Older printer has no driver for Windows 11

Connect the printer, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. If the printer appears, add it and let Windows choose the driver. Many network printers work with the built-in Microsoft IPP Class Driver, which needs no download; printers that support Mopria or AirPrint usually do.

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and expand Driver updates. If a driver for your printer is offered, tick it and install it.

In Printers & scanners, click Add device, then Add manually next to The printer that I want isn't listed. Choose the option that matches how the printer connects and continue to the driver page. Click Windows Update, wait several minutes for the list to refresh, then look for your maker and model.

If the manufacturer's official website offers a Windows 10 64-bit driver, download it there and run it. Windows 11 uses the same driver model as 64-bit Windows 10, so these usually install and work. Restart and print a test page.

If the installer says your Windows version isn't supported, right-click it, choose Properties > Compatibility, tick Run this program in compatibility mode for, pick Windows 8 or Windows 7 and run it again. If the download contains a driver folder with an .inf file, you can instead click Have Disk on the driver page and point to it.

Many makers of laser and office printers publish universal PCL or PostScript drivers that cover lots of older models, for example HP Universal Print Driver or Xerox Global Print Driver. Download one only from the manufacturer's official website and select it when you add the printer.

If the printer understands PCL or PostScript, as many office lasers do, Windows includes generic drivers such as Microsoft PCL6 Class Driver and Microsoft PS Class Driver, listed under Microsoft on the driver page. They lack some features but handle everyday printing.

Recent versions of Windows 11 have an optional security setting called Windows protected print mode. While it's on, only the built-in driver is used, so printers that need the manufacturer's driver won't work. Turning it off returns Windows to its standard printing setup but gives up the extra protection; on a work PC, leave that decision to your IT administrator.

Note the full model name and number from the label on the printer, and whether it connects by USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Network printers usually have more driver options.

Printers that are Mopria certified, and many that support AirPrint, work with the built-in Windows driver. The manual or the manufacturer's specification page usually says so, and the Mopria Alliance website lists certified models.

If the manufacturer still offers firmware for the model, install it from the printer's menu or official website. Newer firmware sometimes improves network printing compatibility.