How to Find the Right Printer Driver From an Official Source

01Quick answer

A printer driver is the software that lets your computer send jobs to your printer in a language it understands. The safest places to get one are Windows Update (on Windows), Apple’s built-in printer support and software updates (on a Mac), and the support or downloads section of your printer manufacturer’s official website. To pick the right driver, you need your printer’s exact model and your operating system version. This guide is for anyone who has been told they need a driver and isn’t sure where to find a safe one.

02Before you start

• Check whether you need a driver at all. Windows and macOS often add a printer with a built-in driver automatically. If your printer already prints, you may only need the maker’s software for extra features.
• Avoid search ads and download sites that promise “free driver downloads” for every brand. They are not the manufacturer, and some bundle unwanted software.
• Never install “driver updater” or “driver booster” tools. They aren’t needed, and some are misleading.

03Why this happens

Usually simple to fix:

• The printer is newer than your operating system’s built-in drivers, so Windows Update or the maker’s site has the right one.
• The computer has a different version of Windows or macOS than the driver you downloaded was made for.
• A similar model name was chosen by mistake, such as a model ending in a different letter.
• A 32-bit driver was downloaded for a 64-bit version of Windows, or the reverse.

Needs the manufacturer or a repair service:

• The manufacturer lists no driver at all for your operating system. Older printers sometimes aren’t supported on newer systems, and the maker’s support team can confirm the options.
• The printer is a business model managed by an IT department, which may require a specific driver.

04Identify your printer and operating system

1. Find the exact model. Look on the front of the printer, around the control panel, and on the label at the back or underneath. Write down the full model name including any letters and numbers.
2. Find your operating system version. - Windows: open Settings, go to System, then About. Note the edition (for example Windows 11 Home) and the system type (64-bit or 32-bit). - Mac: open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. Note the macOS name and version.
3. Decide what you need. A basic driver lets you print. A full software package may add scanning, ink monitoring or a setup tool. The maker’s website usually explains the difference.

05Get the driver from an official source

On Windows

1. Try Windows first. Add the printer through Settings and the Printers & scanners page. Windows searches for a suitable driver automatically.
2. Check Windows Update. Go to Settings, then Windows Update, and look for optional updates. Some printer drivers are offered there; on Windows 11 they appear under advanced options as optional updates, and the wording may vary on Windows 10.
3. Use the manufacturer’s website. Type the manufacturer’s name into your browser’s address bar, or use the address printed in your manual or on the box, then go to its support or drivers section. Enter your exact model, choose your Windows version and download the recommended driver or software package.

   How to tell you’re on the official site: the web address is the manufacturer’s own domain, and the page asks for your model and operating system. Be cautious of sites that rush you to download before you have chosen anything.

On a Mac

1. Add the printer in System Settings. Open System Settings (or System Preferences), choose Printers & Scanners and add the printer. Many printers work with AirPrint, Apple’s built-in printing system, so no extra driver is needed.
2. Keep macOS up to date, because Apple delivers printer software through its updates.
3. Use the manufacturer’s website only if your printer needs extra software. Choose your exact model and macOS version.

06Common mistakes to avoid

• Downloading the first result in a search engine without checking it is the manufacturer’s own website.
• Choosing a driver for a similar model name.
• Installing several drivers for the same printer “to be sure”, which can cause conflicts.
• Using driver updater tools that scan your computer and ask for payment.
• Ignoring the operating system version listed next to the download.

07If it still doesn’t work

If you can’t find a driver for your operating system, check the manufacturer’s support pages for notes about compatibility, or contact its support team. They can tell you whether a driver exists or whether the printer is no longer supported. Our guide to installing or updating a printer driver explains the installation itself, and our guide to removing and reinstalling a driver helps when an old driver is getting in the way.

If you’re setting up a brand-new printer, our first-time setup guide covers drivers as part of the whole process.

08The short version

Know your exact printer model and operating system, then get the driver from Windows Update, your Mac’s built-in printer support, or the manufacturer’s official website. Skip download sites and driver updater tools.

09FAQ

Is it safe to download printer drivers from third-party websites?

It’s best not to. Only the manufacturer, Microsoft and Apple can be relied on to supply the correct, unmodified driver. Third-party sites may offer outdated versions or bundle other software.

What’s the difference between a driver and full printer software?

The driver is the essential part that lets you print. Full software packages may add scanning tools, ink level alerts, setup wizards and other utilities. If you only need to print, the basic driver is usually enough.

My printer is old. Will it work with a new computer?

Many older printers still work through drivers built into Windows or macOS, or through basic generic drivers. Check the manufacturer’s website for your model and operating system; if nothing is listed, its support team can confirm.

Do I need to pay for a printer driver?

No. Manufacturers, Microsoft and Apple provide printer drivers free. A site asking you to pay for a driver is not an official source.