How to Fix "The Active Directory Domain Services is Currently Unavailable" on Windows 11/10/8/7

What Does the Active Directory Domain Services is Currently Unavailable Mean?

Trying to print an urgent document, but being stopped by the error - The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable? Don't panic. In reality, when it shows "The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable" on Windows 11/10/8/7, it's usually signaling that the system cannot communicate properly with a printer or its related services.

Windows relies on certain background components, especially the Print Spooler service, to detect printers and send print jobs. If those components fail, Windows may incorrectly reference Active Directory services, even on non-domain systems. Common scenarios where this error appears include:

• Adding a new printer for the first time
• Printing after a major Windows update
• Switching from an old printer to a new one
• Using outdated or corrupted printer drivers

Fix "The Active Directory Domain Services is Currently Unavailable" in Windows 11/10/8/7 - Step by Step

Here are some fixes to resolve "The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable" on Windows 7/8/10/11. Check them one by one.

Way 1. Change Print Spooler Service to Automatic

The Print Spooler service manages print jobs and enables communication between Windows and printers. If it's stopped or misconfigured, you may get "The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable" on Windows 11.

Step 1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2. In the Services window, locate Print Spooler. Double-click it to open its properties.

Step 3. Then, set Startup type to Automatic, and click Apply.

Way 2. Run Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter designed specifically to detect and fix printer-related issues automatically. It can reset services, correct permissions, and repair minor misconfigurations without manual effort.

Here is how to make Active Directory Domain Services available by running the printer troubleshooter:

Step 1. Open Settings on Windows, and go to System > Troubleshoot.

Step 2. Click Other troubleshooters.

Step 3. Find Printer and select Run. Then, choose the affected printer when prompted, and apply the recommended fixes suggested by Windows.

Way 3. Reinstall Printer Drivers

Corrupted or incompatible printer drivers are one of the most frequent causes of this error, especially after system upgrades. Reinstalling the driver ensures Windows communicates with the printer correctly. Here's how to do it properly:

Step 1. Open Settings and navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Step 2. Select your printer and choose Remove.

Step 3. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.

Step 4. Expand Print queues. Right-click the printer and choose Uninstall device. Check Delete the driver software for this device if available.

Step 5. Then, restart your computer, and download the latest driver from the printer manufacturer’s official website. Install the driver and add the printer again.

Way 4. Check Windows Updates

Missing or partially installed updates can disrupt printing services. Microsoft frequently releases patches that improve driver compatibility and system stability. You can install the Windows update to resolve "The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable" on Windows 10/11:

Step 1. Open Settings and select Windows Update.

Step 2. Click Check for updates. Then, download and install all available updates.

After updating, reconnect your printer and test again. Many users find that the error disappears after installing cumulative updates.

Way 5. Change Registry Editor

If none of the above methods work, adjusting a specific registry setting may help. This fix addresses permission and printer discovery issues but should be done carefully. Please follow these steps exactly to get rid of The Active Directory Domain Servicesis currently unavailable for printer:

Step 1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print.

Step 3. Under Current version, right-click Devices and select Permissions.

Step 4. Select your user name from the list and set Full Control permissions for it, and click Allow > OK.

Always Backup Windows Files to Prevent Data Loss

Troubleshooting system errors often involves driver changes, registry edits, and service resets. While these steps are safe when done correctly, unexpected issues can still arise. That’s why maintaining regular backups is essential. AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free and dependable Windows backup solutionwith flexible options to secure personal files and system data.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper, click on Backup, and select File Backup.

Step 2. Click Select Source and then Add Folder or Add File to choose what to back up.

Step 3. Select where you want to save the backup. It is suggested to back up data on NAS or external drive for safety. Then, click Start Backup.

Note:✎...

Schedule: It allows you to set up automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, USB connections, or trigger backups based on events.​

Options: It offers settings like file compression, splitting, and email alerts.

Backup Scheme: Choose how backups are performed and configure retention rules to automatically delete old backups (available in the Professional or higher editions).

Conclusion

This article covers 5 solutions to resolve "The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable" on Windows 11/10/8/7. By working through the solutions step by step, you may can get your printer back online. Also, it is strongly recommended to back up your Windows files or system with a reliable tool like AOMEI Backupper. It ensures that when unexpected issues happen, you can quickly restore system or files with ease.