When connecting the printer to a computer or a local area network, installation of device drivers is required. This is the name of special software that allows the operating system to transfer print data to a printer and control the operation of the device. Let's consider in more detail how to install drivers on the printer. Without it, the printer will not be found by the operating system, respectively, and printing will not be performed.
How to install drivers on the printer?
The question arises when installing a new version of the operating system, when the driver simply does not install from the licensed disk to this version of Windows. Most often, the user is faced with the question of how to install "firewood" under a specific version of Windows. Usually, this happens when the software is “tailored” for a specific OS. The situation can, of course, be corrected using a software method, but the procedure is beyond the reach of a simple user. The only way out of the situation is to search for an updated version of the driver on the official website of the printer manufacturer. Usually, manufacturers make sure that their software matches the new official (licensed) versions of the system. In some cases, installing the driver in compatibility mode will help .
How to install software on a Canon printer
So, we will understand the question regarding a specific printer. How to install drivers on a Canon printer? When installing, you must download this software from the official website of the manufacturer. Each printer model has its own driver type. First, the software is installed, only then the printer itself is connected to the computer. If the printer does not find the OS, the cause may be:
- Incorrect port connection. To do this, the cable must be connected to another USB port on the computer.
- The printer was turned on before the driver was installed. To correct the situation, turn off the printing device and reconnect the cable.
- A standard USB cable is used for connection. You must use a special cable for the USB port, which is designed for printers. This cable is called USB 2.0 HighSpeed and labeled accordingly.
... and to the HP printer
The next question. How to install drivers on an HP printer? If the licensed "firewood" that comes with this HP printer model is not installed or the operating system still does not find the printer itself, the situation can be corrected by installing the universal HP driver. This software is compatible with all HP printer models and helps solve printing tasks. The software is automatically updated. You can download the driver from the official site of HP.
Why does the printer not print Russian letters?
Printers come in various difficulty levels. The complexity of the device lies in the presence or absence of a microprocessor, which independently controls the operation of the printer without OS intervention. Printers come in three types:
- Win (GDI) printers work only under the control of the OS and do not have an integrated processor.
- PCL printers have an integrated processor and can work autonomously.
- PostScript printers have a built-in raster image processor (RIP), suitable for printing needs.
PCL and PostScript printers have built-in fonts. If there is a mark in the print settings about using your own printer fonts, then data from the database will be used (and only if there is no font, it will be downloaded from the operating system). Most often, the existing fonts do not have the Russian version, so when printing with fonts from the printer database, Russian fonts are not recognized. As a result, the device prints Russian characters in squares or does not print them at all.
How to install drivers on the printer in this case? There is no need to search for new "firewood"; it is enough to configure the installed ones. In order to correct the situation, you need to go into the printer’s advanced settings, select “True Type Font” in them, from the “Downloadable Font” list in it. Next, in the output parameters, select the option “Optimal compatibility”, then in the same section in the menu “Download TrueType fonts” select the option “Like your own True Type” or “Like vector”. All windows are confirmed OK. The printer should work without distortion. How to install drivers on the printer if the setup failed? It is necessary to remove the old "firewood", turn off the printer and reinstall the software in the standard way.