How to Install or Update a Printer Driver

01Quick answer

To update a printer driver on Windows, check Windows Update first, then use the manufacturer’s official installer if you need a newer version or extra features. On a Mac, keep macOS up to date and re-add the printer if needed, since Apple supplies most printer software through its updates. This guide explains each method step by step for people whose printer works poorly after an update, or who have been told a newer driver will help.

02Before you start

• Update only for a reason. If your printer works well, you don’t have to update its driver. Good reasons include printing errors, missing features, or the manufacturer recommending an update for your system.
• Get the right driver first. If you haven’t already, see our guide to finding the right printer driver.
• Close apps you are printing from and save your work before installing.
• Keep laptops plugged in during installation.

03Why this happens

Usually simple to fix:

• A major Windows or macOS update replaced or changed the printer driver.
• The printer was added with a basic built-in driver that lacks some features, such as duplex or tray options.
• The manufacturer has released a newer driver that fixes known printing problems.

Needs the manufacturer or a repair service:

• No installer will complete, and every attempt reports an error, even after a restart and a clean reinstall.
• The manufacturer’s support pages say your model isn’t supported on your operating system.

04Check which driver you have now

Knowing what is installed helps you decide whether an update is worth it, and lets you confirm afterwards that the change worked.

1. On Windows, open Settings, go to the Printers & scanners page, select your printer and open Printer properties. The driver name is usually shown on the Advanced tab. If it’s a generic or basic driver, the manufacturer’s own driver may unlock extra features.
2. On a Mac, open Printers & Scanners, select the printer and look for its options or details. The Kind or driver entry shows whether it uses AirPrint or the manufacturer’s software.
3. Write the name and version down, then compare it with what the manufacturer lists for your model and operating system.

05Install or update on Windows

Method 1: Windows Update

1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
2. Check for updates and install any that are offered.
3. Look for optional updates. On Windows 11, these are under Advanced options, then Optional updates, where driver updates may be listed. Windows 10 shows optional updates on the Windows Update page when they are available.
4. Install any printer driver listed for your printer and restart if asked.

   What you should see: after the restart, the printer still appears on the Printers & scanners page. Print a test page.

Method 2: The manufacturer’s installer

1. Download the driver or full software package for your exact model and Windows version from the manufacturer’s official website.
2. Open the downloaded file and follow the installer. Approve the administrator prompt only if it names the manufacturer.
3. Connect the printer when the installer asks (by USB or over the network).
4. Restart the computer when it finishes and print a test page.

Method 3: Device Manager (for drivers you already have)

Device Manager is a Windows tool that lists hardware and its drivers. It can help when Windows shows the printer with a warning symbol.

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Print queues or Printers and find your printer.
3. Right-click it and choose Update driver, then let Windows search automatically, or browse to a driver you downloaded from the manufacturer.

06Install or update on a Mac

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) and go to General, then Software Update, or Software Update directly on older versions. Install any updates.
2. Open Printers & Scanners, select your printer and remove it with the remove button.
3. Add it again with the add button. macOS selects the best available driver, often AirPrint or the maker’s driver.
4. If your manufacturer offers macOS software for extra features, download it from its official website and run the installer.

   Did printing improve? If yes, you’re finished. If the printer isn’t found, see our guide to adding a printer.

07Common mistakes to avoid

• Installing a driver meant for a different version of Windows or macOS.
• Approving administrator prompts from installers you didn’t download from the manufacturer.
• Leaving the old printer entry and adding a new one alongside it, so you end up printing to the wrong one.
• Using driver updater tools instead of Windows Update and the manufacturer’s site.

08If it still doesn’t work

If an update makes printing worse or an installer keeps failing, remove the old driver completely and start fresh. Our guide to removing and reinstalling a printer driver walks through it on Windows and Mac.

If no driver installs successfully, contact the manufacturer through its official support website. Have your printer model, operating system version and any message the installer showed.

09The short version

On Windows, use Windows Update first, then the manufacturer’s official installer, with Device Manager for specific cases. On a Mac, update macOS and re-add the printer. Update only when there’s a reason, and only from official sources.

10FAQ

How do I know if my printer driver is out of date?

Compare the driver version shown in your printer’s properties, or the installed software, with the latest version listed for your model on the manufacturer’s website. Problems after a system update are also a common sign.

Should I update printer drivers regularly?

Not necessarily. If your printer works as you need, there’s no requirement to update. Windows Update and macOS updates deliver important driver fixes automatically in many cases.

Why does Windows keep replacing my printer driver?

Windows Update can install the driver it considers best for your printer. If a manufacturer’s driver works better for you, reinstall it from the maker’s site. Some manufacturers explain on their support pages how their driver works alongside Windows Update.

Will updating the driver change my print settings?

It can. A new driver may reset defaults such as paper size, quality or double-sided printing. After updating, check your printing preferences and set them the way you like.

Do I need to restart after installing a printer driver?

Often yes, especially on Windows. The installer will usually ask. Restarting makes sure the new driver is fully loaded before you print.