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
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Windows 11 Windows 10 More...Less

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:

SelectStart, then select Settings > Windows Update.

Open Windows Update
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:

After the check is complete, select Advanced options, then selectOptional updates.
Select Driver updates if available.
Select a checkbox next to a driver that's associated with your printer.
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.

Right-clickStart, then select Settings> Bluetooth & devices> Printers & scanners.
Find the printer, select it, then selectRemove.
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:

SelectStart, then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Open Windows Update.
Select Check for updates.

Once the update check is done running, select View optional updatesif this is visible.
On the next screen, expandDriver updates.
If you see the applicable drivers for your printer, select the updates you want to download and install.
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.”

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.

Select Start, then select Settings> Devices > Printers & scanners.
UnderPrinters & scanners,find the printer, select it,and then selectRemove device.
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:

SelectStart, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .
Scroll down toRelated Settingsand select Print server properties.
Select the Drivers tab, and see if your printer is listed. If it is, you’re all set.
If you don’t see your printer listed, select Add, and in the Welcome to the Add Printer Driver Wizard, select Next.
Select your device’s architecture, and then select Next.
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.
Select Next, select Finish,and follow the instructions to add your driver.
Follow the instructions in the section above to remove and reinstall the printer.