What is a printer driver, and why does it matter?
A printer driver is a small piece of software that lets your computer talk to your printer. Without the right one, prints fail, features go missing, or the computer simply doesn't see the printer at all.
Using the correct driver:
- Keeps your printer compatible with Windows or macOS updates
- Unlocks scanning, duplex printing, and wireless features
- Cuts down on random errors and connection drops
- Makes future firmware updates painless
Method 1 — Let the manufacturer install it for you (recommended)
The fastest route is to let the manufacturer detect the printer and pick the right software automatically.
- Open a browser and go to your printer manufacturer's support site.
- Choose Printer from the product list.
- Type your printer model (for example, DeskJet 2720 or LaserJet Pro M404).
- Pick your operating system — Windows 10/11 or macOS.
- Click Download next to either “the manufacturer's setup app” or “Full Feature Software and Drivers.”
- Open the downloaded file and hit Install.
- Follow the on-screen prompts until it says the printer is ready.
This method detects the model for you, grabs the latest firmware, and handles both wireless and USB setups.
Method 2 — Use the the manufacturer's setup app app
the manufacturer's setup app is a free app that makes wireless setup close to one-click.
- Install the manufacturer's setup app from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (macOS).
- Open the app and tap Add Printer (+).
- Make sure the printer is on and joined to the same Wi-Fi as your computer.
- When the manufacturer's setup app lists the printer, choose Set up.
- Follow the prompts — it installs the driver as part of setup.
the manufacturer's setup app also handles scanning, ink status, and future driver updates for you, which makes it a good choice for home and small-office use.
Method 3 — Install manually on Windows
If the automatic route doesn't work, Windows can add the printer using its own driver library.
- Plug the printer in over USB, or make sure it's on your Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings on your PC.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device.
- Pick your printer when it appears in the list.
- Choose Install driver if Windows asks.
- Follow the last few prompts to finish.
This is a good backup when a download fails or the printer is an older model that the manufacturer no longer highlights on its site.
Method 4 — Install manually on macOS
macOS ships with a wide range of printer drivers built in.
- Connect the printer over USB or to your Wi-Fi.
- Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
- Click Add Printer (+).
- Select your printer from the list.
- Choose AirPrint or the printer driver if it's offered.
- Click Add — you're done.
Tips that save you a lot of trouble
Do
- ✓ Download drivers only from the manufacturer's official site
- ✓ Double-check the model number on the printer
- ✓ Keep Windows or macOS updated first
- ✓ Restart the computer after installing
Don't
- ✗ Trust third-party “driver finder” sites
- ✗ Install a driver made for a different model
- ✗ Unplug or power off mid-install
- ✗ Skip the restart at the end
Common problems & quick fixes
Printer not detected
- Try a different USB cable or port
- Confirm the PC and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network
- Restart the printer, computer, and router
Install freezes or hangs
- Temporarily turn off antivirus or firewall
- Close other apps eating your bandwidth
- Reboot and start the installer fresh
Driver not compatible
- Check your exact Windows or macOS version
- Grab the matching driver from your printer manufacturer's support site
Wireless setup keeps failing
- Reset the printer's network settings from its menu
- Re-run setup from the the manufacturer's setup app app
- Move the printer closer to the router for the first setup
Still stuck? We'll help you finish setup.
Open the chat in the bottom-right corner or email us at support@themccleeen.co.site. Tell us your printer model and where the install got stuck — we'll reply with the exact next step.