Updating printer drivers is essential if your printer is not working correctly, showing errors, or failing to print documents. Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause issues like print jobs stuck in queue, printer offline errors, or missing printer options in Windows.

This guide explains how to update printer drivers in Windows 10 and Windows 11 using safe and effective methods.

What Is a Printer Driver?

A printer driver is software that allows Windows to communicate with your printer. Without the correct or updated driver, your printer may not respond properly or may stop working entirely.

Keeping printer drivers updated ensures:

• Smooth printing performance
• Fewer printer errors
• Compatibility with Windows updates

Why Updating Printer Drivers Is Important

If you are facing issues such as:

• Printer not printing
• Print queue not opening
• Print jobs stuck in queue

Then updating the printer driver is often the first and best solution.

How to Update Printer Drivers in Windows Automatically

Method 1: Update Printer Driver Using Windows Update

This is the safest and easiest method.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click Check for updates
4. Install any available printer or driver updates
5. Restart your computer

Windows will automatically install the latest compatible printer driver.

Update Printer Drivers Using Device Manager

Method 2: Manual Update via Device Manager

This method is useful if the printer is detected but not working.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X
2. Select Device Manager
3. Expand Print queues
4. Right-click your printer
5. Click Update driver
6. Choose Search automatically for drivers

Windows will search and install the latest driver.

Download and Update Printer Drivers from Manufacturer Website

Method 3: Official Driver Download (Recommended)

For best performance, always use the printer manufacturer’s website.

Steps:

1. Visit your printer brand’s official website
   (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.)
2. Search for your printer model
3. Download the latest driver for Windows 10 or Windows 11
4. Install the driver and restart your PC

This method provides the most stable and updated printer drivers.

How to Reinstall Printer Drivers (Fix Corrupted Drivers)

If updating does not work, reinstalling the driver can fix major issues.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click your printer
3. Select Uninstall device
4. Restart Windows
5. Windows will reinstall the printer driver automatically

Common Issues Fixed by Updating Printer Drivers

Updating printer drivers can fix:

• Printer not responding
• Printer queue stuck
• Printer offline issue
• Slow or failed printing
• Compatibility issues after Windows updates

How Often Should You Update Printer Drivers?

• After a major Windows update
• When printer errors appear
• If the printer stops working suddenly
• Every 6–12 months for stability

Frequently Asked Questions (Printer Drivers)

How do I know if my printer driver is outdated?

• If your printer stops printing or shows errors, your driver may be outdated.

Can Windows update printer drivers automatically?

• Yes, Windows Update installs compatible printer drivers automatically.

Is it safe to use third-party driver updater tools?

• It is safer to update printer drivers directly from Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website.

Supported Windows Versions

• Windows 11

• Windows 10

• Windows 8.1