Printer drivers allow your printer to ‘speak’ to your computer. But out-of-date drivers can be the source of many printing problems. Updating the drivers on your printer can be an easy, effective fix.

Older printer drivers may have bugs that can be cured by updating the driver. Similarly, if you’ve upgraded your operating system – from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10, for example – the older driver may not work properly.

Search online for new printer drivers

The best way to make sure you have the latest drivers is to note your printer’s model number, then visit the manufacturer’s website. Look for a new driver in the download or support area for your device. Make sure you get the one that’s designed for your operating system.

In some cases, you may not find a driver for Windows 10 yet – if so, download the Windows 8.1 driver instead.

Drivers are usually EXE files. After downloading a driver, double-click to install it and follow the on-screen steps. Some printers also have additional software – and firmware – that you can update, too.