How to Update Printer Drivers

Knowing how to update printer drivers is one of the most practical skills any computer user can have. Outdated or corrupted drivers are behind a surprising number of printing failures — from jobs that disappear into a queue to blurry output and connection drops. Whether you just bought a new printer or your reliable old workhorse suddenly stopped cooperating, a driver update is almost always the first fix worth trying. This guide walks you through every method, on every major platform, so you can get back to printing without frustration. If you are also troubleshooting connectivity, see our guide on how to add a printer to Windows 11 for complementary steps.

Why Printer Drivers Matter

A printer driver is the software layer that translates your computer's print commands into instructions the printer's firmware understands. Without the correct driver, the operating system cannot fully exploit the hardware — duplex printing, color profiles, and paper-size handling all depend on it. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, keeping device software updated is also a baseline security practice, since driver vulnerabilities can expose system resources.

Driver updates are especially important after a major operating system upgrade. When Windows or macOS releases a new version, previously stable drivers can break, causing the printer to appear offline or produce garbled output. Manufacturers typically release updated drivers within weeks of a major OS launch, so checking promptly is worthwhile.

Signs Your Driver Is Outdated

• Print jobs queue up but never print
• Printer shows as "Offline" even when powered on and connected
• Colors look washed out or shifted after an OS update
• Duplex or borderless printing options have disappeared
• Scanning features stopped working on an all-in-one
• Error messages referencing missing or incompatible software

How to Update Printer Drivers on Windows

Windows offers three practical paths for updating printer drivers. The right choice depends on how current your system is and whether Windows Update has already pulled the latest driver package from the manufacturer.

Using Device Manager

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Printers node. If your device appears under Other devices, it likely lacks a working driver entirely.
3. Right-click the printer name and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows queries its local driver store and then Windows Update.
5. If a newer driver is found, it installs automatically. Restart when prompted.

Device Manager also lets you uninstall a driver entirely — useful when a corrupted driver is causing errors. After uninstalling, restart the PC and let Windows reinstall a clean copy on boot.

Via Windows Update

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates.
2. Look under Driver updates for your printer model.
3. Check the box and click Download & install.

Optional updates do not install automatically, so many users miss them. Make it a habit to check this section whenever printing behaves unexpectedly after a Windows feature update.

From the Manufacturer Website

For the most current driver — especially for models just launched — go straight to the manufacturer's support portal. Search for your exact model number, select your operating system version, and download the full driver package rather than a minimal install. The full package includes utilities, firmware updaters, and print preferences panels that the generic Windows driver lacks.

Major manufacturer support portals:

• HP: support.hp.com → Software & Drivers
• Epson: epson.com/support
• Canon: usa.canon.com/support
• Brother: support.brother.com

Once downloaded, run the installer, follow the on-screen prompts, and restart the PC when finished. If you connect your printer via Bluetooth rather than USB or Wi-Fi, our guide on how to connect a printer via Bluetooth covers the pairing steps you will need before installing the driver.

How to Update Printer Drivers on Mac

macOS handles printer drivers differently from Windows. Apple distributes most drivers through its own software update pipeline, pulling packages directly from manufacturers and signing them for security. This means manual driver hunting is rarely necessary on a Mac — but knowing where to look still helps.

System Software Update

1. Open System Settings → General → Software Update.
2. If an update is available, click Update Now. Printer drivers are often bundled into point releases.
3. After updating, open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
4. Select your printer and click Options & Supplies to confirm the driver version shown is the latest.

If macOS shows your printer as "idle" but jobs fail, removing and re-adding the printer often forces macOS to fetch a fresh driver. Click the minus button under Printers & Scanners to remove it, then click plus to re-add.

Manual Download on Mac

Some enterprise or niche printer models require a manual download. Visit the manufacturer site, download a .dmg or .pkg file for macOS, and run the installer. After installation, macOS may prompt you to add the printer again via Printers & Scanners — this is normal and ensures the system links the new driver to your device correctly.

Comparing Update Methods

Each update path has trade-offs in terms of effort, reliability, and the feature set delivered. The table below summarises the key differences so you can choose the best approach for your situation.

For most home users, the automatic Windows or macOS update path is sufficient. Power users and small business owners who rely on advanced color management or finishing options should always pull the full package from the manufacturer. If you are choosing between printer types and want to understand long-term running costs, our laser toner vs inkjet ink cost breakdown can help inform your decision before you commit to a model.

After the Update: What to Check

Installing a new driver is only half the job. A quick verification pass catches most problems before they interrupt your workflow.

Running a Test Print

1. On Windows, go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, select your printer, and click Print a test page.
2. On Mac, open Printers & Scanners, select the printer, click Open Print Queue, then choose Printer → Print Test Page.
3. Examine the output for alignment, color accuracy, and completeness.
4. Open the print preferences dialog and confirm that any missing options — duplex, borderless, paper types — have returned.

How to Roll Back a Driver

Occasionally a new driver introduces new problems. Windows makes rolling back straightforward:

1. Open Device Manager and right-click the printer.
2. Choose Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver.
3. Follow the prompts. If the button is greyed out, Windows has not stored a previous version and you will need to download an older driver from the manufacturer's archive.

On Mac, rollback is done by uninstalling the current driver package through the manufacturer's uninstaller (found in Applications → [Brand] Software), then downloading an earlier version from the manufacturer's archive page.

Pro Tips for Keeping Drivers Current

Reactive troubleshooting is necessary, but a few proactive habits reduce how often you need to update printer drivers at all.

• Enable automatic driver updates in Windows Update. In Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options, turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products. This keeps drivers flowing without manual checks.
• Install manufacturer utility software. HP Smart, Epson Connect, Canon IJ Network Tool, and equivalent apps monitor driver status and prompt you when updates are available.
• Check for driver updates before major OS upgrades. Prepare your driver library before upgrading Windows or macOS, not after printing breaks.
• Keep firmware current too. Printer firmware and drivers work as a pair. Firmware updates are delivered through the manufacturer's utility or directly via the printer's embedded web interface.
• Document your driver version. Note the driver version number in Device Manager before any update. If the new driver fails, you know exactly what version to restore.
• Use a wired connection for driver installation. USB or Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi during driver setup; switch to wireless afterward if preferred.

Staying on top of printer drivers is a small investment that pays off in consistent, high-quality output. For a broader view of the printers we test and recommend, visit our printers review hub where the Ceedo team covers every category from compact inkjets to high-volume laser models.