To install printer drivers, the most reliable method is to use **Windows Update**, which automatically downloads and installs the latest drivers compatible with your printer model and Windows version. This can be done through the **Add Printer Driver Wizard** or by adding the printer via Windows Settings under **Printers & scanners**[1][3].
Here is a step-by-step summary to install printer drivers:
1. **Use Windows Settings to Add a Printer**:
– Go to **Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners**.
– Click **Add a printer or scanner**.
– If the printer is found, select it and follow the prompts.
– If not found, select **The printer that I want isn’t listed**, then choose **Add a new device manually** and follow the instructions[3].
2. **Install Drivers Using Add Printer Driver Wizard** (especially for manual driver installs):
– Open the **Add Printer Driver Wizard**.
– Select the processor architecture (x86, x64) of your Windows system.
– Click the **Windows Update** button to download the latest list of printer drivers (this may take a few minutes).
– Select your printer’s manufacturer and model, then click **Next** and finish the wizard.
– Note: This adds printer drivers to Windows but doesn’t install the printer itself—you may still need to add the printer device[1].
3. **Download Drivers From Manufacturer’s Website**:
– Go to the website of your printer’s manufacturer (e.g., Canon, HP, Brother).
– Locate the support or downloads section.
– Search for your printer model and download the recommended latest drivers.
– Run the downloaded installer and follow its prompts[2].
4. **Offline Installation**:
– If your desktop is offline, download the driver files (often CAB or EXE) from another device.
– Transfer the files via USB stick.
– Install the driver manually, possibly using the **Add Printer Driver Wizard** or device manager[4].
Additional tips:
– After installing drivers, it helps to restart your computer and printer.
– Testing printing a test page verifies the installation was successful.
– For network or wireless printers, ensure the printer and computer are on the same network[3].
If problems persist, troubleshooting tools in Windows or support from printer manufacturer websites can guide further steps.
This approach covers most scenarios for installing printer drivers on Windows systems with or without internet access[1][2][3][4].