After a macOS update, a printer that worked yesterday sits in a paused queue, shows an error about its software, or doesn't print at all. Major updates change how printing works under the hood, and older printer drivers aren't always ready. Most printers can switch to AirPrint, which is built into macOS and needs no driver. This guide moves from quick queue checks to replacing an outdated driver and, as a last resort, resetting the printing system.
What you might be seeing
- The printer queue shows Paused or stopped
- Messages that the printer software is missing or a filter failed
- The printer has vanished from Printers & Scanners
- Jobs print blank, garbled or without expected features
Common causes
- Outdated manufacturer driver
- Drivers built for older macOS versions may not load, or may fail partway through a job, after a major update.
- Queue paused by errors
- macOS pauses a queue after repeated failures, so jobs keep waiting after the cause is gone.
- Old printer entries
- Printers set up years ago with old drivers carry settings the new system handles poorly.
- Printer firmware lagging behind
- A new macOS version can expect newer network features than old firmware provides.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order and test a print after each one. Most people are done within the first few steps.
Resetting the printing system removes every printer and scanner from the Mac, so note printer names, addresses and preset settings beforehand.
Check and resume the queue
Open System Settings › Printers & Scanners, select your printer and click Printer Queue. If the window says the printer is paused, click Resume at the top. Delete any old jobs with the small x beside each, then send a short test print. If the queue pauses again straight away, note the message shown under the printer name, as it points to the cause.
Install pending updates
Open System Settings › General › Software Update and install anything listed, since smaller updates after a major release often include printing fixes. Also check for an update to the manufacturer's app if you use one, and for printer firmware through the printer's control panel or the manufacturer's app. Newer firmware can restore compatibility with the updated system.
Remove the printer and re-add it with AirPrint
In Printers & Scanners, select the printer, click Remove Printer and confirm. Then click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, select your printer and look at the Use menu at the bottom of the window. Choose Secure AirPrint or AirPrint if listed, then click Add. Because AirPrint is maintained by macOS itself, it keeps working through future updates.
Get a current driver if you need one
If your printer lacks AirPrint, or you need features only the full driver provides, download the driver for your model from the manufacturer's official website and check that it lists your macOS version. Install it, remove and re-add the printer, and choose your model from the Use menu. On a Mac with Apple silicon, an older driver may ask to install Rosetta, a standard macOS component.
Check the printer's network printing options
Open a browser on the Mac and type the printer's IP address into the address bar to open its built-in settings page. In the network or protocol section, make sure AirPrint, IPP and Bonjour are enabled. An administrator password may be needed, often printed on a label on the printer or listed in its manual. Save any changes and restart the printer.
Test from another user account
Create a temporary account in System Settings › Users & Groups and print from it. If printing works there, the problem is limited to your own account, such as old print presets or a damaged app preference. Removing and re-adding the printer while signed in to your usual account usually fixes it, and you can delete the test account afterwards.
Reset the printing system
If nothing else works, start printing from a clean slate. In System Settings › Printers & Scanners, Control-click anywhere in the printer list, choose Reset printing system and confirm with your password. This removes all printers, scanners, queued jobs and print presets, but not your documents or installed driver software. Then add your printer again, preferably with AirPrint.
How to keep it from happening again
- Use AirPrint where your printer supports it
- Check the manufacturer's macOS support before major upgrades
- Install printer firmware updates when offered
- Remove printers you no longer use
Common questions
Will resetting the printing system delete my drivers?
No. It removes printers, queued jobs and print presets, but driver software installed on the Mac stays put. When you add your printer again, macOS finds the existing driver if you choose it from the Use menu. For a completely clean driver install, use the manufacturer's uninstaller if one is provided.
Is AirPrint as good as the manufacturer's driver?
For everyday documents and photos, AirPrint usually gives the same results, including two-sided printing, paper size and color settings. The full driver can add extras such as special paper types, office finishing options or maintenance tools. If AirPrint covers what you print, it's the more reliable choice across macOS updates.
Should I delay macOS updates because of my printer?
Checking printer support before a major upgrade is sensible, especially in an office. Delaying indefinitely isn't, because updates include security fixes. If your printer supports AirPrint, which works across updates, it's usually safe to update, and you can switch to AirPrint if the manufacturer's driver falls behind.
This guide is general information written for common home and office printers. Menus and button names vary between models, so check your printer’s manual where a step differs. Printer Problems Solved is independent and not affiliated with any printer manufacturer. See our disclaimer.