Forum Discussion
My printers don't work after I reinstalled Microsoft 365
I recently had to reinstall Microsoft 365. The software now works quite well, but I can't print a document in Microsoft Word or from anywhere in Windows 11. I have two printers: an HP Envy Inspire 7900e AIO and a Brother HL-L2420DW. Both printers worked before the reinstall, and both printers work without any problems on the Mac side of my laptop. (I use a Mac with Parallels to run Windows 11.) When I try to print from MS-Word in Windows 11, I select a printer from the list in the Print dialog. Then I have to wait for a printer connection. A few seconds later, I get a notice that the printer is "in an error state."
My first thought was that I'll have to reinstall my printers in Windows 11, but I went looking for help. An AI helper I've consulted a few times walked me through a labyrinth of steps to fix the problem. The steps involved using the Command prompt or PowerShell (Administrator), but so far I've not had any luck. Seems to me I'll do as well by simply removing and reinstalling the printers. But that thought brings up more questions. I installed both printers using the manufacturer's instructions. For example, the HP AIO I installed with the full-feature software.
My question: Do I need to do anything special before I reinstall the printers? Do I simply go to Printers & Scanners and delete my printers and then reinstall them? Also, will any of this affect these same printers on the Mac side?