Can not install a printer

Question

I am running windows 11 and have wifi connection to an Epsom Et-4850. I am unable to print. After multiple attempts I removed the printer then tried to reinstall. The printer is not detected and I am unable to install manually. I now have no printer even though this printer has previously worked on this PC.

Help please?

Answer 1

Hi Steve Crawford,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

I understand how frustrating it is when your printer cannot be detected at all after reinstalling, especially when it previously worked on this same Windows 11 PC. Besides the basic printer and spooler checks suggested by the Q&A Assist, here’s something else you can try in case they don't work:

1 - Power‑cycle the network

• Turn off PC, printer and your router > wait at least 60 seconds
• Power them on > try adding the printer again
• Make sure printer is set to pairing mode (recheck the manual)

2 - Fully remove Epson printer drivers

• Press Win + R > type printui /s /t2 > press Enter
• In Print Server Properties, go to the Drivers tab
• Select Epson ET‑4850 (or simply Epson drivers) if any.
• Click Remove > Choose Remove driver and driver package
• Close the window and restart the PC > connect the printer again.

3 - Manually add the printer using TCP/IP

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
• Select Add device > let it finish searching > click Add manually
• Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname
  • Device type: TCP/IP Device
  • Hostname or IP address (shown on the printer’s network/status screen)
• When prompted for a driver:
  • Select Windows Update and wait for the list to refresh
  • Choose Epson ET‑4850 (or closest ET‑48xx model)

4 - Manually install Epson’s driver package

• Go to Epson Support official website > search for ET‑4850
• Download the Windows 11 full driver / utilities package
• Double-click to install and restart the PC after.

When a printer previously worked and suddenly cannot be re‑added, the cause is often cached drivers or broken printer ports, not Wi‑Fi itself. If the issue persists, let me know if the printer has an IP address, and whether Windows shows any Epson driver at all. Thanks for your time!

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Answer 2

Follow these steps in order on the Windows 11 PC.

1. Confirm printer and network connection
   • Make sure the Epson ET‑4850 is powered on.
   • On the printer’s panel, confirm it is connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as the Windows 11 PC.
   • If using wireless extenders or multiple Wi‑Fi names (SSIDs), ensure both PC and printer are on the same network.
2. Check basic printer recognition in Windows
   • Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • See if the Epson appears in the list:
     • If it does, select it and try Set as default and then print a test page.
     • If it is listed but not working, remove it: select the printer > Remove (or Remove device) and confirm.
3. Restart the Print Spooler service
   • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Scroll to Print Spooler.
   • Right‑click Print Spooler and select Restart.
   • Close the window.
4. Add the printer again (automatic detection)
   • Go back to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select Add device next to Add a printer or scanner.
   • Wait while Windows searches for printers:
     • If the Epson ET‑4850 appears, select Add device next to it and then try printing a test page.
5. Add the printer manually if it is not found
   • In Printers & scanners, select Add device.
   • When the search completes, select The printer that I want isn’t listed or Add manually (wording may vary).
   • In the Add Printer window, choose the option that best fits your setup (for a network/Wi‑Fi printer, select the network/wireless option offered there) and follow the prompts.
6. If still not detected, reinstall the printer completely
   • Ensure the printer is removed from Printers & scanners as in step 2.
   • With the printer powered on and connected to Wi‑Fi, repeat step 4.
   • If Windows still cannot find it, follow the guidance in Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows from the references to troubleshoot network and reinstall steps.
7. Update or reinstall printer drivers
   • After the printer is added, in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the Epson printer, then Manage.
   • Use Update driver (if available) or follow Epson’s instructions to install the latest Windows 11‑compatible driver.
   • If the printer still does not respond, remove it again and reinstall as in step 6, then run Windows Update to pull the latest driver.

If the printer continues not to appear at all in step 4 or 5 even though it is on the same network, use the printer’s documentation or Epson’s support site to confirm its network connection and firmware, then repeat the Windows steps above.

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References:

• Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows
• Add or install a printer in Windows
• Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows
• Download and install the latest printer drivers
• Fix printer driver compatibility issues in Windows