How to fix Error 1795 on Windows 11

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Why This Error Happens

Error 1795 typically occurs when the Windows Print Spooler service encounters a mismatch between the driver package listed in the Driver Store and the actual driver files referenced in the registry. This often happens due to a corrupted or partially removed printer driver, leftover registry entries from a previous installation, or insufficient permissions to modify the Driver Store. In some cases, a version conflict between a 32-bit and 64-bit driver package with the same name can also trigger this error.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

Step 1: Stop the Print Spooler Service

  • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  • Locate Print Spooler in the list, right-click it, and select Stop.
  • Alternatively, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: net stop spooler

Step 2: Clear the Print Spooler Cache and Driver Files

  • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files inside this folder.
  • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3 (or the relevant architecture folder) and remove any leftover .inf, .dll, or .cat files tied to the problematic driver.
  • Be cautious not to delete files belonging to drivers you still need for other printers.

Step 3: Remove the Driver via Print Management Console

  • Press Win + R, type printmanagement.msc, and press Enter.
  • Expand Print Servers > [Your PC Name] > Drivers.
  • Right-click the conflicting driver and select Remove Driver Package, confirming any prompts.

Step 4: Restart the Spooler and Reinstall the Driver

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: net start spooler
  • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, click Add device, and reinstall the printer using the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website (not a cached Windows Update version).

Step 5: Check Registry for Orphaned Entries (If Issue Persists)

  • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Drivers.
  • Locate and delete any duplicate or orphaned entries matching the driver name causing the conflict (back up the registry first via File > Export).

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • After reinstalling, print a test page from Printer Properties > Print Test Page to confirm the driver installs and functions without triggering Error 1795 again.
  • If the error persists, run the built-in Printer Troubleshooter via Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Printer, which can automatically detect and repair remaining driver conflicts.