Some people see the “Active Directory Domain Services” issue when they attempt to print something using Office applications, like Excel, Word, etc. Users cannot discover a printer in their connected network and are presented with the notice “The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable.” Some users have also reported the exact same issue with other third-party apps. Overall, if you get this error message then you cannot print anything from your PC. This blog attempts to fix this issue with a few expert-recommended steps:
Methods To Fix “Active Directory Domain Services” Printer Error On Windows
Method 1: Use The Printer Troubleshooter
You can troubleshoot printing issues with Windows Printer troubleshooter. By following the directions, you can launch the printer troubleshooting tool from Settings.
Step 1: Press Win + I to launch Settings.
Step 2: Click on System on the left side and then scroll down on the right panel and click on Troubleshoot.
Step 3: Next, click on Other Troubleshooters.
Step 4: Locate the Printer Troubleshooter and click on the RUN button.
Step 5: Follow the online instructions to fix this issue.
Also Read: How to Fix the Printer Not Printing Issue?
Method 2: Restart Printer Services
The printing tasks on your PC are managed by the Printer Spooler service. A simple restart of this service will help fix the “Active Directory Domain Services” issue on your PC. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.
Step 2: Type “Services.msc” in the text box and press the OK button.
Step 3: The Windows Services interface will now launch with all the Windows services listed in alphabetical order.
Step 4: Locate Printer Spooler in the list and click twice on it.
Step 5: The Properties box will now open. You can click on the Stop button and then wait for a few seconds and click on the Start button.
Step 6: Also note that the Startup type should be set as Automatic.
Step 7: Click on Apply and then click on OK.
Also Read: How To Fix Printer Driver Package Cannot Be Installed Error
Method 3: Uninstall Printer Driver
Drivers are key components in establishing a connection between the Printer and the PC. Hence it is important to keep your drivers updated at all times. This error can also result due to corrupted drivers which means we have to first uninstall the printer driver and then reinstall it. Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Press Win + X to open the Windows Power menu and then choose Device Manager from the list.
Step 2: In the new window, locate Print Queues and click on it to view the dropdown options.
Step 3: Locate your Printer, right click on it and choose Uninstall.
Step 4: Follow the online instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 5: To reinstall the the Printer Drivers, visit the official OEM website of your printer and enter the model number. You can then download the relevant drivers for your printer depending on the OS version.
| In order to keep your printer running at all times, it is advised that you keep the drivers updated. Manually uninstalling and later downloading & installing the drivers will take a lot of time and effort. You may have to perform the aforementioned steps to resolve the issue this time. But in the future, use a third-party driver updater software like Advanced Driver Updater to keep your drivers updated at all times. This app will scan all the installed drivers in your PC, search for relevant updates and then download/install them for you with a few mouse clicks. |
Also Read: FIX: Wireless Printer Not Responding on Windows 11/10
Method 4: Add Your Printer Manually
You may manually add printers from the Devices and Printers applet in the Control Panel. You can manually add a printer from there after removing one to see if it resolves the “Active Directory Domain Services” problem. By doing this, your PC will effectively reinstall the printer. To add the impacted printer by hand, adhere to following steps:
Step 1: Press Win + S to open the Windows Search box and type Control Panel.
Step 2: Click on the Best Match result and the control panel window will open.
Step 3: Click on Devices & Printers.
Step 4: Click on Printers & Scanner and a list of devices attached to your PC will appear.
Step 5: Click on your printer that is giving you the error and then locate the Remove button on the top right corner and click on it.
Step 6: Go back one page and then click on the Add device button.
Step 7: Now click on Add Manually link.
Step 8: Follow the on screen instructions and enter the relevant data to add your printer.
The Final Word On How To Fix The “Active Directory Domain Services” Printer Error On Windows?
Many users who needed to resolve the “Active Directory Domain Services” problem on Windows PCs were successful using the techniques in this tutorial. So perhaps one of those solutions will also work for you. Then you can print all you require on Windows once more using your favorite program.
Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard,and Pinterest.
Also Read:
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