How to Install Printer & Laptop Drivers

This guide helps you find your exact model, install the right driver and fix the most common problems with printers and laptops.

Find your exact model

Printers: the model name is printed on the front or top of the printer (for example L3210 or PIXMA G2010). The full model and serial number are also on the label at the back or under the scanner lid.

Laptops: turn the laptop over and look at the sticker. Note the model name and, for Lenovo, the machine type (for example 83ER). On Windows you can also run msinfo32 and read "System Model".

Your operating system: on Windows, open Settings → System → About to see your Windows version and whether it is 64-bit. On a Mac, open the Apple menu → About This Mac.

Install a driver step by step

Windows

Download the driver package that matches your Windows version.
Disconnect the printer USB cable until the installer asks you to connect it.
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the setup wizard.
Restart the computer if the installer asks you to.
Print a test page from Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.

macOS

Download the macOS package and open the .dmg or .pkg file.
Follow the installer. If macOS blocks it, open System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway.
Add the printer in System Settings → Printers & Scanners.

Laptops

After a clean Windows install, install the Chipset driver first, restart, then install Graphics, Audio, Wi-Fi, LAN and Bluetooth drivers. Finish with utilities and check Device Manager for devices with a yellow warning icon.

Printer not detected?

Try another USB port and cable, and connect directly to the computer instead of a USB hub.
For Wi-Fi printers, make sure the printer and the computer are on the same network.
Remove the printer from the system settings, restart both devices and add it again.
Uninstall older drivers for the same printer before installing the new package.
Temporarily disable VPN or firewall software during installation.