Applies ToWindows 11 Windows 10

Windows 11Windows 10

Notes: We are aware of some ARM PC’s (for example Copilot+ PC’s) not being able to add/install a printer using the included installer or by downloading the installer from the manufacturer’s website. 

  • To fix this, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click on "Add device" instead to add the printer manually, unless the manufacturer has specific guidance for Windows on ARM PCs.

  • To find out if you have an ARM device, go to Settings > System > About, and look for "System type" property under "Device specifications". ARM devices have "ARM based processor" under system type.

Most printers require that you install the latest printer driver to help the printer work well. Your driver could also be damaged if you've experienced power outages, computer viruses, or other problems. If your printer isn't responding, downloading and installing the latest printer driver can often resolve these problems.

Install the latest printer driver

Here are several ways to update your printer driver.

Windows Update might find an updated version of your printer driver. To use it:

  1. Select Start , then select Settings  > Windows Update.

    Open Windows Update

  2. Select Check for updates.

If Windows Update finds an updated driver, it will download and install it, and your printer will automatically use it. If a device driver couldn’t be installed automatically, there may be an optional driver available that your printer can use. To check for optional drivers:

  1. After the check is complete, select Advanced options, then select Optional updates.

  2. Select Driver updates if available.

  3. Select a checkbox next to a driver that's associated with your printer.

  4. Select Download & install.

Note: If you didn't find an optional driver that works for your printer, you might need to download and install the driver from the printer manufacturer’s website. 

If your printer came with a disc, it might contain software that can help you install drivers for your printer or it may be able to help you check for driver updates.

Printer manufacturers like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother frequently release updated drivers on their websites for improved performance and compatibility. Follow the below steps to download printer drivers from the manufacturer.

  1. Identify your printer model: The model number is usually printed on the printer itself or listed on your purchase information.

  2. Visit the official website of your printer’s manufacturer (e.g., HP.com, Canon.com).

  3. Go to the Support or Drivers section.

  4. Enter your printer model in the search bar to locate the specific driver page.

  5. Select Windows 11 as your operating system, if available, and download the latest driver file.

  6. Most drivers are self-installing. After you download, double-click (or double-tap) the file to begin installing.

  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. This may include accepting the license agreement, selecting installation preferences, and connecting the printer. Restart your PC if prompted, to finalize the driver installation.

If your printer is still not responding, you may need to remove it and reinstall it to allow Windows to download and install the correct drivers. Follow the below steps to remove and reinstall the printer.

  1. Right-click Start , then select Settings  > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

    Open Printers & scanners

  2. Find the printer, select it, then select Remove.

  3. After removing your printer, add it back by selecting Add device. Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want, then select Add device.

Most printers require that you install the latest printer driver so that the printer will work well. If you recently upgraded from an earlier version of Windows, your printer driver might work with the previous version but might not work well or at all with Windows 10.  Also, if you've experienced power outages, computer viruses, or other problems, your printer driver might be damaged. Downloading and installing the latest printer driver can often resolve these problems. 

Install the latest printer driver

Here are several ways to update your printer driver.

Windows Update might find an updated version of your printer driver. To use it:

  1. Select Start , then select Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update.Open Windows Update.

  2. Select Check for updates.

If Windows Update finds an updated driver, it will download and install it, and your printer will automatically use it. If a device driver couldn’t be installed automatically, there may be an optional driver available that your printer can use. To check for optional drivers:

  1. Once the update check is done running, select View optional updates if this is visible.

  2. On the next screen, expand Driver updates.

  3. If you see the applicable drivers for your printer, select the updates you want to download and install.

  4. Select Download and install.

Note: If you didn't find an optional driver that works for your printer, you might need to download and install the driver from the printer manufacturer’s website. 

If your printer came with a disc, it might contain software that can help you install drivers for your printer or check for driver updates.

Printer manufacturers like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother frequently release updated drivers on their websites for improved performance and compatibility. Follow the below steps to download printer drivers from the manufacturer.

  1. Identify your printer model: The model number is usually printed on the printer itself or listed on your purchase information.

  2. Visit the official website of your printer’s manufacturer (e.g., HP.com, Canon.com).

  3. Go to the Support or Drivers section.

  4. Enter your printer model in the search bar to locate the specific driver page.

  5. Select Windows 10 as your operating system, if available, and download the latest driver file.

  6. Most drivers are self-installing. After you download one, double-click (or double-tap) the file to begin installing.

  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. This may include accepting the license agreement, selecting installation preferences, and connecting the printer. Restart your PC if prompted, to finalize the driver installation.

If your printer is still not responding, you may need to remove it and reinstall it to allow Windows to download and install the correct drivers. Follow the below steps to remove and reinstall the printer.

  1. Select Start , then select Settings  > Devices  > Printers & scanners .​​​​​​​ Open Printers & scanners.

  2. Under Printers & scanners, find the printer, select it, and then select Remove device.

  3. After removing your printer, add it back by selecting Add a printer or scanner. Wait for your device to find nearby printers, select the one you want, and then select Add device.

What to do if the driver doesn't install

If you double-click the installation file and nothing happens, follow these steps:

  1. Select Start , then select Settings  > Devices  > Printers & scanners .Open Printers & scanners

  2. Scroll down to Related Settings and select Print server properties.

  3. Select the Drivers tab, and see if your printer is listed. If it is, you’re all set.

  4. If you don’t see your printer listed, select Add, and in the Welcome to the Add Printer Driver Wizard, select Next.

  5. Select your device’s architecture, and then select Next.

  6. On the left, select your printer manufacturer, and on the right, select your printer driver. If you don't see your printer manufacturer, select the Windows Update button to update the list.Add Printer Device Wizard

  7. Select Next, select Finish, and follow the instructions to add your driver.

  8. Follow the instructions in the section above to remove and reinstall the printer.

Related topics

Facebook LinkedIn Email
SUBSCRIBE RSS FEEDS

Need more help?

Want more options?

Discover Community Contact Us

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support