losing print drivers after every windows update

Question

I use a Laserjet MFP428fdn with the Universal printingdriver PS under

Windows 11 - after every update to Windows, I lose the printer driver, and have to re-install the driver.

Answer 1

Hi Cliff,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I know it’s inconvenient when a printer suddenly stops working after a Windows update.

What’s happening is fairly common on Windows 11. Some updates replace or remove older printer drivers, which can cause the printer to disappear or stop responding even though the hardware itself is fine. The most reliable fix is to switch the printer to a more stable driver that Windows won’t remove in future updates.

Below are the two recommended options:

Option 1: Switch to the Microsoft IPP

This uses Windows’ built‑in driver and is the most stable on Windows 11.

1. Click Start > Settings
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
3. Select your printer and click Remove
4. Restart the computer
5. Go back to Printers & scanners and click Add device
6. If the printer doesn’t appear right away, select Add manually
7. Choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname
8. For Device type, select IPP Device
9. Enter the printer’s IP address or hostname
10. Finish the setup and print a test page

Option 2: Switch to the manufacturer’s PCL6 driver

If you need advanced print features (like finishing options), this is the better choice.

1. Go to the printer manufacturer’s support website
2. Download the PCL6 driver for your exact printer model and Windows 11
3. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
4. Select the printer and click Remove
5. Restart the computer
6. Run the driver installer you downloaded
7. Follow the prompts to add the printer
8. Print a test page to confirm it’s working

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology. 

Once one of these drivers is in place, the printer should stay working even after future Windows updates.

Please keep me posted on how it goes, and feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. I’ll be happy to help.

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