How To Update Printer Drivers Manually In Windows 11 Device Manager

Open Device Manager in 🪟 Windows 11

Device Manager is a built-in tool that lets you manage all the hardware connected to your computer. To open Device Manager in Windows 11, right-click the Start button ⊞ on your taskbar 🖥️ and select Device Manager from the menu that pops up. This gives you direct access to update printer drivers manually.

1. Right-click the Start button ⊞ in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Select Device Manager from the menu that appears.

   

Look for the category named Print queues or Printers in the list of hardware components.

Locate and Select Your Printer

Finding your printer in Device Manager is necessary before you can update its driver. Click the arrow next to Print queues to expand the list of connected printers, right-click your specific printer model, and select Update driver from the menu to start the process.

1. Click the arrow next to Print queues to expand the list of connected printers.
2. Find your specific printer model in the expanded list.
3. Right-click your printer name to open the context menu 🖱️.
4. Select Update driver from the menu options.

   

Choose the Manual Update Method

Choosing the manual update method lets you install a specific driver file stored on your computer instead of letting Windows search online. Click Browse my computer for drivers in the Update Drivers window, and then select the option to pick from a list of available drivers.

1. Click Browse my computer for drivers in the Update Drivers window.
2. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer to view locally stored options.

   

3. Check the box labeled Show compatible hardware to filter the list for your specific device manufacturer.

Select and Install the Driver Package

Selecting the correct driver package finishes the installation and replaces your old printer software. Choose your printer manufacturer from the list on the left, pick the exact model on the right, and click Next to let Windows apply the new files.

1. Choose your printer manufacturer from the list on the left, and select the exact model from the list on the right.
2. Click Next to begin the installation process.
3. Wait for Windows to apply the new software package.
4. Click Close once you see confirmation that Windows has successfully updated your drivers.

What to do next

Restart your computer to ensure the operating system loads the new hardware communication files cleanly. Open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and select Printers & scanners to print a test page and verify your hardware functions correctly.