What you need to do right now
To install a printer driver, you need three things: the printer model number, the manufacturer's website, and about 10 minutes. Most printers come with a driver disc, but downloading the latest version from the manufacturer is faster and more reliable. Windows and Mac handle installation differently, so follow the steps for your operating system.
The driver is the software that lets your computer talk to your printer. Without it, your computer sees the printer as a device but cannot send print jobs to it. Installing the driver is a one-time task that usually takes less time than making coffee.
Key Takeaways
- Find your printer's exact model number on the device itself or in the manual, because downloading the wrong driver will not work.
- Go to the manufacturer's support website (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, Xerox, etc.), search for your model, and download the driver for your operating system.
- On Windows, run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts; on Mac, open the downloaded file and drag the printer icon to the Applications folder.
- Restart your computer after installation, then add the printer through your system settings so your computer recognizes it.
- If the printer still does not appear, restart the printer itself and check that it is connected to the same network or USB port.
Finding your printer model number
The model number is printed on a label on the printer itself, usually on the back or bottom. It looks like "HP LaserJet Pro M404n" or "Canon PIXMA TR8520" — a brand name followed by letters and numbers. Write this down or take a photo of it.
If you cannot find the label, check the manual that came with the printer or look at your receipt. You can also unplug the printer and look for a sticker on the underside or inside the paper tray cover. Do not guess at the model number — downloading the wrong driver wastes time and will not work.
Downloading the driver from the manufacturer
Open a web browser and go to the support section of your printer's manufacturer. Type the manufacturer name plus "support" into a search engine — for example, "HP support" or "Canon support." You will land on a page with a search box.
Enter your exact model number in the search box. The website will show you a page for that specific printer. Look for a section labeled "Drivers," "Downloads," or "Software." You will see options for different operating systems. Click the one that matches your computer: "Windows 10," "Windows 11," "macOS," or "Mac OS," depending on what you use.
A file will download to your computer, usually to your Downloads folder. The file name will end in ".exe" on Windows or ".dmg" on Mac. Do not open it yet — wait until the download finishes completely. If your internet is slow, this can take a few minutes.
Installing on Windows
Open your Downloads folder and find the driver file you just downloaded. It will have a name like "HP_LaserJet_Pro_M404_Driver.exe" or similar. Double-click it to open it.
A window will appear asking if you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer. Click "Yes." The installer will then open and show you a series of screens with options. Most of the time, you can just click "Next" or "Install" on each screen. The installer will ask where to put the driver files — the default location is fine.
When the installer finishes, it will say "Installation Complete" or "Finish." Click the button to close the installer. You may see a message asking you to restart your computer. Do it — restarting ensures the driver loads correctly.
Installing on Mac
Open your Downloads folder and find the driver file you downloaded. On Mac, it will end in ".dmg" and look like "Canon_PIXMA_TR8520_Installer.dmg." Double-click it.
A window will open showing a printer icon and an Applications folder. Drag the printer icon onto the Applications folder. This copies the driver files to the right place on your Mac. When the copy finishes, you can close the window and eject the installer by dragging it to the Trash.
Restart your Mac to make sure the driver loads. After restart, the printer driver will be ready to use.
Adding the printer to your computer after installation
On Windows, go to Settings, then Devices, then Printers & Scanners. Click "Add a printer or scanner." Windows will search for printers connected to your computer or network. When it finds your printer, click it and then click "Add device." Your printer is now ready to use.
On Mac, go to System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs), then Printers & Scanners. Click the plus sign to add a printer. Your printer should appear in the list. Click it and then click "Add." If your printer does not appear, make sure it is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
To test the installation, open any document or photo, go to File, then Print, and see if your printer appears in the printer list. If it does, the driver is installed correctly.
What to do if the printer does not appear
If your printer is not showing up after installation, restart both your computer and the printer. Turn off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your computer. This clears temporary connection problems that sometimes happen during installation.
Check that the printer is connected properly. If it is a USB printer, make sure the cable is plugged into both the printer and the computer. If it is a wireless printer, make sure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer — check the printer's display screen or settings menu to confirm the network name.
If the printer still does not appear, go back to the manufacturer's website and download the driver again. Sometimes a file gets corrupted during download. Delete the old file and repeat the installation steps with the fresh download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the driver disc that came with the printer instead of downloading?
Yes, but downloading is better. The disc usually contains an older version of the driver. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If you use the disc, insert it into your computer and follow the on-screen prompts, but plan to download the latest version afterward.
What if I cannot find my printer model number?
Check the manual or your receipt. If you still cannot find it, look at the printer's network settings menu — many printers display the model number on their screen. You can also unplug the printer and look for a sticker on the bottom or inside the paper tray. If all else fails, call the manufacturer's customer service line with a description of the printer, and they can help you identify it.
Do I need to install a driver for a wireless printer?
Yes. Wireless printers still need drivers to communicate with your computer, even though they connect over Wi-Fi instead of USB. Follow the same download and installation steps. Make sure the printer is on and connected to your network before you add it to your computer.
Why does my computer say the driver is unsigned or not trusted?
This is a security warning from Windows or Mac. It means the driver came from a real manufacturer but was not signed with a special security certificate. Click "Install anyway" or "Open" to proceed. This is normal for printer drivers from all major manufacturers.
What if the manufacturer's website does not have a driver for my operating system?
Some older printers do not have drivers for the newest versions of Windows or Mac. Check whether your printer model is listed as compatible with your operating system on the manufacturer's website. If not, you may need to use a generic printer driver or consider a newer printer. Contact the manufacturer's support line to confirm whether a driver exists for your setup.