Fix printer driver compatibility issues in Windows
Applies To
Printer driver compatibility issues can occur after upgrading Windows, installing updates, or using a driver that isn’t designed for your Windows version. Follow these steps in order to resolve common compatibility problems.
Make sure you know which version of Windows you’re using before installing a driver.
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Select Start > Settings > System > About.
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Note the Windows edition and version (for example, Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64‑bit).
Windows can automatically install a compatible driver.
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Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
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Select your printer, then select Manage.
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Select Update driver and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Try printing again.
If Windows can’t find a suitable driver, install one from the printer manufacturer.
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Go to the printer manufacturer’s support website.
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Search for your printer model.
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Download a driver that matches:
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Your Windows version (Windows 11)
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Your system type (32‑bit or 64‑bit)
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Install the driver and restart your PC.
Tip:Â Avoid using drivers marked for older or unsupported Windows versions unless no newer drivers are available.
Reinstalling the printer refreshes driver files and settings.
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Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
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Select your printer, then select Remove.
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Restart your PC.
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Return to Printers & scanners, then select Add a printer or scanner.
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Let Windows install the recommended driver.
If the issue started after a recent driver update, rolling back can help.
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Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
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Expand Printers or Print queues.
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Right‑click your printer and select Properties.
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On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver (if available).
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Restart your PC.
A simple restart can resolve temporary driver or service issues.
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Turn off the printer and wait 10 seconds.
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Restart your PC.
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Turn the printer back on and try printing again.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Printer driver compatibility issues can occur after upgrading Windows, installing updates, or using a driver that isn’t designed for your Windows version. Follow these steps in order to resolve common compatibility problems.
Make sure you know which version of Windows you’re using before installing a driver.
-
Select Start > Settings > System > About.
-
Note the Windows edition and version (for example, Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64‑bit).
Windows can automatically install a compatible driver.
-
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
-
Select your printer, then select Manage.
-
Select Update driver and follow the on-screen instructions.
-
Try printing again.
If Windows can’t find a suitable driver, install one from the printer manufacturer.
-
Go to the printer manufacturer’s support website.
-
Search for your printer model.
-
Download a driver that matches:
-
Your Windows version (Windows 10)
-
Your system type (32‑bit or 64‑bit)
-
-
Install the driver and restart your PC.
Tip:Â Avoid using drivers marked for older or unsupported Windows versions unless no newer drivers are available.
Reinstalling the printer refreshes driver files and settings.
-
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
-
Select your printer, then select Remove device.
-
Restart your PC.
-
Return to Printers & scanners, then select Add a printer or scanner.
-
Let Windows install the recommended driver.
If the issue started after a recent driver update, rolling back can help.
-
Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
-
Expand Printers or Print queues.
-
Right‑click your printer and select Properties.
-
On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver (if available).
-
Restart your PC.
A simple restart can resolve temporary driver or service issues.
-
Turn off the printer and wait 10 seconds.
-
Restart your PC.
-
Turn the printer back on and try printing again.
If you're facing a different printer issue, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.