How-toPrinters and Scanners

How to install printer drivers safely

Find the right driver for your printer from Windows Update or the maker's own website, install it, and avoid fake driver sites and driver updater programs.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Mac

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A printer driver is the software that lets your computer send documents to the printer in a form it understands. Get the correct one safely, from Windows itself or from the printer maker, and learn to spot the fake driver sites that put computers at risk.

Windows 10 no longer gets free updates

Free security updates for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. If you still use it, be extra careful about what you download, and plan to move to Windows 11.

What you need

  • The exact model name of your printer, printed on the printer, such as on the front or a label. A family name is not enough, because one range has many models.
  • Your version of Windows or macOS. On Windows, open Settings then System then About to see it.
  • An internet connection and about 15 minutes.

Do you need a driver at all?

Often not. Modern printers can print without a maker's driver. Windows includes drivers for many printers and can fetch more through Windows Update. Many current network printers also work with standards such as AirPrint on Apple devices and Mopria on Android and Windows, so they need no extra software. Check this first, because the fewer programs you install, the fewer things can go wrong.

Where to get a driver, safest firstA top-to-bottom flow chart with 8 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Where to get a driver, safestfirstNoNoNo1Let Windows add theprinter by itself2Does a test page print?Yes: You are done3Check Windows Update4Works now?Yes: You are done5Download from theprinter maker's ownwebsite6Works now?Yes: You are done7Use the disc that camewith the printer, if it fitsyour WindowsStill stuck? Use the maker'ssupport page for yourmodel.
Move down only if the step above did not work.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Let Windows add the printer by itself
  2. Question 2: Does a test page print? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Check Windows Update
  4. Question 4: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Download from the printer maker's own website
  6. Question 6: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  7. Step 7: Use the disc that came with the printer, if it fits your Windows
  8. If nothing worked: Still stuck? Use the maker's support page for your model.

Get the driver, safest source first

Step 1: Let Windows try first

  1. Connect the printer and switch it on.
  2. On Windows 11, open Settings then Bluetooth & devices then Printers & scanners. On Windows 10, open Settings then Devices then Printers & scanners.
  3. Add the printer as in how to add a printer in Windows. Windows installs a driver as part of this.
  4. Print a test page. If it prints, you are finished.

Microsoft notes that you may see a Find drivers button afterwards. The printer should work, but with reduced functions, until the full driver is installed.

Step 2: Check Windows Update

  1. On Windows 11, open Settings then Windows Update. On Windows 10, open Settings then Update & Security then Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates, install what is offered, and restart if asked.
  3. Try the test page again.

Step 3: Download from the printer maker

This is the safe route for extra features, such as scanning software. Windows Update and the maker's website are the two sources to trust.

  1. Open your browser and type the maker's website address yourself, or use a bookmark. Do not click an advertisement, and do not trust a search result that has "Ad" or "Sponsored" beside it.
  2. Find the Support or Drivers section.
  3. Enter your exact printer model.
  4. Choose your operating system. Pick the driver or the full software package for it.
  5. Download, then run the file. Windows may ask permission. If the prompt shows a publisher, it should be the printer maker.
  6. Follow the prompts. Connect the printer only when the setup asks you to.
  7. Restart the computer if asked, then print a test page.

Fake driver sites and driver updaters

Do not use "driver updater" or "driver scanner" programs, and do not download a driver from a site that is not the printer maker or your operating system. Such sites may bundle unwanted software or charge you for what is free. Never call a number shown in a pop-up that claims your printer needs a driver. Makers publish drivers on their own support pages. See safe downloads and fake driver sites.

Installing on a Mac

A Mac can usually add an AirPrint printer without extra software. Open System Settings then Printers & Scanners and choose Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. See add a printer or scanner on a Mac. Apple says the printer must support AirPrint over a Wi-Fi or wired network. If the maker's software is needed for a feature, download it from the maker's website for your model and macOS version.

Check that it worked

  1. Open the printer list, as in Step 1, and make sure your printer appears once, with no warning.
  2. Print a test page.
  3. If you installed the maker's software package, open Settings then Apps then Installed apps on Windows 11 (or Settings then Apps then Apps & features on Windows 10) and check the maker's software appears under its right name.

If something goes wrong

Frequently asked questions

Is the disc in the box safe to use?

A disc that came in the printer's box is from the maker, but it may be out of date and may not suit your version of Windows. The maker's website has the newest version.

Should I install a "full software package" or only the driver?

If you only print, the driver is enough. The full package adds extras such as scanning software and maker utilities.

Do I need to uninstall the old driver first?

Not usually. If you have trouble, remove the old printer first. See the driver guide linked above.

What does driverless printing mean?

The printer tells the computer what it can do, using a standard such as AirPrint or Mopria, so no maker driver is needed.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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Beware of fake support

Real support never asks you to call an unfamiliar number, pay with gift cards or let a stranger control your computer.

Read how to stay safe online