Windows & Mac Setup Guide

Printer Driver Installation Guide

Get the correct driver installed and recognized by Windows or macOS. Follow the section that matches your operating system below.

Windows

Open Printers & Scanners

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Add your printer

Select "Add device" and wait for your printer to appear in the list, then choose it. Windows will try to install a matching driver automatically.

Use Windows Update if it's not found

If your printer doesn't appear, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, and check for a driver update listed under "Driver updates."

Restart the print spooler if installs get stuck

Open the Services app, find "Print Spooler," right-click and choose Restart. This clears a common cause of installs that hang or fail partway through.

macOS

Open Printers & Scanners

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Add your printer

Click the plus (+) button, select your printer from the list, and confirm the "Use" driver shown is correct — macOS usually selects the right one automatically via AirPrint or a bundled driver.

Install additional software if prompted

If macOS prompts to install additional software for your printer, allow it — this adds manufacturer-specific features like ink-level reporting.

Reset the printing system if problems continue

Control-click your printer list and choose "Reset printing system." This removes all printers and lets you re-add them cleanly, which resolves most persistent driver conflicts.

Stay safe: only install drivers from Windows Update, macOS's built-in tools, or the manufacturer's official site. Avoid pop-ups or emails urging you to download a "critical driver update."

Driver FAQ

Do I need to download anything from a third-party website?

No — for most modern printers, Windows Update or macOS's built-in driver library provides everything needed. Be cautious of third-party "driver update" tools, which are a common source of unwanted software.

My printer worked before an OS update, then stopped. What changed?

Major Windows or macOS updates occasionally replace or reset printer drivers. Re-adding the printer through the steps above usually re-establishes the correct driver.

Can I install a printer driver without an internet connection?

Some printers include driver installation media in the box, but an internet connection is recommended so your computer can fetch the most current, compatible version.

Driver installed but printer still offline?

That's usually a network issue, not a driver one — check our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide next.

Fix Wi-Fi Connection