It should be effortless to set up a new printer, but if you don't have the suitable printer driver, you may not be able to print correctly. The printer driver is what makes it possible for your computer's operating system to talk to the printer's hardware.

Therefore, this blog post will show you how to install printer drivers on both Windows and Mac computers, so you can get your printer working without too much trouble.

Why it's important to install the right printer driver

Before we go into the processes, let's talk about why the printer driver is so important. distinct printer models have distinct characteristics, such the ability to print on both sides of the paper, variable print quality settings, or compatibility for different kinds of paper. The driver makes sure that your computer can use these capabilities and submit print jobs in the right way. An old or wrong driver might make the printer useless, create printing problems, or even stop it from operating completely. 

How to Set Up Printer Drivers on Windows

Windows can usually install printer drivers on its own, but there are times when you may need to do it yourself. This is particularly true for printers that are old or have a lot of settings. How do we do this?

1. Plug in your printer

If your printer is wireless, connect it to your network. If it's not, connect it to your computer using a USB connection. Check that the printer is plugged in a working power outlet as well, and turned on.

2. Allow Windows to look for the driver

Windows will often find the printer and try to install the driver on its own. In the system tray, you will see a message saying that Windows is getting your device ready. If this works, you're ready to print.

3. If required, install the driver manually.

If installation doesn't function automatically:

• Click on Printers and Scanners under Settings > Devices.
• Click the button that says "Add a printer or scanner."
• Let Windows look for a while. If you can't find your printer, click on the option that reads "The printer that I want isn't listed."
• To add your printer by hand, you may either follow the on-screen instructions or use the CD or file that came with your printer to install the driver.

4. Get it from the manufacturer's website

Go to the website of the company to your printer belongs. You’ll find the most trusted driver over there. Find the Support or Downloads area, look for your printer model, and download the most recent driver that works with your version of Windows (for example, Windows 10 or Windows 11). Run the installer and do what it says to set it up.

5. Look for Updates

It's a good idea to check Windows Update for driver updates after installing them. These updates may make your system work better and more compatible.

How to Get Printer Drivers on a Mac

The way Mac computers handle printer drivers is a little different, but the procedure is still easy.

1. Link the Printer

Connect your printer to the Mac using a USB cable, or make sure it is linked to your wireless network.

2. Let macOS take care of it

Most of the time, macOS will find the printer and either install the driver for you or ask you to download it. This generally occurs without any problems in the background.

3. Manually add the printer
If your printer doesn't show up on its own,

• Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on previous versions).
• Click on Printers & Scanners.
• To add a new printer, click the Add button.
• Choose your printer from the list.

MacOS will either utilize a driver that is already installed or let you download the right one from Apple's servers.

4. Get it from the manufacturer

You can also go straight to the printer manufacturer's website, download the macOS driver for your model, and run the installation. This is quite helpful for complex printer capabilities that the default driver for macOS may not completely support.

How to Install Without Problems

• Make sure you have the right driver for your OS version. A driver that is designed for an earlier or newer version of Windows or macOS could not operate well.
• After installation, restart. A restart makes sure that the driver is completely compatible with your system.
• Unplug and plug back in. If the printer isn't found during setup, disconnect the cord and plug it back in, or connect to the wireless network again.

In conclusion 

It doesn't have to be hard to install printer drivers on Windows or Mac. You can make sure that your printer and computer transmit signals to each other properly by following the instructions above. This will let you use all of your device's features. 

The most important thing is to use the proper driver for your printer model and system version, whether you allow your operating system do it automatically or do it yourself. Once you have the right driver loaded, you can print whatever you want, including papers, images, or anything else, without any problems. 

 

FAQs
1. If my computer finds the printer on its own, do I need to install a printer driver?
No, most of the time. You're all set if your operating system finds and installs the driver on its own. But occasionally, downloading the newest driver by hand will offer you access to more functions.

2. Is it possible to utilize a Windows printer driver on a Mac?
No, printer drivers are different for each operating system. You need to get a driver for your printer that works with macOS.

3. Why isn't my printer showing up during setup?

Check to see that the wires are plugged in correctly and the printer is linked to the appropriate WiFi network. Additionally, check to see that your printer is not in the sleep state and also it should be switched on.