Many Windows 10 users rely on Windows Update to automatically keep their system drivers, including printer drivers, up to date. However, sometimes Windows Update may not deliver the latest printer drivers as expected, even when tools like ESET NOD32 indicate that updates are available. This can lead to confusion and potentially outdated drivers affecting printer performance.
ESET NOD32 notification indicating available printer driver updates on Windows Update.
If you find yourself in a situation where Windows Update isn’t automatically updating your printer drivers, there are manual methods you can use to ensure you have the most recent versions. Let’s explore these methods to help you keep your printer drivers current.
One common approach for updating drivers is through Device Manager. While this method is effective for many hardware components like graphics cards, it might not directly address printer drivers in the way you expect. Typically, when you navigate to Device Manager, you’ll find your printers listed under “Print queues.” Updating drivers from here often only updates the generic print queue drivers, not the specific drivers for your printer model.
Updating graphics drivers via Device Manager in Windows to resolve driver update issues.
As shown in the example, the “Update Driver” option in Device Manager is readily available for components like display adapters. However, when you look at printer queues in Device Manager, you might notice that the listed drivers are often generic and updating them here doesn’t seem to fetch the specific printer drivers you are looking for.
Printer driver update option not available in Windows Device Manager for generic printer queues.
For printer drivers, a more targeted approach is to use the Printer Properties page, accessible through “Devices and Printers” in the Control Panel (or “Printers & scanners” in Settings). Within the Printer Properties, you can often find an option to update the driver. Some users attempt to use the “New Driver” option and select “Windows Update” as the source in this section.
Manually searching for updated printer drivers via Windows Update in Printer Preferences.
While selecting “Windows Update” in Printer Preferences might trigger a download of files from Windows Update, it doesn’t always guarantee that you will receive the latest, manufacturer-specific drivers. This method may sometimes provide generic drivers, which might not resolve warnings about outdated drivers or unlock the full functionality of your printer.
It’s worth noting that Windows Update behaves differently across Windows versions. In past versions, users often received more driver updates directly through Windows Update automatically. The current behavior in Windows 10 might lead to situations where driver updates are available (even in the Windows Update Catalog) but are not automatically pushed to the system, nor are they easily discoverable through standard Windows Update checks.
In conclusion, while Windows Update is intended to simplify driver management, updating printer drivers might require a more hands-on approach. Exploring Printer Properties and manually checking for updates through the methods described can help ensure you have the most current drivers for your printer, even when automatic updates seem to be lacking. Keeping your printer drivers updated is crucial for optimal printer performance and compatibility.
