Lost the CD that came with your printer? Don’t worry — you don’t need it. Windows 11 can install most printers automatically, and if it can’t, getting the right driver takes about two minutes online. Here’s every way to do it.
Method 1: Let Windows Install It Automatically
Windows 11 has a large built-in driver library and connects directly to Windows Update to find drivers for most popular printers.
- Make sure your printer is switched on.
- For a USB printer: plug it into your PC and wait. Windows will detect it and install the driver automatically — you’ll see a notification when it’s ready.
- For a WiFi printer: connect it to your WiFi first using the printer’s own menu, then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add a printer or scanner. Windows will find it and install the driver.
This works for most HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers made in the last ten years.
Method 2: Download the Driver from the Manufacturer’s Website
If Windows can’t find the driver automatically, go directly to the manufacturer. This always gets you the latest, most complete driver.
Find your printer model number first
It’s printed on a label on the front, top, or underside of the printer. Write it down before searching.
Download from the right site
- HP: go to support.hp.com and search your model
- Canon: go to canon.co.uk/support
- Epson: go to epson.co.uk/support
- Brother: go to support.brother.co.uk
- Samsung/Xerox/Lexmark: search “[brand] [model] driver download”
Install it
- Download the full driver and software package (not just the basic driver — the full package includes the printer software too).
- Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen setup.
- The installer will guide you through connecting via USB or WiFi.
- Restart your PC when installation completes.
Method 3: Use Windows Update to Find the Driver
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Click Advanced options > Optional updates.
- Expand Driver updates — if your printer’s driver appears here, select it and click Download & install.
Method 4: Add the Printer Manually with a Generic Driver
If no specific driver is available (common with older printers), you can use a generic driver that covers basic printing.
- Go to Settings > Printers & scanners and click Add a printer or scanner.
- Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
- Choose your port (USB001 for USB printers) and click Next.
- On the driver screen, select Microsoft from the Manufacturer list.
- Choose MS Publisher Color Printer or a PCL option from the Printers list.
- Complete the wizard.
This gives you basic print functionality without scanning or advanced features.
Why You Don’t Need the CD
Printer CDs contain drivers that were current when the printer was made — often years ago. The manufacturer’s website always has newer drivers that work better with current versions of Windows. So even if you had the CD, downloading fresh is the better approach.
Related Guides
- How to Add a Printer in Windows 11
- Printer Driver Unavailable Error: How to Fix It
- Printer Showing Offline — How to Fix It
