Why You Might Need to Install Printer Drivers

  • New printer not being recognised by the computer
  • Printer worked before but stopped after a Windows/Mac update
  • Missing features (scanning, faxing, ink level display)
  • Generic driver installed but printer-specific features not available

Install on Windows

  1. 1

    Try Windows automatic installation first

    Connect the printer via USB or ensure it is on the same WiFi network. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device. Windows searches and often installs the correct driver automatically. If this works, you are done.

  2. 2

    Download from the manufacturer’s website

    If automatic installation does not work or installs a basic generic driver: go directly to the manufacturer’s support site. Search your exact printer model number (found on a label on the printer). Navigate to the Drivers or Support section. Select your Windows version (Windows 10 or 11, 32-bit or 64-bit). Download the full driver package, not just the “basic driver.”

  3. 3

    Run the installer

    Run the downloaded .exe file. Follow the setup wizard. It will prompt you to connect the printer at the right time (USB) or enter the WiFi network details. Restart the computer if prompted.

Install on Mac

  1. 4

    Connect the printer and let macOS handle it

    Connect via USB or add via WiFi (System Settings → Printers & Scanners → +). macOS prompts to download the driver automatically via Software Update for most modern printers. Click Download and Install. This takes 1–5 minutes.

  2. 5

    Download from manufacturer if automatic fails

    Visit the manufacturer’s website, find your model, select macOS as the operating system, download the .dmg installer file. Open the .dmg and follow the installer prompts.

Manufacturer Driver Download Pages

  • HP: support.hp.com
  • Canon: au.canon.com/support
  • Epson: epson.com.au/support
  • Brother: support.brother.com

Frequently Asked Questions

A Windows Update sometimes removes or corrupts printer drivers. Go to Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager) → Printers → right-click your printer → Update driver → Search automatically. If that fails, uninstall the printer from Printers & Scanners, restart, and re-add it. Download fresh drivers from the manufacturer if the issue persists.
Often not — modern WiFi printers are frequently supported by built-in drivers in Windows and macOS. Add the printer via Settings → Printers & Scanners and the OS downloads a compatible driver automatically. If you want all features (scanning, ink monitoring, advanced settings), installing the full manufacturer driver package provides these extras that the generic driver may not include.