How to Install or Update a Laser Printer Driver

01Overview

To install a laser printer driver, you have two safe sources: the driver your operating system provides (built into Windows or macOS, or delivered through their updates) and the driver package from the printer manufacturer’s official support site. This guide explains when each is the right choice, how to install and update them, and how to clean up an old or broken driver.

Laser printer drivers differ by manufacturer, model and operating system. Some models offer several driver types, for example a basic driver and a full software package. Read the descriptions on the manufacturer’s download page and choose the one it recommends for your operating system.

02Before you start

• Find the exact model name. “LaserJet” or “HL series” isn’t enough; you need the full model name or number. It is usually on the front of the printer or on the rating label.
• Check your operating system version. On Windows, open Settings, then System, then About. On a Mac, choose Apple menu, then About This Mac.
• Use official sources only. Don’t download drivers from file-sharing sites, pop-up ads or tools that promise to update every driver on your computer. Fake driver sites are a known source of unwanted software.
• Connect the printer as the installer asks. For USB printers, many installers ask you not to plug in the cable until they say so.
• Save your work. Some installers restart the print system or the whole computer.

03Key terms

• Driver: software that lets your computer send print jobs in a form your printer understands.
• Built-in driver: a driver included with Windows or macOS, or delivered by their updates, which supports common features on many printers.
• Full software package: the manufacturer’s installer that adds the driver plus extras such as scanning tools or status monitors on multifunction printers.
• PCL and PostScript: printer languages many laser printers understand. Some manufacturers offer a driver for each; the download page usually explains which to pick.
• Firmware: software inside the printer itself. It is updated separately from the computer’s driver.

04Option 1: let the computer install the driver

1. Connect or network the printer first. For Wi-Fi or Ethernet printers, make sure the printer is on the same network as the computer; our guide on adding a wireless laser printer to Windows or Mac covers this in detail. For USB, connect the cable with both devices switched on, as described in USB laser printer setup.
2. On Windows 11, open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners, and select Add device. Choose your printer when it appears. Windows downloads and installs a suitable driver if one is available.
3. On a Mac, open System Settings, Printers & Scanners, and add the printer. The Use menu shows AirPrint or a driver the Mac selected. Choose that or, if installed, the manufacturer’s driver.
4. Print a test page. Does it print correctly with the features you need, such as two-sided printing and the right trays? If yes, you don’t need anything else. If the model isn’t recognized or features are missing, use Option 2.

05Option 2: install the manufacturer’s official driver

1. Open the manufacturer’s official support site. Type the manufacturer’s web address directly, or use the support link in the printer’s manual. Search for your exact model.
2. Select your operating system. Most support pages detect it automatically; check that it is correct.
3. Choose the recommended download. Many pages offer a full software package and a basic driver. If you need scanning or other extra functions on a multifunction printer, choose the full package. If you only print, the basic driver may be enough.
4. Run the installer and follow its prompts. Approve the administrator prompt if it comes from the manufacturer. Choose your connection type (USB, wireless or wired network) when asked. Did the installer find the printer? If yes, let it finish. If not, see laser printer not detected.
5. Restart the computer if asked.

06Update or clean up a driver

1. Use your operating system’s updates. On Windows, Windows Update may include printer driver updates, sometimes under optional updates. On a Mac, keep macOS up to date through Software Update. Microsoft’s support page also explains updating through Device Manager.
2. Check the manufacturer’s site for newer versions if you have a specific problem, such as a feature missing after an operating system upgrade.
3. Remove an old or broken driver before reinstalling. On Windows, remove the printer in Printers & scanners first. The print server properties window (reached from Printers & scanners) lists installed drivers and lets you remove one that is no longer used. On a Mac, remove the printer in Printers & Scanners, then add it again. Use the manufacturer’s uninstaller if it provides one.
4. Reinstall and test. Add the printer again using Option 1 or 2.

07Check that it worked

1. The printer appears in your computer’s printer list with your exact model name.
2. A test page prints correctly.
3. Features you rely on, such as two-sided printing, paper trays and color on color models, appear in the print dialog.
4. On multifunction models, the scan function works from the manufacturer’s app or your operating system’s scanning tool.
5. There is only one working entry for the printer, so documents don’t go to a stale copy.

08When to contact the manufacturer

Use the manufacturer’s official support if:

• No driver is listed for your operating system version.
• The official installer fails repeatedly or reports an error.
• Printed pages contain strange characters or symbols from every app, even with the official driver.
• A firmware update is recommended but fails, or the printer behaves differently after one.

09FAQ

Do I need the manufacturer’s driver, or is the built-in one enough?

For everyday printing, the built-in driver or driverless printing often works well. The manufacturer’s driver or software may add features, such as scanning on multifunction printers or advanced tray and finishing options.

Are automatic driver update programs safe?

We don’t recommend them. They can install the wrong drivers or unwanted software. Use Windows Update, macOS Software Update or the manufacturer’s official support site instead.

Can I use an older driver after upgrading my operating system?

Sometimes, but not always. After a major upgrade, check the manufacturer’s site for a version listed for your new operating system. Microsoft also publishes guidance on driver compatibility issues in Windows.

Should I choose the PCL or PostScript driver?

If the manufacturer offers both, its download page usually explains the difference. For most home and office printing, the driver marked as recommended is the right choice.

Do I need to update the driver regularly?

Not on a schedule. Keeping your operating system updated is usually enough. Look for a newer driver when you have a specific problem or after a major operating system upgrade.