How to Install Printer Software and Drivers on Your PC

Installing printer software or drivers on your Windows PC can be difficult if you’re not familiar with the process. This guide will help you through it.

Most printers come with a CD to load software and drivers. The software is not required but can be helpful for changing the printer settings or troubleshooting printer problems. The software varies by printer manufacturer and model. The driver allows your operating system (Windows) to communicate with system devices (in this case, your printer). The driver also varies by manufacturer and model and is required for printing.

The software on the CD that came with your printer is often outdated by the time you receive it. It’s a good idea to go to the manufacturer’s website to download the latest software and drivers vs. using the CD. I walk through the entire process from downloading the software to the completed install.

If you choose to use the CD that came with your printer or you know how to download software from a website, you can proceed directly to Step 7.

In the steps below, software for an HP printer was installed. Although the installation will vary by manufacturer and printer model, it will be similar for all.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A working Windows PC
• A working printer with communications cable

1. Step 1
   

   DO NOT CONNECT your printer to your computer until instructed to do so (Step 12).
   
   Browse to the manufacturer's website. Find the location to download the software and/or drivers.
   
   Frequently, the printer software downloads can be found by clicking on the "Support" link.

2. Step 2
   

   Enter the printer model number.

3. Step 3
   

   Select your Windows version (XP was used in this example).

4. Step 4
   

   I chose to download the Full Feature Software and Drivers.

5. Step 5
   

   Click download.

6. Step 6
   

   Click Save to copy the file to a location on your computer.
   
   Make note of the file name and where you put the file on your computer. You may need this location later.

7. Step 7
   

   When the download is complete, click Run to begin the installation.
   
   If you do not see this screen after the download completes, go to the file location noted in Step 6 above and double click on the file name.

8. Step 8
   

   The install begins, click Next.

9. Step 9
   

   Choose Full install, then click Next.

10. Step 10
    

    Accept the license terms, then click Next.

11. Step 11
    

    Accept default destination, then click Next.

12. Step 12
    

    You are now ready to connect the printer. Be sure it is powered on and the communication cable is connected between your computer and the printer.

13. Step 13
    

    The printer was successfully detected, click Next.

14. Step 14
    

    The printer software and drivers were installed successfully. Click Finish.
    
    You can now use your printer.