How to Install or Update a Printer Driver Safely

Quick answer

To install a printer driver safely, let Windows Update or macOS install it automatically when you add the printer, or download it from the printer manufacturer’s official support site. A driver is the small program that lets your computer talk to the printer. If printing stopped working after an update, removing the printer and adding it again with a fresh driver often fixes it. This guide is for Windows and Mac users who need a new driver or want to update an old one.

Before you start

• Find the exact model. “LaserJet” or “PIXMA” alone is not enough. Note the full model name and number from the printer’s label.
• Know your system. On Windows, open Settings, then System, then About. On a Mac, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu.
• Restart first. Restart the computer and printer. Many driver problems clear up after a simple restart.
• Only use official sources. Drivers should come from Windows Update, macOS updates or the manufacturer’s official support site. Avoid “free driver” websites and driver-updater programs. They can install the wrong driver, bundle unwanted software or carry malware.
• Watch for scams. Real printer companies don’t cold-call you about driver problems or ask for remote access to your computer. Never share passwords or product keys with anyone who contacts you.

How to install a printer driver

Windows 11: let Windows find the driver

1. Open Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners.
2. Select Add device and wait for your printer to appear, then select Add device next to it. Windows usually downloads a suitable driver automatically.
3. To check for newer drivers, open Settings, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates.
4. Still in Windows Update, open Advanced options, then Optional updates (in most versions). If you see a driver update for your printer, select it and install it.

Windows 11: install the manufacturer’s driver

1. Go to the manufacturer’s official support website. If you are not sure of the address, start from the support link in your printer’s manual or on the printer’s box.
2. Search for your exact model and choose your operating system.
3. Download the recommended driver or full software package. A “full” package often adds scanning and maintenance tools.
4. Open the downloaded file and follow the installer. Windows may ask for permission to make changes, which is normal for a driver you downloaded yourself.
5. Connect the printer when the installer tells you to, then print a test page.

Update or reinstall a driver on Windows

If a driver is installed but printing fails, a clean reinstall often helps:

1. In Printers & scanners, select the printer and choose Remove.
2. Scroll down to Related settings and open Print server properties.
3. On the Drivers tab, select your printer’s driver and choose Remove. If asked, choose to remove the driver and driver package. If Windows says the driver is in use, restart the computer and try again.
4. Restart the computer, then add the printer again using either method above.

Device Manager can also update some drivers, but for printers, the methods above are usually clearer.

macOS

Most printers work on a Mac without a separate download:

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, then Printers & Scanners.
2. Click the button to add a printer, select yours and click Add.
3. If the printer supports AirPrint (Apple’s built-in printing system), macOS uses it with no extra driver.
4. If the Mac needs software for your model, it may offer to download it through Software Update. Agree if prompted.
5. To update, open System Settings, then General, then Software Update, and install any available updates.

If you need full features such as scanning tools, download the Mac software for your exact model from the manufacturer’s official support site and run the installer. To reinstall, remove the printer from Printers & Scanners by selecting it and using the remove option, then add it again.

Once the driver is in place, see how to add a printer to a Windows PC or Mac if the printer still does not appear in your list.

If this does not work

Work through these in order:

1. Restart everything, including the router if the printer is on Wi-Fi.
2. Check you downloaded the right version. Make sure the driver matches your exact model and operating system.
3. Try the other method. If the manufacturer’s driver fails, try the Windows Update or macOS built-in driver, and the other way around.
4. Do a clean reinstall. Remove the printer and its driver, restart, then add it again.
5. Try a different connection. If a network printer fails to install, a USB cable can help confirm whether the issue is the driver or the network.
6. Run Windows printer troubleshooting. The Get Help app in Windows 11 includes printer troubleshooting steps.

If the driver installs but nothing prints, see what to do when your printer won’t print.

When to get professional help

Contact the manufacturer’s support or a qualified technician if:

• No driver is listed for your model and operating system on the manufacturer’s site (the model may no longer be supported)
• The official installer fails repeatedly with the same error
• Your antivirus or Windows Security warns about a driver file (don’t override the warning; delete the file and get the driver from the official site instead)
• The computer is managed by a workplace or school IT team

FAQ

Do I need to install a printer driver on Windows 11?

Often not manually. Windows 11 can usually find and install a driver when you add the printer. You only need the manufacturer’s driver if the built-in one doesn’t work or lacks features you need.

Are driver-updater programs safe to use?

It’s best to avoid them. They are not needed for printers, and some install unwanted software or wrong drivers. Use Windows Update, macOS updates or the manufacturer’s official site instead.

Why does my printer say “driver unavailable”?

This usually means the installed driver is damaged, missing or doesn’t match the printer. Remove the printer, restart the computer and add it again, or install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s official site.

How often should I update my printer driver?

You don’t need a regular schedule. Keep Windows or macOS up to date, and update the printer driver if you notice problems or the manufacturer releases a fix for your model.

What if my printer is too old for a current driver?

Check whether your Mac or PC can print to it with a built-in or AirPrint driver. If not, the manufacturer’s support site may list workarounds, or it may be time to consider a newer printer.