How do I update my printer driver?

Updating your printer driver ensures your printer works correctly and is compatible with the latest operating system updates and features. Here’s how you can update your printer driver on both Windows and macOS.

1. Updating Printer Driver on Windows

Automatic Method (Windows Update)

Windows often automatically updates drivers through Windows Update.

  1. Step 1: Open Settings.
    • Press Win + I or click the Start menu and select Settings.
  2. Step 2: Go to Update & Security.
    • Select Windows Update from the sidebar.
  3. Step 3: Click Check for updates.
    • Windows will search for and install any available updates, including printer drivers.

Manual Method (Device Manager)

If the automatic method doesn’t work or you want to manually update the driver:

  1. Step 1: Open Device Manager.
    • Press Win + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
  2. Step 2: Find your printer.
    • Expand the Printers or Print queues section to locate your printer.
  3. Step 3: Right-click the printer and select Update driver.
  4. Step 4: Choose how to search for drivers.
    • Search automatically for updated driver software: Windows will search online for the latest driver.
    • Browse my computer for driver software: Use this option if you’ve already downloaded the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
  5. Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

Manual Download and Installation

  1. Step 1: Go to the printer manufacturer’s website.
    • Visit the support or downloads section.
  2. Step 2: Search for your printer model.
    • Enter your printer model in the search bar.
  3. Step 3: Download the latest driver.
    • Choose the correct driver for your version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10, 11, 32-bit, 64-bit).
  4. Step 4: Install the driver.
    • Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

2. Updating Printer Driver on macOS

Automatic Method (System Preferences)

macOS automatically checks for and installs printer drivers through Software Update.

  1. Step 1: Open System Preferences.
    • Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Preferences.
  2. Step 2: Go to Software Update.
    • macOS will check for available updates, including printer drivers.
  3. Step 3: Install any available updates.
    • If a printer driver update is available, click Update Now.

Manual Method (Printer & Scanners Settings)

If the automatic method doesn’t work, you can try manually updating the driver.

  1. Step 1: Open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners.
  2. Step 2: Select your printer.
    • In the left-hand menu, click your printer.
  3. Step 3: Click Options & Supplies.
  4. Step 4: Click Driver or Options.
    • Check for any available driver updates.

Manual Download and Installation

  1. Step 1: Visit the printer manufacturer’s website.
    • Go to the support or downloads section.
  2. Step 2: Search for your printer model.
    • Enter your printer model in the search bar.
  3. Step 3: Download the latest driver.
    • Ensure you download the correct driver for macOS.
  4. Step 4: Install the driver.
    • Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

3. Verifying the Update

After updating the driver, print a test page or document to ensure everything is working correctly. If you encounter any issues, you may need to reinstall the driver or contact the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.