How to Update Printer Drivers in Windows 11?
Updating printer drivers is essential to maintain printing quality, improve system compatibility, and fix bugs. Many users ignore driver updates until the printer stops working. However, updating drivers regularly helps prevent issues such as printer offline errors, connection failures, and slow printing.
If you use printers from HP, Epson, Canon, or Brother, updating drivers ensures better performance, compatibility, and security. Windows 11 provides multiple built-in and manual methods to update printer drivers easily.
In this detailed guide, we will learn all the ways to update printer drivers in Windows 11 using different methods, including Windows Update, Device Manager, and manufacturer websites.
Let’s explore all these steps in detail!
How to Update Printer Drivers in Windows 11?
To update printer drivers in Windows 11, open Settings and go to Windows Update to check for available updates. You can also update drivers manually through Device Manager or download the latest driver directly from the printer manufacturer’s website. Installing updated drivers ensures better compatibility, performance, and fewer printing errors.
Windows 11 offers automatic driver updates through Windows Update, but sometimes the latest driver may not appear immediately. In such cases, manual updates from Device Manager or official manufacturer websites provide the newest version. Updating drivers also helps when installing a new printer or upgrading your system.
Let’s learn all the methods one by one!
1: Check Your Printer Model and Current Driver
Before updating drivers, you need to identify your printer model and check the currently installed driver. This helps ensure you download or install the correct version.
Press the Windows key and type Control Panel. Open the Control Panel and select Devices and Printers. Locate your printer and right-click on it. Select Printer properties and open the Hardware tab. You will see the printer model and driver details.
Note down the printer model and driver version. This information helps you confirm whether your driver needs updating and ensures compatibility when installing new drivers.
2: Update Printer Drivers Using Windows Update
The easiest way to update printer drivers in Windows 11 is through Windows Update. Microsoft regularly releases driver updates for supported devices through its update system.
Open Settings by pressing Windows plus I. Click on Windows Update from the left panel. Select Check for updates. Windows will search for system and driver updates automatically.
If a printer driver update is available, it will download and install automatically. Restart your computer after installation to complete the update process.
Windows Update is recommended for most users because it installs verified and stable drivers. However, it may not always provide the latest version released by the manufacturer.
3: Update Printer Drivers via Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to update printer drivers manually from within Windows. This method is useful when Windows Update does not find the latest driver.
Press Windows plus X and select Device Manager. In the Device Manager window, locate Print queues or Printers and expand the section. Right-click your printer and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search online and install the latest available driver. Wait for the process to complete and restart your system.
If Windows does not find a new driver, you can choose Browse my computer for drivers and install a driver downloaded manually from the manufacturer’s website.
4: Download Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website
If you want the latest features and fixes, finding and downloading the Right Printer Drivers from the manufacturer’s website is the best option. This ensures you install the most recent and compatible driver for your printer.
Open your browser and visit the official website of your printer manufacturer. Search for your printer model in the support or drivers section. Choose Windows 11 as the operating system and download the latest driver.
After downloading, locate the file and double-click it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. Restart your computer once the installation is complete.
Installing drivers from official websites ensures authenticity and avoids compatibility issues. It is especially useful for advanced printers with additional software and features.
5: Update Drivers Through Optional Updates
Windows 11 also provides optional driver updates that may not install automatically. Checking optional updates helps you find additional printer driver updates.
Open Settings and go to Windows Update. Click Advanced options and then select Optional updates. Expand the Driver updates section.
If you see a printer driver listed, select it and click Download and install. Restart your computer after installation to apply the update.
Optional updates often include newer or alternate drivers that improve performance and compatibility.
6: Reinstall Printer Drivers for a Clean Update
Sometimes updating drivers does not fix printing issues. In such cases, reinstalling the printer driver completely can resolve conflicts or corruption.
Open Device Manager and expand Print queues. Right-click your printer and select Uninstall device. Confirm the removal and restart your computer.
After restarting, reconnect your printer. Windows will attempt to install the default driver automatically. You can then install the latest driver from Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website.
Reinstalling drivers removes corrupted files and ensures a clean installation.
7: Use Printer Software Utilities
Many printer brands provide dedicated software to manage updates and settings. Installing these tools helps keep drivers updated automatically.
Download the official printer software from the manufacturer’s website. Install the software and open it. Look for an option such as Check for updates or Update drivers.
Follow the prompts to install the latest driver and firmware updates. Restart your system after completion.
Using official software is beneficial for advanced features such as scanning, wireless setup, and maintenance tools.
Testing
After updating the driver, it is important to verify that the update was successful and that the printer works properly.
Open the Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers. Right-click your printer and select Printer properties. Check the driver version in the About or Advanced section.
Print a test page to ensure the printer functions correctly. If the test page prints without errors, the driver update is successful.
If problems persist, consider reinstalling the driver or downloading a different version from the manufacturer’s website.
FAQs
Why should I update printer drivers in Windows 11?
Updating printer drivers improves compatibility, fixes bugs, enhances performance, and ensures smooth communication between the printer and computer.
How often should printer drivers be updated?
You should check for driver updates every few months or whenever you experience printing issues after a Windows update.
Can outdated drivers cause printer errors?
Yes. Outdated drivers can cause printing failures, connectivity problems, slow printing, and compatibility issues with Windows 11.
Is it safe to download printer drivers from third-party websites?
It is always recommended to download drivers from official manufacturer websites or Windows Update to avoid malware and compatibility problems.
What should I do if the printer driver update fails?
Restart your computer and try updating again. If it still fails, uninstall the existing driver and reinstall the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
Do I need to update drivers for wireless printers?
Yes. Wireless printers also require driver updates to maintain connectivity, performance, and compatibility with Windows 11.