While installing a third-party PDF reading software like PhantomPDF you may encounter the Windows cannot install the kernel-mode print driver error.

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The full error reads:

In this article, we take a look at a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the Windows cannot install the kernel-mode print driver error in Windows 10.

Windows can’t install the (Softwarename) printer driver kernel-mode print driver. To obtain a driver that is compatible with the version of Windows you are running, contact the manufacturer.

How do I fix the Windows kernel-mode print driver error?

1. Disable the blocking policy for installation of drivers

  • Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  • Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • In the Group Policy Editor window, expand the Local computer Policy option.
  • Next, navigate to the following path:
  • Computer Configuration—->Administrative Templates—-> Printers.
  • On the right pane, locate and double-click on Disallow installation of printers using kernel-mode drivers policy.
  • This will open a new property window.
  • In the properties window, select Disabled and click OK.
  • Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
  • Close the Group Policy Editor.
  • Press the Windows key and type cmd.
  • Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  • In the Command Prompt, enter the following command and hit enter:
  • gpupdate
  • If that did not work, enter gpupdate/force command.
  • Close the Command Prompt and try to install the program.

Note: Depending on the version of Windows installed, the Group Policy Editor may or may not be available on your computer.

  • Computer Configuration—->Administrative Templates—-> Printers.

  • This will open a new property window.

  • gpupdate

Those that run Windows 10 Home Edition do not have the Group Policy Editor Installed. For more details on how to install it, check out this in-depth guide.

  • Looking for an entirely new printer? Check out this list for our top picks.

3. Configure point and printer restriction

3.1 Rename W32x86 / X64  folders

2. Update your printer drivers

  • Open the Device Manager
  • Right-click on Printers and select Properties
  • Click on Settings and select Devices and Printers Folder
  • Right-click on the printer you want to update

The Windows kernel-mode print driver error might be cause by outdated or damaged printer drivers. You can manually update them by following the above steps.

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You can also use an automatic tool that scans your PC and installs the most suitable drivers for you, stabilizing your Windows OS and PC’s performance.

Most of the time, the generic drivers for your PC’s hardware and peripherals are not properly updated by the system. There are key differences between a generic driver and a manufacturer’s driver.Searching for the right driver version for each of your hardware components can become tedious. That’s why an automated assistant can help you find and update your system with the correct drivers every time, and we strongly recommend DriverFix. Here’s how to do it:

  • Download and install DriverFix.
  • Launch the software.
  • Wait for the detection of all your faulty drivers.
  • DriverFix will now show you all the drivers that have issues, and you just need to select the ones you’d liked fixed.
  • Wait for the app to download and install the newest drivers.
  • Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Disclaimer: this program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions.

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  • Open the File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
  • C:\windows\system32\spool\drivers
  • In the Drivers folder, rename the following folders:
  • W32x86
  • X64
  • You can rename the folder anything.
  • Renaming these folders will remove incomplete or corrupt printer driver installation.
  • It will also remove your printer settings. So if you have a working printer, you may have to reinstall the printer drivers again to make your printer work.

3.2 Configure point and printer restriction

  • C:\windows\system32\spool\drivers

  • W32x86

  • X64

  • Renaming these folders will remove incomplete or corrupt printer driver installation.

  • Press Windows Key + R to open Run.

  • Type gpedit.msc and click OK.

  • In the Group Policy Editor, expand Local Computer Policy.

  • Next, navigate to the following location:

  • Computer Configuration—->Administrative Templates—->Printers

  • On the right pane, locate and double-click on Point and printer Restrictions.

  • Select Enabled in the properties window.

  • Make sure the following options are unchecked:

  • Users can only point and print to these servers

  • Users can only point and print to machines in their forest

  • Under Security Prompts, click the drop-down menu for When installing drivers for a new connection.

  • Select Do not show warning or elevation prompt.

  • Click the drop-down menu for When updating driver for an existing connection

  • Select Do not show warning or elevation prompt.

  • Click Apply and click OK save the change.

  • Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter the following command:

  • gpupdate

  • Close the command prompt and check if the error is resolved.

The Windows cannot install the kernel-mode print driver error occurs if the Windows Group Policy blocking the installation.

  • Computer Configuration—->Administrative Templates—->Printers

  • Users can only point and print to these servers

  • Users can only point and print to machines in their forest

By following the steps in this article, you can remove the limitations and resolve the error. Do let us know which method helped you resolve the error in the comments.

  • Printer Errorswindows 10

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