Share via

USB PRINTER As Unspecified device,

Anonymous
2019-11-07T22:21:35+00:00

Ive tried installing and uninstalling the driver many times, downloaded the most current from the manufacture but it does not work. Just trying to get my Wide format Printer to work . 

Any help would be appreciated. 

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

7 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2019-11-22T11:52:27+00:00

    Same problem here and also with an Epson deskjet connect via USB. What is funny is that I never noticed this because the wifi version the printer was showing up! The printer works perfectly, on device manager it is listed as a printer, on programs it appears as a print device but on the Win10 printers menu is not listed at all and via control panel it is unspecified.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-11-08T18:35:27+00:00

    I've actually tried all those already. I've seen other users get it to work on windows 10 but something seems to be missing from what im doing that they did correctly. I've downloaded the latest driver for the printer uninstalled and installed all of it but I just cant get it to read as a printer correctly.

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-11-12T02:20:08+00:00

    Hello --- 

    I have  sort of the same problem --- I just installed a usb (epson) printer and I don't see it in the  "printer scanner list" --- it  seems to be hiding in the "unspecified" device list 

    it seems to work --- I can scan from it  and print to it ---  the printer name is in the printer list in apps link word and notepad --- the only issue is that there is no icon in the "printer scanner" list for it --- is  there some registry to fix thix?   Thanks

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-11-07T22:25:02+00:00

    Hi Andy. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Guardian Moderator here to help you.

    Often to see the printer driver in Device Manager you must Show Hidden Devices from View tab.

    If it ever worked properly on that PC, on Driver tab try Update Driver, then automatic. If that fails try Update driver > Browse > Let me pick, to try every previous driver.

    If that fails then PRather 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. Go into Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, from View tab Show Hidden Devices, open Printer, on Driver tab if present Uninstall the driver. If prompted include the full software package as well. Then do the same for any other printers listed that you do not regularly use.
    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. Delete old printer drivers for unused printers that can interfere:

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

    https://techjourney.net/failure-unable-to-delet...

    1. 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.
    2. 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.windowscentral.com/how-install-non-...

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

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    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.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2019-11-09T00:51:12+00:00

    Andy, did you try every step including removing the old drivers first? There are two tutorials if needed to get that step done because it's the most important preparation before installing the latest software.

    Did you also update the firmware?

    After doing this what is the status in Printers and Scanners, also in Device Manager when you Show Hidden Devices from the View tab?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments