The Ultimate Guide to Downloading and Installing Your Printer Driver on Windows 11

Download and install the suitable driver for a printer in Windows 11 It may seem complicated if you've never done it before, but with the right information and following the correct steps, you can accomplish it in a matter of minutes. This is especially relevant because proper printer operation depends entirely on having the correct, updated drivers installed, optimized for your version of Windows. If you've just updated your operating system, purchased a new printer, or had to reinstall Windows, this process is essential to avoid errors and ensure smooth use of your device.

The arrival of Windows 11 has brought some changes to the interface and device management, so we're gathering all the technical and practical information you need to ensure your printer is working properly. Here you'll find official methods recommended by Microsoft, tips from the manufacturers themselves, and some additional guidance for resolving common issues or less common situations. Everything is explained clearly and simply so anyone can follow the steps.

Methods to install and update a printer driver in Windows 11

There are different ways to install or update your printer driver in Windows 11. The most recommended option is usually to go directly to the manufacturer's website, but you can also rely on the tools offered by the operating system itself. Let's go over all the methods in detail so you can choose the one that best suits your case.

Download the driver from the manufacturer's website

The most reliable way to get the correct driver is to go to the official website of your printer manufacturer (HP, Brother, Epson, Canon, etc.). This is where the most recent versions adapted to Windows 11 are published. The general procedure is:

• Access the technical support section depending on your printer brand. It's usually clearly listed as 'Support,' 'Drivers,' 'Downloads,' or 'Assistance.'
• Enter your printer's exact model. It's usually listed on the front of the device or on a sticker on the back.
• Select the version of Windows you're using. Remember to choose 'Windows 11' and specify whether your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit (you can check this in Settings > System > About).
• Click the download link and save the file to your computer. If the driver is downloaded compressed in a .zip file, unzip it to an easily located folder.

Having the most up-to-date software is essential to avoid compatibility issues and take advantage of all device functionsFor added security, you can also check out our guide to What to do if the printer driver is not available in Windows.

Install the driver using Windows 11 Device Manager

If you have already downloaded the driver, you can install it manually through the Device administrator:

1. Right click on the button Home Windows (logo in the lower left corner) and select Device administrator.
2. In the window that appears, locate the category Printing and click the arrow to expand the list.
3. Find your printer and right-click on it. Choose Update Driver.
4. Select option Search for drivers on your computer. Then, press Examine… and navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded driver. Make sure you select the correct path.
5. press Next and Windows will attempt to install the driver. If it detects that you are already using the latest version, the message will appear The best drivers for your device are already installed..
6. When finished, select Close to exit the update window.

This system is very useful when your printer doesn't automatically appear in the device list or if you need to install a specific version of the driver. If you need more details, you can consult our guide on How to fix fatal errors during printer driver installation in Windows.

Automatic connection and installation of USB printers

On most printers connected by USB, the process is even simpler:

• Connect the printer's USB cable to your computer and turn it on. Windows 11 will take care of it. detect the new device and will attempt to install it automatically.
• The system will search for its own drivers or download the necessary software from Windows Update, if available. In many cases, you don't even need to download anything extra.
• If Windows 11 doesn't recognize your printer right away, you can go to Configuration > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scanners and click on Add deviceThe system will search for connected printers again and, if found, add them to the list.

This method usually works on modern printers. and popular models. However, if you have an older printer or a rare model, you may want to download the specific driver from the manufacturer's website or consult our guide for How to update USB drivers in Windows 11.

Installing network printers and wireless models

For printers connected via your local network, whether via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, Windows 11 may not automatically detect them.

1. Sign in Configuration > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scanners.
2. Press on Add device. If the printer appears in the list, select it and click Add device.
3. If it doesn't appear, opt for Add manually. Several options will be displayed for find the printer in other ways (for example, by entering the printer's IP address, searching the network, etc.).
4. Choose the option Add a local printer or a network printer with manual configuration and press Next.
5. Choose Use an existing port and choose the corresponding port (USB, LPT, COM or the one that corresponds to your network printer).
6. On the next screen, you can install the driver from disk, if you have it, or by Windows Update, which will update the list of manufacturers and models. Choose your make and model, press Next and follow the steps on screen.
7. Give the printer a name and decide if you want to share it on a network. Finally, you can print a test page to verify that everything is working correctly.

This method is especially useful if your printer was not automatically detected or you need to perform an advanced installation. If you are having trouble, you can also consult our guide for Resolve errors when sharing network printers.

Removing and reinstalling printers in Windows 11

Sometimes, after an update, a network change, or if the printer fails, it is advisable remove the printer completely and reinstall itThis ensures that the system recognizes the device from scratch and uses the correct driver.

Step-by-step guide to removing and reinstalling a printer

1. Accede to Home > Configuration > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scanners.
2. Click on the name of the printer you want to remove and select Remove. Confirm the action by pressing Yes.
3. Go back to Printers and scanners and press Add device o Update. Wait for the system to search for connected devices.
4. When your printer appears, select Add device or, if it doesn't appear, choose Add manually and follow the steps to install it as explained above.

This process often resolves recognition or operational issues. It's especially useful for printers that were already configured but stopped working properly after system changes.

Common problems and how to solve them during driver installation

You may come across certain problems when trying to install your printer in Windows 11. Here are the most common issues and some practical solutions:

• The controller is not supportedIf you see error messages indicating incompatibility, make sure you've downloaded the driver specifically for Windows 11 and the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). If there are only versions for Windows 10, try installing them in compatibility mode.
• The printer does not appear in the device list: Check that the printer is turned on and properly connected (via USB, network, or Wi-Fi). Use a different cable if possible and try a different USB port.
• Windows Update does not find the driver: Manually install the driver downloaded from the manufacturer's website.
• Printing does not start or jams: Restart both the printer and your computer. Remove the printer and reinstall it using the steps above.
• The printer is shared on the network but other computers do not detect it.: Check your network settings and make sure the printer is marked as shared in Windows options. If you're still having problems, check the drivers in each team.

If the printer still does not work, do not hesitate to look for the exact model on the manufacturer's website where they usually offer specific troubleshooting guides. You may also find it helpful to check out our article on How to fix printer disconnected errors in Windows.

Related article:

What should you do if Windows 10 printer driver is not available?

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.