Can't See Connected Printer in Settings...


  1. Posts : 50
    Win10
       #1

    Can't See Connected Printer in Settings...


    I connected my Canon printer to my HP Spectre laptop running the latest build of Win10 directly via USB for the first time, did Canon's setup, and the printer works great - but in Settings/Devices, there's no printer connected. Searching for a printer results in nothing found. The printer is identified as "Unspecified" in Control Panel/View Devices and Printers. This is an issue for me, as I need to share this printer on my home network, but I can't even get my laptop to recognize that there's a printer connected.

    I did my research and have done the following, multiple times:
    - Uninstalled Canon software
    - Deleted Canon folder
    - Uninstalled printer driver
    - Ran the "printui /s /t2" command to remove the Canon print server
    - Even edited the registry for instances of specific Canon
    - Created a virtual USB port manually in hopes that this was the problem, it wasn't, I removed it
    - Plenty of restarts after every change

    I am totally stumped. I must be overlooking something.
    Anyone have any ideas?
    Thanks in advance!
    -bk
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 14,022
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #2

    billyjk said:
    I am totally stumped. I must be overlooking something.
    Yes, the model name and number of the Canon printer, they make several, and that will help us understand the type of physical connection/s available and also if it has Wireless Direct or can use Wi-Fi. I use 2 HP printers and share among a few computers but they are Networked through their Ethernet cable to the Router.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 50
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I have a Canon TS9120 printer, connected via USB. Works perfectly print-wise, but Win10 doesn't know the printer is connected and being able to share it is a non-starter.

    It can use WiFi, and I may try that, but shouldn't Win10 be able to "see" the connected peripheral and manage it in Settings?

    Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated.
    -bk
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 14,022
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #4

    The only idea I have is to disconnect the cable, remove the device and uninstall any software associated with it. Then reboot and start the software install, most times the process does not want the printer connected so do is only when prompted. When finished reboot.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 50
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks. I've done that, maybe 2 or 3 times today.

    Oh well, maybe it will remain a mystery!
    Bummer!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,604
    Win 10 home 20H2 19042.1110
       #6

    Did you add this device? Can't See Connected Printer in Settings...-connected-device.jpg
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 50
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Don't think I tried that.
    I'll report back.
    Thanks!
    -bk

    - - - Updated - - -

    I looked in Settings and didn't see the exact same screen you show.
    I did try to add a new "Device" in settings, the way I see it, and it never recognizes the Canon printer.
    But, the Canon driver is installed and it's the default printer! If I try to print from Word or from Chrome my Canon printer is right there as the first choice. And it works great.

    But, without having Win10 recognizing the printer, I have no ability to share the printer on my home network.
    Frustrating!!

    Any other ideas are totally welcomed!!
    -bk
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,805
    Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit 22H2
       #8

    Pres the Windows key+S in the Search box type Control Panel, click the results. go to Devices and :Printers. This should show the older version. go to the toolbar to Add Printer.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Can't See Connected Printer in Settings...-windows-7-devices-printers-1-.gif  
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 50
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Got it to work!
    I had to manually define the physical connection to the printer (actual path).
    Didn't bother to do that initially, as I didn't think I could get the path syntax right.
    But I did.
    Wanted to post in the event that someone else has the same issue.

    Thanks everyone!
    -bk
      My Computer


 

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