How to Install Printer Drivers Without a Disc

There's no reason to worry about installing your printer's drivers without a disc. Drivers for most printers are available to download and install from the printer manufacturer's website. Follow these steps to get your printer in working order.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the type of printer you have. If you've misplaced your printer's manual, you can locate the make and model of your printer by looking on the printer itself.

2. Know what operating system you're running on your computer. To find your operating system, go to "My Computer," then "View System Information."

3. Locate your printer manufacturer's website by searching for the name of your printer in a search engine. Adding the word "driver" to your search can aid in finding the specific page with one search.

4. Download your printer's driver and install your printer. To do this, after the driver has downloaded, plug in your printer and through your computer's "Control Panel," go into "Printers and Other Hardware."

5. Restart your computer.

6. Print a test page to make sure your printer is working. In "Printers and Other Hardware," view your installed printers and "Right Click" on the printer you're interested in. Go to "Properties" to find "Print Test Page."

Tips & Warnings

• Printers connected through a USB port with "Plug and Play" software enabled may install automatically without the need to download drivers.
• If you're having a hard time locating your printer's driver, the manufacturer's technical support may assist you in finding a compatible driver.
• You may need to buy a new printer, if it's determined that your printer is no longer supported by the manufacturer.