How to Check and Update Your Print Driver for PC Users

If you are printing from a PC and your labels are misaligned, off-center, or shrunken, your print driver may need an update.

A print driver allows your templates, computer, and printer to communicate better and preserve margins and alignment for accurate prints. 

How to Check Your Print Driver

Before updating your driver, follow these steps to check your current version and compare it with the most recent one from your printer manufacturer.

Step 1: Check Your Settings

  1. Navigate to your computer settings to confirm your current driver.
  2. Go to Devices > Printers & Scanners.
  3. Select your printer and click Manage.
  4. Choose Printer Properties > Advanced.
  5. Look for Driver: [Name] to see which version you currently have installed.

Step 2: Look At Your Printer

  1. Find your printer's brand and model.
  2. You can find these by looking at the front or back of your printer.
  3. Example: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn, Brother HL-L2350DW, Canon imageCLASS LBP6230dw.

Step 3: Visit the Manufacturer's Website

  1. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website to confirm the most up-to-date driver.
  2. Click your brand below or enter “[Brand] printer drivers” into a search engine:

Step 4: Find Your Printer Model Online

  1. On the manufacturer's website, enter the full printer model in the search bar.
  2. Click on your model name from the search results.
  3. Confirm your operating system.
  4. Most websites auto-detect Windows 10/11, but double-check it’s correct. Select your version if prompted.

Step 5: Compare Driver Versions

  1. Check the full driver package on the manufacturer’s site and compare it with the version you found in Step 1. This is the most up-to-date driver for your printer.
  2. If your driver is out of date, continue to the next section.
  3. If your driver is up to date, but you’re still experiencing issues with printing, refer to our template instructions and printing instructions for additional guidance on alignment issues. 

How to Update Your Printer Driver

If your driver is outdated, it could be affecting your printer’s ability to align your labels properly. Follow these steps to update it.

Step 1: Download and Install the Driver

  1. Look for terms like “Full Software Solution” or “Printer Driver.” Opt for full versions and avoid basic drivers or universal drivers.
  2. Download the full driver package
  3. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to restart your computer.

Step 2: Print a Test Page

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Select your printer, then Manage > Print to print a test page at 100% scale.
  3. Your labels should print fully aligned and at the correct scale.

Print Customized Labels With Ease

After updating your driver, you'll experience better communication between your computer and printer, leading to better prints! For additional support with your template or printing instructions, please check out our support articles online.

Need further assistance? Send us an email at customerservice@theshippingstore.com and we’ll guide you through each step.

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