How to download and install the latest printer drivers (2024)

Printing and Scanning in Windows

How To

  • Install a printer
  • Add a printer
  • Download printer drivers
  • Install printer drivers
  • Set default printer
  • View printer queue

Troubleshoot

  • Fix Printer Problems
  • Troubleshoot offline printer

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Windows 11Windows 10

Most printers require that you install the latest printer driver to help the printer work well. Your driver could also be damagedif you've experienced power outages, computer viruses, or other problems. If your printer isn't responding, downloading and installing the latest printer driver can often resolve these problems.

Install the latest printer driver

Here are several ways to update your printer driver.

Windows Update might find an updated version of your printer driver. To use it:

  1. SelectStart, then select Settings > Windows Update.

    Open Windows Update

  2. Select Check for updates.

If Windows Update finds an updated driver, it will download and install it, and your printer will automatically use it.If a device driver couldn’t be installed automatically, there may be an optional driver available that your printer can use. To check for optional drivers:

  1. After the check is complete, select Advanced options, then selectOptional updates.

  2. Select Driver updates if available.

  3. Select a checkbox next to a driver that's associated with your printer.

  4. Select Download & install.

Note:If you didn't find an optional driverthat works for your printer, you might need todownload and install the driver from the printer manufacturer’s website.

If your printer came with a disc, it might contain software that can help you install drivers for your printer or it may be able to help you check for driver updates.

Check your printer manufacturer’s support site. To find it, search the internet for the name of your printer manufacturer plus the word “support,” such as “HP support.”

Driver updates are often available in the “Drivers” section of a printer manufacturer’s website. Some support sites let you search for your printer model number directly. Locate and download the latest driver for your printer model, then follow the installation instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Most drivers are self-installing. After you download one, double-click (or double-tap) the file to begin installing. Then follow these steps to remove and reinstall the printer.

  1. Right-clickStart, then select Settings> Bluetooth & devices> Printers & scanners.

  2. Find the printer, select it, then selectRemove.

  3. After removing your printer, add it back by selectingAdd device. Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want,then selectAdd device.

Most printers require that you install the latest printer driver so that the printer will work well. If you recently upgraded from an earlier version of Windows, your printer driver might work with the previous version but might not work well or at all with Windows 10. Also, if you've experienced power outages, computer viruses, or other problems, your printer driver might be damaged. Downloading and installing the latest printer driver can often resolve these problems.

Install the latest printer driver

Here are several ways to update your printer driver.

Windows Update might find an updated version of your printer driver. To use it:

  1. SelectStart, then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    Open Windows Update.

  2. Select Check for updates.

If Windows Update finds an updated driver, it will download and install it, and your printer will automatically use it.If a device driver couldn’t be installed automatically, there may be an optional driver available that your printer can use. To check for optional drivers:

  1. Once the update check is done running, select View optional updatesif this is visible.

  2. On the next screen, expandDriver updates.

  3. If you see the applicable drivers for your printer, select the updates you want to download and install.

  4. Select Download and install.

Note:If you didn't find an optional driverthat works for your printer, you might need todownload and install the driver from the printer manufacturer’s website.

If your printer came with a disc, it might contain software that can help you install drivers for your printer or check for driver updates.

Check your printer manufacturer’s support site. To find it, search the internet for the name of your printer manufacturer plus the word “support,” such as “HP support.”

Driver updates are often available in the “Drivers” section of a printer manufacturer’s website. Some support sites let you search for your printer model number directly. Locate and download the latest driver for your printer model, then follow the installation instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Most drivers are self-installing. After you download them, double-click (or double-tap) the file to begin installing it. Then follow these steps to remove and reinstall the printer.

  1. Select Start, then select Settings> Devices > Printers & scanners.

  2. UnderPrinters & scanners,find the printer, select it,and then selectRemove device.

  3. After removing your printer, add it back by selectingAdd a printer or scanner. Wait for your device to find nearby printers, select the one you want, and then selectAdd device.

What to do if the driver doesn't install

If you double-click the installation file and nothing happens, follow these steps:

  1. SelectStart, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .

  2. Scroll down toRelated Settingsand select Print server properties.

  3. Select the Drivers tab, and see if your printer is listed. If it is, you’re all set.

  4. If you don’t see your printer listed, select Add, and in the Welcome to the Add Printer Driver Wizard, select Next.

  5. Select your device’s architecture, and then select Next.

  6. On the left, select your printer manufacturer, and on the right, select your printer driver. If you don't see your printer manufacturer, select the Windows Update button to update the list.
    How to download and install the latest printer drivers (1)

  7. Select Next, select Finish,and follow the instructions to add your driver.

  8. Follow the instructions in the section above to remove and reinstall the printer.

Related topics

  • Find out how toinstall a printer in Windows.

  • Find out how toset up a default printer in Windows.

  • Find out how toview the print queue in Windows.

  • If you are having a problem changing your printer "offline" status, go toTroubleshooting offline printer problems.

  • If you're having a problem with printer connectivity in Windows, go to Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.

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How to download and install the latest printer drivers (2024)

FAQs

How do I install the latest driver for my printer? ›

Click on "Device Manager" in the search results. Expand the "Printers" category. Right-click on the printer you want to update drivers for. Choose "Update Driver", then "Search automatically for updated driver software"

How do I update my printer driver list? ›

How to update printer drivers
  1. Go to Control Panel.
  2. Click on 'Hardware and Sound'
  3. Click on 'Device Manager' to show all of the connected hardware on your machine – look for the 'Printers' drop-down which will contain any relevant printers.
  4. Right click the printer you want to update the drivers on and click 'Update driver'
Apr 24, 2017

How do I update HP printer drivers? ›

In Windows, search for and open Device Manager. In the list of devices, expand the device that you want to update. Right-click the device, and then click Update driver. Click Search automatically for drivers, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

How do I update my printer driver in Windows 11? ›

Install optional drivers for your printer manually in Windows 11
  1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates at the top of the page.
  3. After the system is done checking for updates, select Advanced options.
  4. Select Optional updates.
  5. Select Driver updates if it's an option on the page.

How do I know if I have the latest printer driver? ›

Check your printer manufacturer's support site. To find it, search the internet for the name of your printer manufacturer plus the word “support,” such as “HP support.” Driver updates are often available in the “Drivers” section of a printer manufacturer's website.

How do I fix an outdated printer driver? ›

Update your printer driver
  1. Open the Device Manager via the Start menu.
  2. Locate your printer within the list of devices, right-click it, and select Update driver.
  3. Click Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen installation instructions if an update is available.
Aug 25, 2023

Where is the printer driver settings? ›

Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers. Right-click your printer icon, and click Printing Preferences. The screen displays the Printing Preferences window, which contains the Layout, Paper/Quality, User Defined Paper and Extension Settings menus. These menus display the printer driver settings.

Why can't I install a printer driver? ›

The driver is not compatible with your computer. There is not enough storage space on your device. The printer driver conflicts with a third-party app. The printer port settings are not configured correctly.

Why won't my printer print from my computer? ›

Check that the connection is working - i.e. USB cable, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Try printing from another device. This helps to identify if the problem is the printer or the client. If you've tried all the above and it's still not working, uninstall and reinstall the printer software and drivers.

Do HP Printers update automatically? ›

Your printer can automatically download the latest firmware release, store it in the printer, and install it for you. Your printer must be connected to the Internet; see Set up printer services.

Do I need to install a driver for my HP printer? ›

Install your HP printer without any software using the drivers built into the Windows operating system. The Windows drivers provide basic functionality for your printer.

How do I find my HP printer driver version? ›

Steps for Windows users

Highlight your printer and right-mouse click. Select the Properties option from the menu. Click on the About tab, and read all information about driver version.

How to install a new driver for a printer? ›

In the Windows Settings search box, type “Printer,” then select Add a printer or scanner. In the Printers & scanners page, select Add a printer or scanner. Select your printer when you see it appear, then follow any additional instructions to install the printer driver.

Do printer drivers need to be updated? ›

However, like all hardware, printers require regular maintenance and updates to ensure they function correctly. One crucial aspect of printer maintenance is updating the printer driver. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to update a printer driver effectively.

Where do I update drivers in Windows 11? ›

Update Drivers using Windows Update (Recommended)
  1. Click the Start , then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. ...
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Now, click View optional updates.
  4. Click Driver updates, then select the drivers you want to update.
  5. Click Download and install.
Nov 8, 2023

How do I reinstall the printer driver? ›

In the Windows Settings search box, type “Printer,” then select Add a printer or scanner. In the Printers & scanners page, select Add a printer or scanner. Select your printer when you see it appear, then follow any additional instructions to install the printer driver.

How do I update my driver? ›

Update Drivers using Windows Update (Recommended)
  1. Click the Start , then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. ...
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Now, click View optional updates.
  4. Click Driver updates, then select the drivers you want to update.
  5. Click Download and install.
Nov 8, 2023

How do I update my inkjet printer driver? ›

How To Check For And Update Printer Drivers?
  1. Go to “Settings” by pressing Win + I.
  2. Click on “Update & Security.” Select “Windows Update” from the left pane.
  3. Click on “Check for updates.” If any printer driver updates are available, they will be listed under “Optional updates” or “Driver updates.”
Oct 26, 2023

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