Why Updating Your Printer Driver Can Fix Most Printing Issues

Is your printer out of alignment? Do you find yourself beset with annoying problems like curled up output, sluggish print speeds, or worse, refusing to print anything at all? Before you take an oath to ship it out for a replacement, have you sat down to try the unbelievably simple and yet not very commonly thought through solution: re-installing your updated printer driver?

Here at PrinterNotWorking.com, we know that there is plenty of frustration a broken printer can cause you. That's why we are here to tell you about the necessity of updating your printer driver so that you have smooth and working printing. Believe it or not, the majority of the printing problem is caused by plain old or infected drivers.

So, what is an updated printer driver and why do we need it?

It's an interpreter. Your computer operating system and printer hardware speak different languages. The printer driver is the middleman that acts as a go-between to interpret your computer commands into a language that your printer can understand. Your printer can thus properly interpret what you are printing, i.e., layout, format, and image quality.

Now imagine attempting to communicate with someone who has a different language and no translator. Miscommunications are going to occur, aren't they? Same idea with your printer. Having an older printer driver, it might not be as compatible with your operating system or newer software you're really using. That incompatibility could cause the entire list of issues, such as:

Printer errors: They won't print as they should, omitting words, graphics that appear incorrect, or printing the incorrect layout.

Print speed: Taking a long time to talk from computer to printer with the driver that takes longer to finish the task.

Connectivity: Your printer will not be detected or spoken to at all by your computer.

Limitation of features: Your older driver might not be capable of coping with all your printer's latest features, and you can't expect the best from it.

System crashing: In extremely rare instances, a faulty or old driver might even lead to system instability.

Printer driver manufacturers such as HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother bring out new printer drivers on a regular basis due to numerous reasons. The update typically includes:

Bug corrections: Repairing recognized bugs and defects that may be keeping the liability in a position to lead to printing failures.

Compatibility enhanced: Continuous compatibility with the latest operating system updates and computer software.

Performance boost: Improved driver for faster speed when printing and for optimal utilization of resources.

New feature support: Support for the use of any new feature introduced on your model printer.

Security updates: Security updates to make your system more secure.

So, not only is it a good practice to update your printer driver periodically; it's most often the solution to all sorts of print issues. The process is typically simple and can be done in numerous ways:

Automatic Updates: Automatic driver updating is supported by all operating systems. Make sure this option is enabled in your system settings.

Manufacturer's Website: The best place to get the latest driver is your printer manufacturer's web support site (e.g., support.hp.com, epson.com/support, canon.com/support, support.brother.com). Simply put your printer model in the search box and download your corresponding driver according to your operating system.

Device Manager: Windows users can delve into Device Manager and search and update drivers manually. You right-click your printer off the list and choose "Update driver," and follow the instructions.

Conclusion

Before it even crosses your mind to go to the trouble of trying to fix more complex problems or even to the point of replacing your printer, take a few minutes and see if you have the latest printer driver. This quick check can save you easily a few hours of frustration and time and have you back to productive printing in no time. Make it a habit to check drivers regularly for updates – your printer will thank you!