Do you see the error Active Directory domain services is currently unavailable? In this post, I will show you how to fix it.
Windows is a very versatile operating system with endless possibilities. It is the most used in the world and is compatible with most programs.
But it is not perfect and sometimes it gives errors that you do not know how to solve.
One of the errors is the message displayed in a pop-up window that says "Active Directory domain services are currently unavailable."
This error message is common when you try to print, but the system does not detect the printer or tells you that it is not available.
The possible reason is that there may be some corrupt files in your operating system or perhaps some conflict between various applications that you have installed.
What is Active Directory?
Azure Active Directory is a useful Microsoft tool for LAN networks. Its function is to provide service from a server to several users connected to the network. One of its most characteristic features is the possibility of printing on a printer connected to the same network.
It is a service that is used, above all, in companies that have several computers on the network and share resources.
Note: If you want to correct the error Active Directory domain services is currently unavailable, scroll down to the methods below.
How does Active Directory work?
This service manages and controls the domain or set of networked computers. These connect to one or more servers and can share directories, files, printers, and other resources.
The requirements for Active Directory are various. First, you must have a computer that works as a server with Windows Server installed.
Then you need to assign a fixed IP to each computer and configure the server's DNS server.
So even though it may occasionally crash, this tool is a must have in business computer networks. Avoid performing maintenance on each device individually as it is used to manage groups of computers.
Solution 1: restart the spooler service
This method works in almost all cases and it is very easy, and you just need to follow these methods:
- You have to access the Run window. The quickest way to access is by pressing the keyboard shortcut Winkey + R.
- A window will appear with a text field. There you have to type compmgmt.msc and click on the OK button.
- With this, you access the Team Manager. On the left side, click Services and Applications.
- Now on the right, double click on Services.
- In the list on the right, find Print Spooler. Right-click and then click Restart.
Solution 2: safe boot
Another thing to try that can help you fix the "Active Directory domain services is currently unavailable" error is to reboot into Safe Mode.
To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Press the keyboard shortcut: Winkey + R
- In the Run window, copy and paste the following command: msconfig
- Now press Enter to open the Startup Manager
- In the window that opens, navigate to the Boot tab
- Under Boot Options, check the box: Secure boot
- Restart your computer and try printing something to see if the errors have been fixed
If you can print without any problem, you will need to check for any new installed programs or changes you have made.
You can also try using a restore point to correct the error: Active Directory domain services are currently unavailable.
Solution 3: printer troubleshooter
In Windows, you have some useful troubleshooters that look for problems and repair them automatically. One of those troubleshooters fixes your printer problems and can also fix the "Active Directory domain services currently unavailable" error.
To run this troubleshooter, follow these steps in Windows 10:
- First, open the Control Panel and there you need to sort the view icons
- Now, scroll down and click on Troubleshooting option
- There you will see all the troubleshooter available, click on the one that says Printer
- Wait until the utility fixes the printer problems and then check if the problem has been resolved
Solution four: reinstall the printer
Another way to fix the active directory problem is to reinstall your printer. You can quickly perform this process from the Control Panel by following these steps:
- First, open the Control Panel. You can open it by running the control command in the Run window
- Once there, navigate to the Hardware and Sound section, then click Devices and Printers
- In this section, scroll down and right-click on your current printer, then from the menu select the Remove Device option
- Wait until your printer is uninstalled from your computer and then unplug the USB cable
- Wait about 5 seconds and reconnect the printer to the computer with the USB cable. Windows will reinstall the drivers and hopefully the problem will be fixed
Solution 5: update the printer drivers
This problem occurs most often when you haven't updated your printer drivers for a while. Maybe there is a compatibility problem in your operating system that you can fix by updating your device. Fortunately in Windows, you can update your devices easily from Device Manager like in these steps:
- In Windows 10 you can open the Device Manager, pressing the Win + X keys and there choosing the option that you want
- Once there, you need to expand the Print Queues section. There right click on your printer and select Update Driver option
- Finally, click on the option Search for drivers automatically and let Windows update your printer
Solution 6: update Windows 10
As I always recommend in many other articles, you need to keep your system continually updated to avoid problems with your devices.
Windows 10 releases new updates every week, and some of them are meant to fix problems like this.
To update Windows 10, you just need to open the Windows Update window and there click the Check for updates button. Windows will also automatically notify you of new missing updates that you can install.
Date update on 2021-03-31. Date published on 2021-03-31. Category: Computer class Author: Oscar olg Fuente: todosobrewindows