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Some Windows users want to know how to Fix ‘Active directory domain services is currently unavailable’ issue when they try to print something from MS Word, Excel, etc. When users try to find a printer in affected software, they get this error message: “The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable.” Because of this, users can’t print with software packages that are affected. A set of Active Directory Domain Services lets you authorize and run commands and instructions on your PC. You will be asked for the password whenever you try to use a program or app that requires administrative rights. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.
Active Directories keeps this activity going and is in charge of it. Also, they help your PC connect to things like printers and routers that are outside of it. With wireless printers and similar devices, this new technology has made it possible for people to get their documents from the comfort of their own homes. In this modern world of technology, there are a lot of good things, but you may also get an Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable error message. This happens when your computer can’t find and connect to the printer. If so, read this guide to Fix ‘Active directory domain services is currently unavailable’ issue.
What causes the “Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable” error?
- A problem with the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) server. This could be due to a hardware failure, a software issue, or a configuration problem.
- A problem with the network connection between your computer and the AD DS server. This could be due to a bad cable, a misconfigured router, or a problem with your ISP.
- A problem with the printer driver. The printer driver may be corrupted or outdated, or it may not be compatible with your version of Windows.
- A problem with the printer itself. The printer may be turned off, it may be out of paper, or it may have a hardware problem.
Fix: ‘Active directory domain services is currently unavailable’ issue
Customise “Services.msc”

- Press Windows Key+R to open the Run command.
- Type “Services.msc” in the search box and hit enter.
- Choose, Print Spooler.
- Right click on that and Choose Properties.
- Make sure it is “Automatic.” And the status of service is “Running.”
- Make sure with the options said above. If those options remain same, turn off and reset the options.
Check the Network Installation
- Press the Windows key plus the letter R to open the Run program.
- Type control in the box and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Change the type of view to Large icons.
- Find the option that says “Devices and Printers” and click on it.
- You will see two sections: “Devices” and “Printers.”
- Check the list to see if your printer is there. If it is, double-click on it to see if it is connected.
- If it’s not there, click “Add a printer,” then choose your device from the list to add it.
Troubleshoot the Printer Devices
- Sign in as an Administrator to your computer.
- Go to the Start menu and type “Troubleshoot” and hit enter.
- Click on the result of the search. View everything and choose Printer.
- Now, just follow the simple steps on the screen. Most likely, it will solve your problem. If not, go on to the next few steps.
- Go to Control Panel >> Printers >> Check Network Installation. Put in a new printer.
- Select, then Network Printer.
- Look for the Printer now.
- If you think it’s fine. You should reinstall the MS Office Suite.
- Update the drivers if it still doesn’t work.
Fixing through Registry Editor
- Press the Windows key plus the letter R to open the Run program.
- Type regedit in the box and press Enter to open the Registry Editor window.
- If you are asked if you want to continue, click Yes.
- Go through the following route: HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Programs > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion
- Look for a folder called Devices in the CurrentVersion folder.
- Right-click on “Devices,” then click “Permissions” from the list that appears.
- A window called “Permission for Devices” will pop up. Choose your account from the list and then check the box next to “Allow Full Control.”
- To save and leave, click Apply and then OK.
- Now, go back to the CurrentVersion folder and right-click on PrinterPorts. Then, click on Permissions.
- Again, choose your account, check the box next to Full Control, and then click Apply > OK to save and leave.
- Find the next folder called Windows, and then do the same things to give it full control.
- When you’re done, close the Registry Editor and any other open programs, and then Restart your computer.
Change Printer Spooler Settings
- Press the Windows key plus the letter R to open the Run program.
- Type msc into the box and hit Enter to open the Services window.
- Scroll through the list of services until you find one called “Printer Spooler.”
- Right-click on the Printer Spooler service, and then click “Start” from the list that appears.
- After the Printer spooler service starts up again, double-click on it to open its Properties.
- Set the Startup type in the Printer spooler properties window to Automatic.
- Now, click “Apply” and “OK” to save and leave.
- Close the window for services and try printing again.
How to prevent the error from happening again
- Stay on top of system updates: Make sure that your software, drivers, and operating system are all up to date. Manufacturers put out updates to fix known bugs and security holes, which can help stop mistakes.
- Maintain your printer: Clean the print heads and check for paper jams as part of your printer’s regular maintenance. Hardware problems can cause spooler errors, which can be fixed by keeping your printer in good shape.
- Use drivers that are compatible: Make sure you are using the right and most recent drivers for your printer. Check the website of the printer maker for the most recent drivers that work with your operating system.
- Avoid problems with other services: Spooler errors can sometimes be caused by problems with other software or services that have been installed. Be careful when installing new software and keep an eye out for problems.
- Scan for malware and viruses: Malware and viruses can cause system processes, like the print spooler, to stop working. Run security scans regularly to find and remove any possible threats.
Questions and Answers
Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Right-click > You can turn things on or off in Windows. Scroll down to Remote Server Administration Tools and click on it. Expand “AD DS and AD LDS Tools” under “Role Administrator Tools.” Check AD DS Tools and hit the OK button.
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is a server role in Active Directory that lets admins manage and store information about network resources and application data in a distributed database.
Log in to a domain controller and open Server Manager from the Start menu to open Active Directory Users and Computers. Now, click Active Directory Users and Computers in Server Manager’s Tools menu. Keep reading to learn more about how to access Active Directory and other ways to get to the admin tools.