How to Install or Update Printer Drivers in Windows 10

To install or update a printer driver in Windows 10, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates. Open Driver updates, check your printer, and select Download and install. If Windows Update has nothing for it, download the driver from the printer maker’s website.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.

Most printers don’t need a manual driver install. When you add a printer, Windows 10 finds and installs a driver for it on its own.

Get a driver from Windows Update

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install anything waiting.
3. Select View optional updates, then open Driver updates.
4. Check the box next to your printer and select Download and install.

If you don’t see View optional updates, there are no extra drivers for your PC right now.

Download a driver from the printer maker

1. Find your printer’s model number on the front, top, or a label on the back.
2. Go to the support section of the maker’s website and search for that model. For a model-specific example, see how to download the HP LaserJet M1136 MFP driver for Windows 10.
3. Download the Windows 10 driver that matches your PC (64-bit on most computers).
4. Open the downloaded file and follow the setup steps.

Only download drivers from the printer maker’s own site, not from driver-download sites.

Update the driver in Device Manager

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Print queues (or Printers), right-click your printer, and select Update driver.
3. Select Search automatically for drivers. If you already downloaded a driver, select Browse my computer for drivers instead and point it at the folder you extracted.

If Device Manager says the best driver is already installed, that only means it found nothing newer on the PC. Windows Update or the maker’s site may still have a newer one.

Install a driver that has no setup program

Some drivers download as a ZIP or CAB file with an .inf file inside instead of a setup program. Extract it first, then use either method:

• Add Printer Driver Wizard: go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > Print server properties, open the Drivers tab, and select Add. Choose x64 on most PCs, select Have Disk, and browse to the .inf file.
• Command line: in an administrator Command Prompt, run pnputil /add-driver "C:\Drivers\printer.inf" /install, using your own path.

Once the driver is installed, add the printer and pick that driver from the list when Windows asks.

If your model has no Windows 10 driver, check whether the maker offers a universal print driver. HP, Brother, Kyocera, and others publish one driver that works with many of their printers.

Remove an old or broken driver

A damaged driver can cause failed or garbled prints. Remove it, then add the printer again so Windows installs a fresh copy.

1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and select Remove device.
2. On the same page, select Print server properties and open the Drivers tab.
3. Select the printer’s driver, then select Remove and choose Remove driver and driver package.

4. Restart the PC and add the printer again.

See which driver your printer is using

Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, choose Manage > Printer properties, and open the Advanced tab. The Driver box shows its name. A name like Microsoft IPP Class Driver or Generic means Windows is using a basic driver, which prints but may miss features such as tray selection or ink levels.

Remove leftover driver packages

Removing a printer doesn’t always remove its driver. To clean it up, press Windows + R, type printui /s /t2, and press Enter. On the Drivers tab, select the old driver, choose Remove, then Remove driver and driver package. Remove the printer from Settings first, or Windows will say the driver is in use.

If the driver won’t install or work

• “Driver is unavailable” under the printer. Remove the printer, remove its driver package as above, restart, and install the latest driver from the maker.
• Error 0x0000011b when connecting to a shared printer. This comes from a Windows security change for shared printers. Install the printer’s driver directly on your PC, then add the printer again.
• The installer says the printer isn’t found. Many installers want the printer connected and turned on during setup. Plug it in or connect it to Wi-Fi first.
• “Access denied” during install. Printer drivers need administrator rights. Sign in as an administrator or ask whoever manages the PC.

If Windows doesn’t install drivers on its own

Automatic driver downloads can be turned off. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. On the Hardware tab, select Device Installation Settings, choose Yes (recommended), and select Save Changes. On a work PC, your IT team may control this setting.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add the printer after installing the driver?

See how to add a printer in Windows 10.

The printer shows as offline. Is it the driver?

Usually not. Start with how to get a printer back online in Windows 10.

Can I update all my drivers at once?

See how to update all drivers on Windows 10.

Do I need the full software package or just the driver?

For printing only, the basic driver is enough. The full package adds extras such as scanning, ink-level alerts, and maintenance tools.

To remove a printer and its old driver first, see how to remove a printer in Windows 10.

On Windows 11, see how to see all of the printer drivers installed in Windows 11.

Microsoft’s guide is Download and install the latest printer drivers. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

Related: how to install an HP LaserJet 1018 on Windows 10.

Related: install a CAB file in Windows 10.

Related: How to Check Ink Levels on a Canon Printer in Windows 10.

Related: scan from a printer to a computer in Windows 10.