capacity as a volunteer.

Disclaimer 2 - This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.