Learn how to update drivers in Windows using Device Manager to update or reinstall a driver.

Locate and download the latest driver for your printer model, then follow the installation instructions on the manufacturer’s website. Most drivers are self-installing. After you download one, double-click (or double-tap) the file to begin installing. Then follow these steps to remove and reinstall the printer.

It's best to let Windows install device drivers automatically. But if Windows can't find a driver for your device, you can look for a driver on the device manufacturer's website. Driver updates are often available in the support section of such sites.

If your printer isn't responding, you may need to remove it and reinstall it so Windows can download and install the proper drivers. Make sure your printer is on and connected to your PC. Open Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .

Windows can automatically check if there are drivers available for new devices that you connect to your computer. For hardware that you've connected to your computer in the past, updated drivers might become available at a later date; but those drivers aren't installed automatically.

If a driver for your device couldn’t be automatically installed, there may be an optional driver available that your printer can use. You can check by following the steps below: Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.

Find out how to install printer drivers in Windows. Find out how to set up a default printer in Windows. Find out how to view a printer queue in Windows. If you are having a problem changing your printer's "offline" status, see Troubleshooting offline printer problems.

Download the latest driver for your device, and follow the installation instructions on the website. You can usually double-tap or double-click the downloaded file to install the driver on your PC. If the driver you got from a disc or downloaded from a website doesn't install itself, you might need to install manually.

Update Surface devices and Windows. Download the latest drivers and firmware updates to keep your Surface devices performing their best.

Windows updates released August 10, 2021 and later will, by default, require administrative privilege to install drivers. We made this change in default behavior to address the risk in all Windows devices, including devices that do not use Point and Print or print functionality.