Printer Driver Download and Installation
If your printer will not print, is missing from your list of devices, or stopped responding after an update, the driver is a common and fixable cause. We'll walk you through finding and installing the right one, step by step.
A printer driver is simply the small piece of software that lets your computer and your printer understand each other. When it is missing, outdated, or does not match your exact model, printing can stop working even though there is nothing wrong with the printer itself.
The good news is that installing the correct driver is usually a straightforward job you can do yourself in a few minutes. This page walks you through identifying your model, downloading the right file from the manufacturer's own website, and installing it cleanly on Windows or a Mac. If you would rather not do it alone, help is available and completely optional.
Why it happens
Common causes
Missing driver
The software your computer needs to talk to the printer was never installed, or was removed at some point.
Wrong model driver
A driver for a similar but different model was installed, so some features do not behave correctly.
Outdated driver after an update
A recent operating system update changed how drivers work and left your older one incompatible.
Conflicting leftover driver
An old driver from a previous printer or a failed install is getting in the way of the new one.
Incomplete download or install
The driver file did not download or install fully, so it cannot run the way it should.
Try this first
Step-by-step fixes you can do yourself
Work through these in order. There's no need to buy anything — many printers are back to normal by the end of this list.
Find your printer's exact model name and number
The most important step is knowing precisely which printer you have, because a driver made for a slightly different model may not work. Look on the front or top of the printer for a model name and number, then check the label on the back or bottom for the full number, which often includes letters as well as digits. Write it down exactly as printed. If your printer has a small screen, you can usually find the model in its settings or information menu as well.
Decide whether you even need to download a driver
Modern versions of Windows and macOS include built-in drivers for many common printers, so you may not need to download anything at all. On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners, and click 'Add device' to see whether your printer appears and installs on its own. On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences), choose Printers & Scanners, click the plus (+) button, and see if your printer is listed. If it installs and prints a test page correctly, you are finished. If a feature you need is missing, or the printer never appears, continue to the next step.
Go to the manufacturer's own website
Always download drivers from the printer maker's own website rather than a random search result or a third-party 'driver download' site, which can bundle in software you did not ask for. Open your web browser and type the manufacturer's own web address directly, then look for a 'Support,' 'Drivers,' or 'Downloads' section. Enter the exact model number you wrote down earlier. Take your time and confirm the page matches your printer before downloading anything.
Choose the correct driver for your operating system
Before downloading, make sure you pick the version that matches your computer. On Windows, press the Windows key, type 'About,' and open 'About your PC' to see whether you have a 64-bit or 32-bit system and which version of Windows you are running. On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose 'About This Mac' to see your macOS version name. Select the matching driver on the download page. If the site offers both a 'full software' package and a 'basic driver,' the full package usually adds scanning and setup tools.
Remove old or conflicting drivers first
If a previous driver failed, or you are replacing an old printer, clearing the old software helps prevent conflicts. On Windows, open Settings, go to Printers & scanners, click the old printer, and choose 'Remove device'; you can also open 'Apps' to uninstall any leftover printer software from that maker. On a Mac, open System Settings, choose Printers & Scanners, select the old printer, and click the minus (-) button. Restart your computer after removing old drivers so the changes take full effect.
Install the new driver
Find the file you downloaded, usually in your Downloads folder. On Windows it will typically end in '.exe'; double-click it and follow the on-screen prompts, choosing your connection type (USB or wireless) when asked. On a Mac the file often ends in '.dmg'; double-click to open it, then double-click the installer inside and follow the steps. Accept any prompt asking for permission to install. If you are using a wired connection, plug in the USB cable only when the installer tells you to.
Add the printer and print a test page
After installing, confirm the printer is set up correctly. On Windows, go to Settings, Printers & scanners, and make sure your printer is listed; you can right-click it in Control Panel's 'Devices and Printers,' choose 'Printer properties,' and select 'Print Test Page.' On a Mac, open Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and print a short document or use the built-in print-test option. If you want this printer to be the one your computer uses automatically, choose 'Set as default' on either system.
If it still will not work, restart and recheck the basics
A restart clears up many lingering issues. Turn the printer off and on, restart your computer, and check that the USB cable is firmly seated or that the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Make sure your operating system is fully up to date, since a pending update can stop a new driver from working. If problems continue, write down any exact wording you see on screen, because that detail makes the fix much easier to pin down.
Sometimes a driver simply will not cooperate, or you would just feel more comfortable having someone stay on the line while you go through it, and that is perfectly reasonable. Printer Help Hub is an independent support service, and this help is entirely optional. You are welcome to a free consultation to describe what is happening, and if any paid work would help, we will explain it and give you a clear quote for your approval before anything begins. Our support hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET, and there is never any pressure to decide on the spot.
Prefer a printable walkthrough?
Our free guide covers this step by step: How to Install the Right Printer Driver.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Honest answers about this problem and how we can help.
Is Printer Help Hub part of my printer's manufacturer?
No. We are an independent, third-party technical-support service and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any printer manufacturer. Any brand names we mention are only to describe the equipment you may own.
Do I always need to download a driver?
Not always. Windows and macOS include built-in drivers for many popular printers, so it is worth trying the built-in setup first. You mainly need a downloaded driver when the built-in option does not appear, or when a feature you need, such as scanning, is missing.
Where should I download a driver from?
The printer manufacturer's own website is the source we recommend. It is wise to avoid third-party 'driver updater' sites, since they sometimes include extra software you did not ask for.
The old driver will not uninstall. What can I do?
Try removing the printer from your Printers & scanners settings, then restart your computer and remove any related app from your list of installed programs. If it still remains, we are glad to walk through it with you.
Will installing a new driver delete my documents or settings?
No. Installing a printer driver only updates the software your computer uses to communicate with the printer. Your files, photos, and personal settings are not affected.
What does getting help cost, and are refunds available?
Your first consultation is free, and you will always receive a clear quote to approve before any paid work begins. If you paid for a service and it was not delivered as agreed, you can request a refund within 14 days.
Prefer to talk it through?
Start a free chat and tell us what your printer is doing. We'll help you sort it out — calmly, and with the cost explained before any paid work.
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