How To Update Printer Drivers Automatically Using Windows Update

Option 1. Use Windows Update

To update printer drivers automatically using Windows Update 🔃, open Settings ⚙️, select Windows Update, and click check for updates. This built-in tool scans Microsoft servers for the latest hardware software and installs the correct printer package alongside your regular system updates without requiring manual downloads.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ by pressing the Win and selecting the gear icon.

   

2. Select Windows Update 🔃 from the left sidebar or the main menu.
3. Click on Advanced options to view extra settings.

   

4. Scroll down to the Additional options section and click on Optional updates.

   

5. Expand the Driver updates dropdown menu to see available hardware packages.
6. Check the box next to your printer manufacturer’s software and click Download & install.

Option 2. Use Device Manager

To update printer drivers using Device Manager, right-click the Start button ⊞, open Device Manager, expand the printers list, and choose search automatically for drivers. This built-in Windows utility forces the system to check for updated hardware software without making you visit external manufacturer websites.

1. Right-click the Start button ⊞ and select Device Manager from the context menu 🖱️.
2. Scroll down the device list and click the arrow next to Print queues or Printers to expand the section.

   

3. Right-click your specific printer model and select Update driver.

   

4. Click Search automatically for drivers to let the system scan online databases for a match.

   

5. Follow any remaining prompts on your screen if a newer version is discovered and installed.

Option 3. Reinstall the printer

To reinstall your printer and get the latest drivers, open Settings ⚙️, go to Bluetooth 🔷 & devices, remove the current printer, and add it back. Removing the device clears out corrupted files and forces Windows to discover and install a clean copy of the newest driver software from scratch.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ and navigate to Bluetooth 🔷 & devices, then select Printers & scanners.

   

2. Click on your printer name from the list.
3. Click the Remove button to clear the device from your system.
4. Click Add device near the top of the Printers & scanners page.
5. Wait for the system to scan your network and local ports, then click Add device next to your hardware model.

Option 4. Use Add Printer Driver Wizard

To use the Add Printer Driver Wizard, press the Win+R, enter the management console command, and use the server settings to add your driver package. This classic administrative tool gives you precise control over your printing software and local hardware ports.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type printmanagement.msc into the text field and press Enter.
3. Expand the Print Servers section in the left pane, click your computer name, and select Printers.
4. Right-click in the empty space or select Action from the top menu, then choose Add Printer.
5. Follow the prompts in the network printer wizard to let the system query hardware databases automatically.

Option 5. Download and install printer drivers from the manufacturer's website

To download and install printer drivers from the manufacturer's website, visit the official support portal for your specific printer model, download the official driver file, and run the installer. Getting the installation package directly from brands like HP, Canon, or Epson ensures you get the most up-to-date software when automated tools fail.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the official support portal for your printer brand, such as HP, Canon, or Epson.
2. Locate the support or downloads section and type your exact printer model number into the search bar.
3. Check your system architecture by going to Settings › System › About, and look for the System type property.
4. Download the matching installer package onto your local drive.
5. Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen installation wizard to complete the setup.

Option 6. Install software that came with the printer

To install printer drivers using the physical media or USB flash drive bundled with your hardware, insert the setup disc or plug in the drive, open File Explorer, and run the setup file. This offline method helps you complete the installation when your computer lacks an active internet connection during setup.

1. Insert the setup CD into your optical drive or plug in the included USB flash drive.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to your removable drive.
3. Double-click the setup or install executable file.
4. Accept any user account control prompts that appear on your screen.
5. Follow the manufacturer wizard instructions to install both the core software and updating tools.

If this didn't work

If automated utilities fail to resolve your printing errors, check your physical cable connections and restart the Print Spooler (a background service that manages print jobs) via Task Manager. You can also visit the manufacturer website to grab manual installation packages or consult related guides on hardware troubleshooting.