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Active directory domain services is currently unavailable

8 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Unfortunately, errors and problems are quite common with Windows operating systems and this is just the same on Windows 10.

However, we try to find solutions to these problems, here, on Windows Report.

Today we will be talking, reporting and trying to find a fix for an issue that has been affecting thousands of Windows 10 users being related to the work of their printers.

Theactive directory domain service is currently unavailablemessage appears in various situations.

When a new printer gets connected for the first time, after the install of the needed drivers for the printer, when trying to find the printer and activate and many other situations.

Some potential fixes for this annoying Windows 10 printer problem:

The problem doesn’t seem to appear to a certain type of printers, as I’ve seen it getting reported by HP, Canon, Brother, Lexmark and other various users.

This issue has been present with Windows 7 users, as well, so it’s not a novelty and hasn’t appeared only with the release of Windows 10.

Here’s what some frustrated users are saying with regards to it:

I lost capability to print to my HP 1210 printer from windows 8. The message Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable appears.

I have tried to fix by removing theprintervia the control panel, and then adding theprinter, but no luck. Theprinterworks, the computer works, but I cannot print from the computer. HELP!

And somebody else who owns a Canon printer weighs in, as well:

I have recently bought a basic printer Cannon Pixma MG2250 which came with the disc to install, however my laptop does not have a cd drive, but I was told I could just attached theprinterto my laptop and I would be able to print.

When I go to print theprinteris listed but says it is offline? I click on theprinterthen another message overrides this which states Active directory domain service is currently unavailable.

How can I fix Active directory domain services currently unavailable error?

1. Log in as administrator

First of all, you need to make sure that you arelogged in as an administrator. Next, the easiest thing to do is to troubleshoot the printer. To do this, perform the following:

2. Check network install

If this hasn’t solved your problem, then you need tocheck network installation. For that, open theControl Panel>Printers>Add New Printer.

Then, click Network Printer and Browse for Printer; see if you can find it and if it works.

Some have suggested reinstalling the Office suite; I don’t see how this has any connection, but give it a try, just in case it might work out for you.

Next, give it a try with reinstalling the drivers; if it doesn’t work, try the following steps:

If the issue persists, you can try toreboot your router and turn the firewall offfor a short while; just in case it’s somehow blocking the printer application.

Having performed all of the above steps, restart your Windows 10 system, then follow these steps:Control Panel > Printers > Add New Printer > Network Printer > Browse for Printer > Add the device.

If your Print Spooler service is not running on your Windows 10 PC,check out this quick guideto solve the problem.

3. Give your account full control of PrinterPorts and Windows

To do this, we’re going to open the Registry Editor and change the PrinterPorts and Windows permissions. Before you follow the troubleshooting steps listed below,create a system restore point.

In case anything goes wrong, you’ll be able to use this tool to restore a functional version of Windows. Now, here are the steps to follow to give your account full control of PrinterPorts:

Test your printer to check if the error persists.

4. Run the built-in Printer troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a series of dedicated troubleshooters that help you to fix common issues affecting the OS.

You can also use the built-in Printer troubleshooter to fix the Active Directory Domain Services Currently Unavailable error.

If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can download the printing troubleshooter fromMicrosoft’s website.

If you’re running Windows 10, you can go toSettings > Update > Troubleshoot. Under the first section, Get Up and Running, you’ll find the printer troubleshooter. Run it and then test your printer to see whether the error persists or not.

5. Run a full system scan

Malware may cause various issues on your computer, including printer errors. Perform a full system scan in order to detect any malware running on your computer.

Here’s how to run a full system scan on Windows 10 Creators Update:

Need additional info on how to scan your PC with Windows Defender? You can simply find out how toscan your Windows 10 PC using Windows Defenderoffline to see if there are any threats.

You can use Windows’ built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, or otherefficient antivirus programsfor your Windows 10 computer.

6. Update your OS

Make sure that you’re running the latest Windows OS updates on your machine.

As a quick reminder, Microsoft constantly rolls out Windows updates in order to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues.

To access the Windows Update section, you can simply typeupdatein the search box.

This method works on all Windows versions. Then go to Windows Update, check for updates and install the available updates.

7. One or more network protocols are missing on this computer

If you can’t install your printer because the PC can’t find it, you may also get theOne or more network protocols are missing on this computererror.

Although at first sight, this error doesn’t seem to have anything to do with your printer issues, once you fix it, you’ll be able to use your wireless printer.

Here are the steps to follow:

8. Repair your registry

The simplest way to repair your registry is touse a dedicated tool, such asCCleaneror Wise Registry Cleaner. Don’t forget to first backup your registry in case anything goes wrong.

You can also use Microsoft’s System File Checker to check for system file corruption. The utility verifies the integrity of all protected system files and repairs files with problems when possible.

Here’s how to run anSFCscan:

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you bettertake a closer look on this guide.

Let us know by leaving your comment below if this has helped solve your problem. If not, describe your issue thoroughly and we’ll try to find a fix together.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, leave them there as well.

Active directory domain services is currently unavailable#

How can I fix Active directory domain services currently unavailable error?#

1. Log in as administrator#

2. Check network install#

3. Give your account full control of PrinterPorts and Windows#

4. Run the built-in Printer troubleshooter#

5. Run a full system scan#

6. Update your OS#

7. One or more network protocols are missing on this computer#

8. Repair your registry#