Printer driver won't install
The printer software installer fails, freezes or shows an error. Remove old drivers, get the right download and install it in the right order.
Quick fix
Unplug the USB cable, remove old copies of the printer and its driver, and restart. Then run the installer for your exact model and system from the manufacturer's official support site, connecting the cable only when the installer asks for it.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- The installer stops with an error or rolls back
- Windows shows Unable to install printer or an error code
- Installation hangs while searching for the printer
- The Mac says the installer cannot be opened or is not compatible
Usually caused by
- Old driver files getting in the way
- Download for the wrong system or processor type
- Printer connected too early or not found on the network
- Print Spooler not running
- Security software or macOS blocking the installer
Step-by-step fix
Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 6 steps tried
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Download the right driver
On the manufacturer's official support site, enter your exact model and choose Windows 11 or 10. Check Settings > System > About first: an ARM-based processor needs an Arm64 driver, not an x64 one.
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Remove old drivers first
Remove the printer from Printers & scanners. Press Win + R, run the command below, select the old driver on the Drivers tab and choose Remove > Remove driver and driver package. Restart the PC.
printui /s /t2 -
Make sure the Print Spooler is running
Press Win + R, type
services.mscand check that Print Spooler shows Running. If not, right-click it and choose Start. Installers fail, often with error 0x000006BA, when it's stopped. -
Run the installer as administrator
Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator. Leave the USB cable unplugged until prompted; for a network printer, make sure it's switched on and on the same network.
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Check your security software
If the installer vanishes or stops without a message, look in your antivirus history for a blocked or quarantined file. Restore it only if it came from the manufacturer's official site.
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Try the driver built into Windows
Instead of the maker's package, click Add device in Printers & scanners. Many printers install with Windows' own driver and print without extra software.
macOS
0 of 3 steps tried
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Try AirPrint first
Most current printers don't need a driver on a Mac. In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, select the printer and choose AirPrint in the Use menu.
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Check compatibility
On the manufacturer's official support site, confirm the driver lists your macOS version. Older drivers built for Intel Macs may ask to install Rosetta on Apple silicon; allow it only for software from the maker's site.
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Allow a blocked installer
If macOS says the installer can't be opened, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and look for an Open Anyway button for it. Only do this for software downloaded directly from the manufacturer's official site.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Try these next
Still stuck? The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Why does the installer tell me to unplug the USB cable?
If the printer is connected first, Windows may install its own driver before the maker's, and the two can conflict. Installing first and connecting when prompted avoids that.
Is it safe to use Open Anyway on a Mac?
Only for software downloaded directly from the manufacturer's official site. If you're unsure where an installer came from, delete it and download a fresh copy.