Windows 11 Printers Disappearing

philip 1 Reputation point
2026-07-16T12:53:37.5+00:00

I have a user who has a Dell Optiplex running WIN 11 Pro 24h2. The computer is on a AD domain and it has two printers connected to it. One is connected by USB and the other one is connected by IP. We use Chrome as the default browser for email, documents and etc..

Randomly, after she signs in to the computer, the printers will disappear from the printer list which they were there before. She will not realize they are missing until she goes to print something like a document in Sheets. In which Chrome will freeze up because there are no active printers. Other times, when the printers are there then Chrome will behave normally and she is able to print.

With that said, she can go a few days and not experience any problem with printing. Other times, she will sign in and printers are gone, no longer listed. Typically a reboot of the computer fixes the problem and printers appear again.

What is causing this random behavior?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Print, fax, and scan
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  1. philip 1 Reputation point
    2026-08-06T16:10:25.5266667+00:00

    Just an update. This morning, the same thing happened, again, to the same user. She signed in to her computer and unbeknownst to her when she tried to print something, printers disappeared. It is not specific to the user because they are gone for me as well.

    I had to sign in as me (local admin) to restart the print spooler. After restarting the print spooler, the printers came back.

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  2. Harry Phan 28,050 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-16T14:01:26.3933333+00:00

    Since both the USB and IP printers disappear at the same time, the issue is likely related to the Print Spooler service or printer drivers rather than Chrome. When the problem occurs, verify that the Print Spooler service is running and check Event Viewer > Microsoft > Windows > PrintService > Operational for related errors. Also update or reinstall the printers using the latest manufacturer drivers. If the issue persists, confirm whether the printers are missing from Settings > Printers & scanners or only within Chrome.

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