If you’re using Windows 10 version 2004, 1909, or 1903, it’s possible that you may run into printing problems. According to the Microsoft support website, when you use a USB printer, and shut down the computer and disconnect or turn off the printer, the next time you start the device, the USB printer port will disappear from the list of ports. As a result, Windows 10 won’t be able to complete the task and you won’t be able to print.
The company explains that problem is caused “if the driver for the USB printer contains a Language Monitor, the OpenPortEx callback function of the Language Monitor would not be called.” Or “in the “Devices and Printers” control panel, when selecting Print Server Properties > Port tab, the port for the USB printer (such as “USB001”) would not appear in the list of printer ports.”
If you think that you may have stumble upon this issue, you can confirm the USB port is missing on Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, select the printer, click the Manage button, click the Print Server Properties option, and then click the Port tab.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to work around the problem that won’t let you print because of the missing USB printer port on Windows 10.
How to fix printer problem on Windows 10
The workaround is straightforward, just use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 10.
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Click the Power button.
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Select the Shut down option.
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Turn on the printer.
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Connect the USB cable from the printer to the computer.
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Start your computer.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 should see the USB port allowing you to continue printing.
Microsoft is aware of the problem, and it’s working on a permanent fix, but it’s unclear when it’ll be available.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.