How to Install a Printer Driver Without the Printer Connected

By Margaret Worthington

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Installing a new printer on your computer typically means also installing new drivers for the printer. Sometimes your computer automatically detects the printer and installs the drivers when the printer is plugged in to your computer. However, if you want to install the drivers before you connect the printer, you will not be able to take advantage of this luxury. Fortunately, you can most likely run the driver installation program even if your printer is not connected.

Step 1

Locate the driver installation program for your printer. This installation program is typically found on a CD that is included with the printer, or you can download it from the printer manufacturer's website.

Step 2

Run the driver installation program from the CD or the file you downloaded from the Internet. If you are asked to attach the printer at a point during this process, you can bypass this step, and try to finish installing the driver anyway. However, depending on the driver and printer manufacturer, the driver might not install correctly or refuse to install at all until the installation program detects that the printer is attached.

Step 3

Restart your computer after the installation is complete to ensure that the driver is properly installed. To check whether it is installed properly or not, you need to attach your printer, and make sure that your computer recognizes it and is able to print correctly.

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