PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Update installs recommended printer drivers automatically, but optional driver updates require you to select them. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, choose a listed printer driver, and select Download and install. The Windows 10 route uses different labels, and Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
Check which version of Windows you use
The settings path depends on whether your PC runs Windows 11 or Windows 10. To check, open Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications. Then follow the matching steps below.
Update a printer driver in Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Under Additional options, select Optional updates.
- If a printer driver appears, select it and choose Download and install.
- When installation finishes, restart the PC, even if Windows does not prompt you to do so.
Windows Update installs recommended drivers automatically. Optional drivers are not installed automatically; you must select them. Microsoft explains that recommended and optional hardware-driver updates follow different installation behavior.
Update a printer driver in Windows 10
These steps apply to a Windows 10 PC that is still in use. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; the operating system no longer receives regular support and security updates.
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- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows, if that option is available.
- Return to Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- If View optional updates appears, open it, select the relevant printer driver, and install it.
- Restart the PC when installation completes.
Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice gives the end date and explains what it means for users.
Why no printer driver may appear
Optional updates are not a catalog of updates every printer must have. Windows Update may have no suitable driver for your exact model, or there may be no optional driver update available. Windows supports many printers out of the box, and a local printer may install automatically when connected and powered on.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
If a driver is listed, do not choose it solely because its displayed date looks newest. Microsoft says Windows Update uses provider-supplied targeting information to select a driver, and the date is descriptive information set by the provider. The listing also includes publisher and version details. Related entries can appear because a printer’s functions may be split across multiple drivers. See Microsoft’s explanation of how Windows determines which driver to install.
If Windows Update does not find a suitable driver
- Find the exact printer model, usually printed on the device or shown in its settings.
- Go to the printer manufacturer’s official Support or Drivers page.
- Search for that model and select the driver for your Windows version.
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Microsoft recommends Windows Update first and the manufacturer’s site when Windows Update cannot find a driver. Installation discs may contain outdated software, and third-party driver-download sites are not a safe substitute for the manufacturer. See Microsoft’s printer driver download guidance.
Rank #3
- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
| Update path | When it fits | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | Start here for a Windows-managed update. | Recommended drivers install automatically; optional drivers require you to select them. A suitable driver may not be listed. |
| Printer manufacturer’s official support page | Use it if Windows Update has no suitable driver for the exact printer. | Look up the precise model and matching Windows version; availability depends on the manufacturer. |
If the printer still does not print
A driver update does not resolve every printing problem. On Windows 11, start with the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Also check that the printer is powered on and connected: for USB, confirm the cable is connected; for wireless printing, make sure the PC and printer are on the same network. If needed, remove and reinstall the printer or follow the manufacturer’s official troubleshooting guidance. Microsoft’s printer troubleshooting steps cover these checks.
Special case: Windows on ARM
On some ARM-based PCs, including certain Copilot+ PCs, a printer manufacturer’s installer may fail to add or install the printer. If that happens, and the manufacturer has no specific ARM instructions, try Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device. Check Microsoft’s printer installation guidance for this scenario.
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When to use the legacy Add Printer Driver Wizard
The Add Printer Driver Wizard is an advanced fallback, mainly for older printers. It adds a driver to Windows; it does not install the printer itself. It is not the first step for a typical Windows Update attempt. Microsoft documents the Add Printer Driver Wizard for cases where manually adding a driver is necessary.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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