Surface-Go Not Connecting to Printer

Question

My surface go has worked with my printer for the first year, and then the last 2-3 months keep showing the printer as unavailable or offline. Sometimes I can remove and re-add the printer but now it won't even let me remove it. I can print from all other devices I own. Currently showing under the Brothers printer "Driver is unavailable". I have not adjusted out of "S mode".

I am a full-time student and I purchased the Surface for my school work. Currently, I have to email myself documents and print them from my phone which is Extremely annoying as I print almost daily.

Also annoyed that Microsoft does not have a "chat now" option for help!

Answer 1

Thank you for posting your inquiry here in Microsoft Community, Alexandria_922.

I'm sorry to hear that your Print stopped printing documents using the surface Go. I will do my best to assist.

May I confirm the make and model of your Brothers printer? Did the issue start when you switched the device to S-mode?

If the issue started after switching to S-mode, I suggest to check the Brothers Printer website and check for the driver that is compatible for devices running an S-Mode Operating System.

Please check the article: Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ

The S-mode operating system gives limitations on drivers for hardware (like printers and etc.)

Answer 2

Your Surface Go 2 has an Intel processor and the "ARM" explanation does not fit.

You need to upgrade from "S" mode to Home Edition which is free. Usually the link to the Store for it is in the Windows Update panel at the bottom.

Once you upgrade to Home Edition, go to Brother's support site and download the driver package from them here: https://www.brother-usa.com/brother-support/driver-downloads