Outdated or corrupted printer drivers cause many everyday problems: the printer disappears from the list, jobs get stuck, print quality looks wrong, or Windows shows a generic driver instead of your model. Updating drivers is usually quick and is one of the best fixes you can try before deeper troubleshooting.
This guide covers Windows Update, manufacturer downloads, and clean reinstall steps, plus how to update drivers on Mac.
When You Should Update Printer Drivers
Update drivers if you recently upgraded your operating system, changed routers or networks, see new error codes, cannot print after a Windows update, or print quality suddenly degraded. If everything worked yesterday and fails today, a driver refresh is a strong first step.
How to Update Printer Drivers on Windows
Method 1: Windows Update
1. Open Settings → Windows Update (or Update & Security on older Windows 10 builds). 2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates, including optional updates if you see Driver updates or Optional updates. 3. Restart your PC, then try printing again.
Windows often delivers WHQL-tested drivers automatically. This is the easiest path when it works.
Method 2: Device Manager
1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager. 2. Expand Print queues (or look under Other devices if the printer shows with a warning icon). 3. Right‑click your printer → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows cannot find a newer driver, use Method 3.
Method 3: Download From the Manufacturer
1. Visit your printer maker’s support site (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.). 2. Enter your exact model (from the label on the printer). 3. Download the recommended or full feature driver package for your Windows version (64‑bit is standard on modern PCs). 4. Run the installer, follow prompts, and restart if asked.
Avoid third‑party “driver updater” utilities; they are unnecessary and can install unwanted software.
Method 4: Remove and Reinstall the Printer
If updates do not help, reinstall cleanly:
1. Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners (or Devices → Printers & scanners on some builds). 2. Select the printer → Remove. 3. Unplug USB printers or restart the printer for network models. 4. Run the manufacturer installer again, or use Add device and let Windows detect the printer.
This clears a corrupted queue entry or mismatched driver selection.
How to Update Printer Drivers on Mac
macOS includes many printer drivers through AirPrint and system updates.
1. Open System Settings → General → Software Update and install updates. 2. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners. 3. Select your printer → remove it with −, then add it again with + and choose the correct driver or AirPrint if available.
For some models, the manufacturer provides a macOS installer on their website. Download only from the official support page for your model.
After Updating: Quick Checks
Print a test page from the printer’s control panel or from Printer properties on Windows. Confirm paper size and tray settings in the print dialog match what you loaded. If issues remain, check cables, Wi‑Fi, or firewall settings, or contact support for model-specific steps.
Still Having Trouble?
If the printer still fails after a clean driver install, there may be a spooler issue, port conflict, or hardware fault. Contact technical support at +1-888-804-0557 for guided troubleshooting.