The last two updates to Big Sur on my Macbook 12" have removed the printer - the drivers etc are still there and I can add the printer back in, but it's annoying the updates are removing the printer
Is anyone else having the same problem and if so any resolution?
MacBook, macOS 11.1
I need to offer a correction. No operating system removes printers. Here is what happens. When an OS is updated or upgraded, sometimes a printer or scanner will stop working. This is because the printer's existing software is no longer compliant with the new OS. It must therefore be upgraded to a newer version that is fully compliant. That printer driver software must be provided by the printer manufacturer as they own it. And different printers have different software. None of this is controlled by Apple. Their responsibility is to provide the compliance specification to the printer manufacturers, which they do. So, it is our responsibility to download and install current printer drivers when the old ones cease to function. That's just the way things are.
I need to offer a correction. No operating system removes printers. Here is what happens. When an OS is updated or upgraded, sometimes a printer or scanner will stop working. This is because the printer's existing software is no longer compliant with the new OS. It must therefore be upgraded to a newer version that is fully compliant. That printer driver software must be provided by the printer manufacturer as they own it. And different printers have different software. None of this is controlled by Apple. Their responsibility is to provide the compliance specification to the printer manufacturers, which they do. So, it is our responsibility to download and install current printer drivers when the old ones cease to function. That's just the way things are.
Hi diaballein,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having an issue with your printer staying connected to your MacBook after updating within macOS Big Sur. We'd like to help.
How is your Printer connected to your MacBook? Is it an AirPrint printer, connected by Wi-Fi, or by an adapter and cable? You mentioned that the drivers are still available, so it's possible that the printer manufacturer has an update available so this doesn't continue to happen when you update your macOS.
Check out these steps on how to Update printer software on Mac. Then, check with your printer manufacturer to see about updates on their end.
Let us know how that goes.
Have a great day!
Yes I too, have noticed that the printers are disabled after each Big Sur update. It's a bit of a pain to have to reset the printer preferences and re add the printers. I have my printer set up via USB on my main computer and two other Macs, a Macbook Pro and a Macbook Air sharing the printer via Bluetooth on my network and all three have to be reset from scratch each time I update.
You are not alone.
Why are Big Sur updates removing printers?
