Printer Not Working After macOS Update? Complete Fix Guide (2026)

You updated macOS, and now your printer doesn't work. Maybe it prints blank pages, shows "no driver available," or has disappeared from System Settings entirely. You're not alone. Apple has been removing third-party printer drivers from macOS with each release, and it's breaking printers from every major brand.

This guide covers why it happens, how to fix it, and how to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Why macOS Updates Break Printers

Starting with macOS Ventura, Apple began deprecating third-party printer driver extensions. This means the software your printer manufacturer wrote to support their hardware on Mac is being systematically removed.

When you update macOS, one of three things can happen to your printer:

1. It keeps working because it supports driverless printing (IPP Everywhere or AirPrint)
2. It partially works using a generic driver, but you lose features like duplex, paper trays, or color management
3. It stops working entirely because the vendor driver was the only way it could communicate with your Mac

The printers most affected are older models from Canon, Epson, Brother, HP, Lexmark, and Samsung that were designed before driverless printing existed.

Quick Diagnosis

Before diving into fixes, figure out which category your printer falls into.

Check Your Printer's Current Status

1. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
2. Find your printer in the list
3. Look at the driver information

If you see any of these, your driver has been removed:

• "Generic PostScript Printer"
• "Generic PCL Printer"
• "Secure AirPrint" (when your printer isn't actually AirPrint-capable)
• The printer is missing from the list entirely
• "Software: Choose a Driver..." with no options available

Test Print

Send a test page. If it prints but is missing features (no duplex option, wrong paper sizes, no color settings), you're on a generic driver and need a proper replacement.

Fix 1: PrintCast Driver (Recommended)

PrintCast Driver is a printer driver replacement for macOS. It restores printing without requiring you to hunt down vendor-specific software.

How It Works

1. PrintCast scans your Mac for printers with missing or generic driver support
2. It identifies the printer model and required capabilities
3. It installs a driver that restores printing

Setup

1. Download PrintCast Driver from printcast.app
2. Open the .dmg and drag to Applications
3. Launch it from your menu bar
4. PrintCast detects affected printers automatically

Once installed, your printer reappears in the print dialog with the options it reports: duplex and color management.

Why PrintCast Driver?

• One driver for PCL5 and PostScript printers: No hunting for manufacturer downloads
• Restores driver-level options: Duplex, color, and paper-size options, where your printer reports them
• Runs locally: No cloud services or accounts needed for printing
• Actively developed: Compatibility updates as macOS evolves

PrintCast is independent software and is not affiliated with any printer manufacturer — results vary by model, and the free trial lets you confirm your printer.

Fix 2: Check for Manufacturer Updates

Some manufacturers have released updated drivers that work with recent macOS versions. Check your manufacturer's support page:

• HP: hp.com/support (HP Smart app handles most modern HP printers)
• Canon: usa.canon.com/support (look for "macOS Sequoia" compatible drivers)
• Epson: epson.com/support (Epson Connect may work for some models)
• Brother: brother.com/support (Brother offers updated packages for some models)

The Problem With This Approach

• Many older models simply don't have updated drivers
• Manufacturer websites are difficult to navigate
• Some "updated" drivers are just the generic driver repackaged
• You need to repeat this process every time macOS updates

Fix 3: Re-add the Printer

Sometimes macOS needs a fresh start with the printer connection.

For Network Printers

1. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
2. Right-click your printer and select Remove Printer
3. Click the + button to add a new printer
4. Wait for your printer to appear in the list
5. Select it and check which driver macOS offers
6. If it offers a specific driver (not generic), click Add

For USB Printers

1. Disconnect the USB cable
2. Remove the printer from System Settings
3. Restart your Mac
4. Reconnect the USB cable
5. macOS will attempt to find a driver automatically

When This Doesn't Work

If macOS only offers a generic driver or "Secure AirPrint," the vendor driver has been removed and re-adding won't fix it. You need a driver replacement like PrintCast Driver.

Fix 4: Reset the Print System

This is a more aggressive approach that clears all printer configurations.

1. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
2. Right-click anywhere in the printer list
3. Select Reset printing system
4. Confirm the reset
5. Re-add your printers

Warning: This removes all printers and pending print jobs. Only do this if individual printer removal didn't help.

Fix 5: Install Printer Software from Apple

macOS can download additional printer drivers from Apple's servers, though this collection has been shrinking.

1. Open Terminal
2. Run: softwareupdate --list to check for available updates
3. If printer software is listed, install it

Alternatively, check System Settings > General > Software Update > Advanced for optional printer software downloads.

Which macOS Versions Are Affected?

Each September, when Apple releases a new macOS version, more drivers are affected. If your printer works today on an older macOS, updating carries risk.

Which Printers Are Most Affected?

High Risk (Likely Affected)

• Canon PIXMA models released before 2018
• Epson WorkForce and Expression models without IPP Everywhere
• Brother HL and MFC laser printers from pre-2019
• HP LaserJet models without AirPrint support
• Lexmark MS and MX series
• Samsung Xpress and ProXpress (Samsung printer division now owned by HP)

Lower Risk (Probably Fine)

• Printers marketed as "AirPrint compatible"
• Printers with "IPP Everywhere" or "Mopria" certification
• Most printers manufactured after 2020
• HP printers supported by HP Smart

How to Check Your Printer

Visit your printer manufacturer's website and search for your specific model + "macOS Sequoia compatibility." If there's no mention of your model, it's likely affected.

Preventing Future Problems

Before Updating macOS

1. Check compatibility before clicking "Update": search your printer model + the new macOS version
2. Print a test page to confirm current functionality
3. Install PrintCast Driver before updating, so your printer is protected during the transition

Long-Term Solutions

• PrintCast Driver handles driver changes automatically across macOS updates
• Consider printers with AirPrint or IPP Everywhere support when buying new hardware
• Keep a note of your printer model numbers for quick reference if issues arise

Comparing Your Options

The Bottom Line

macOS updates breaking printers is not a bug. It's Apple's deliberate move away from third-party kernel extensions, and it's going to keep happening. Every September, more printers will lose support.

The question isn't whether your printer will be affected, but when. PrintCast Driver works across printer brands that use PCL5 or PostScript, and is actively developed with compatibility updates as macOS evolves.

If your printer stopped working after updating macOS, you don't need a new printer. You need a new driver.