How to Fix the Active Directory Domain Services Printer Error in Windows 10 & 11?

Fix the Active Directory Domain Services Printer Error in Windows 10 & 11

Some users encounter the "Active Directory Domain Services" error when printing anything from Windows programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. Users encounter the error message "The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable" when they try to identify a printer in the affected software. Users who have software packages affected by this cannot print.

When the software does not detect a connected printer, an error occurs. The issue has been extensively documented concerning Microsoft Office applications, although it can impact a variety of apps as well. Here are the most effective methods for resolving the Windows 10 and 11 "Active Directory Domain Services" issue.

1. Launch the Troubleshooter for Printers

You can resolve printing problems with Windows' printer troubleshooter. Therefore, we advise troubleshooting the "Active Directory Domain Services" error using that printer. By adhering to the steps in our guide to using troubleshooters on Windows 10 and 11, you can open the Printer troubleshooting tool via Settings.

2. Launch the Print Spooler Service in Windows or Restart it

Print Spooler is the service that oversees the printing queue. That service has ceased to operate, so you may need to resolve the "Active Directory Domain Services" error. It is possible to fix this error by restarting that service, even if it is already running. The Print Spooler in Windows can be started or stopped in this manner:

The Start menu's taskbar button can be right-clicked to launch a file search tool. Choose Search.

Type a search term for services.

Select the Services app that appears in the search bar.

To view the properties of that service, double-click Print Spooler.

Choose the Automatic option from the Startup type menu if there is an alternative setting.

If Print Spooler is not running, click Run to start it.

To save all of the previously chosen Print Spooler options, select Apply and OK.

Restart Print Spooler if it's currently operating. Restart can be chosen by right-clicking on Print Spooler in the Services window. Alternately, choose the Stop and Start choices from the properties window for that service.

3. Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver for Your Printer

Your PC may be experiencing the "Active Directory Domain Services" error due to a malfunctioning printer driver. Try reinstalling your printer's driver in the following manner to address this possible cause:

Press the Windows logo + X key combination to launch the Device Manager utility, then choose it from the menu.

To expand that device category, double-click Print queues.

Choose Uninstall device when you right-click on your printer.

Upon seeing the confirmation window, choose Uninstall.

To install a new driver, choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" when right-clicking the Device Manager printer. If your computer has a printer driver installed, Windows will find and install it.

A driver can also be downloaded and reinstalled via the device manufacturer's website. Go to the driver download page on the official website of your printer's manufacturer. Next, choose the printer model you own and download its most recent driver. You can install the printer driver from the setup wizard by double-clicking the printer driver package you downloaded.

Add a Printer by Manually

Adding printers manually is possible through the Devices and Printers applet in the Control Panel. The "Active Directory Domain Services" error may be resolved by manually adding a printer after removing it. Reinstalling the printer on your PC will be accomplished by doing this. To add the problematic printer manually, follow these steps:

To open the Run dialogue box, type Control Panel and press the Windows key + R. Then, click OK.

Next, select View Devices and Printers from the Control Panel or Devices and Printers.

Right-click the printer you cannot print from and choose Remove device if it is listed.

To remove the printer, click Yes.

Verify that the printer you wish to add is linked to the computer.

In the Devices and Printers applet, click the Add a Printer button.

Test Printing Using a Windows App That's Already Installed

Windows has a few pre-installed programs allowing you to print pictures and documents. Some of those pre-installed apps can locate your printer without any problems. Users attest that using Notepad to print and locate a printer can fix the "Active Directory Domain Services" error. To locate a printer in Notepad, follow these steps:

Open the Windows file search tool first.

Type a search query into Notepad and choose the app's outcome.

The text should be entered into Notepad.

Next, select File from the Notepad menu bar.

Choosing Print will open the General tab.

Press the "Find Printer" button.

Print the text you entered using Notepad if you can locate the printer with that program.

Next, check to see if the programme that was causing the "Active Directory Domain Services" error in printer.

Restore Windows Printing

The solutions in this guide have been successful for many users who have needed to resolve the "Active Directory Domain Services" error on Windows PCs. One of those solutions may be effective for you as well. After that, you can use your favourite Windows software packages to print everything you need to.