> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.trytalkvalue.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Windows troubleshooting

> Replace the printer's Windows driver with WinUSB using Zadig when your browser on Windows can't see or open your Zebra or Nemonic printer.

On a Windows laptop, the printer sometimes stays off the list in the pairing dialog, or pairing fails with an `Access denied.` message. Windows has assigned the printer its own print driver, and that driver keeps the browser from opening the device. Replacing it with **WinUSB** through the free [Zadig](https://zadig.akeo.ie/) tool fixes both symptoms. You do this once per laptop for each printer model.

## Switch the printer to WinUSB

<Note>
  **Before you start**

  * The printer is powered on and connected to the laptop over USB.
  * You can approve a Windows administrator (User Account Control) prompt.
  * Unplug other USB devices such as receivers and headsets, so the printer is easy to pick out in Zadig.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download and run Zadig">
    Download the current release from [zadig.akeo.ie](https://zadig.akeo.ie/). It's a single portable `.exe` with nothing to install. Open it and click **Yes** on the User Account Control prompt.
  </Step>

  <Step title="List all devices">
    Open the **Options** menu and tick **List All Devices**. Zadig hides devices that already have a driver until you do.

    <Frame caption="Options → List All Devices">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/talkvalue/Cj_2kPtsL_AfmFRb/images/badge/printer-setup/windows/zadig-list-all-devices.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Cj_2kPtsL_AfmFRb&q=85&s=a2f06d38505e1ff41e7ca1b92029c918" alt="Zadig Options menu with List All Devices ticked" width="575" height="254" data-path="images/badge/printer-setup/windows/zadig-list-all-devices.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your printer">
    Pick the printer from the dropdown. Zebra printers appear under their USB name, for example `ZTC ZD220-203dpi ZPL`. Check the first **USB ID** box before you continue: it reads `0A5F` for Zebra and `36EC` or `1C8A` for Nemonic. Any other value means a different device is selected.

    <Frame caption="The printer selected in the device list">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/talkvalue/Cj_2kPtsL_AfmFRb/images/badge/printer-setup/windows/zadig-select-printer.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Cj_2kPtsL_AfmFRb&q=85&s=dc9a588c4ea9465c8aa1f4abd8d3c338" alt="Zadig device dropdown with a Zebra ZD220 printer highlighted" width="575" height="254" data-path="images/badge/printer-setup/windows/zadig-select-printer.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Replace the driver">
    Make sure the target driver on the right reads **WinUSB**, then click **Replace Driver**. Wait until Zadig reports that the driver was installed.

    <Frame caption="Target driver set to WinUSB">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/talkvalue/Cj_2kPtsL_AfmFRb/images/badge/printer-setup/windows/zadig-replace-driver.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Cj_2kPtsL_AfmFRb&q=85&s=7f46ba7c0552686af39c2e344b7e7963" alt="WinUSB selected as the target driver above the Replace Driver button" width="200" height="100" data-path="images/badge/printer-setup/windows/zadig-replace-driver.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart and pair again">
    Restart the laptop. Then pair the printer from the template editor or the station's **Printer** settings as described in [Connect a printer](/badge/printer-setup/webusb-connection).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  After the switch, Windows no longer lists the printer under **Printers & scanners**. To use it with other Windows software again, open **Device Manager**, uninstall the printer under **Universal Serial Bus devices** with **Attempt to remove the driver for this device** ticked, and plug it back in.
</Note>

## Related

* [Connect a printer](/badge/printer-setup/webusb-connection). Pair the printer once the driver is replaced.
* [Supported printers](/badge/printer-setup/supported-zebra-models). Zebra and Nemonic models that pair over USB.
* [Calibration and troubleshooting](/badge/printer-setup/calibration-troubleshooting). Blank, misaligned, or faint prints after pairing.