Install a printer without the original CD — where to get drivers

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Windows 11/10, macOS (Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey), Printers, Networking, Office Equipment

Install printer without CD on Windows 10/Windows 11 or Mac — download printer drivers for HP, Epson, Canon, Brother

Technician

Hey! Let’s install your printer without the original CD. Tell me the brand (HP, Epson, Canon, Brother) and whether you want a USB install or a wireless setup without CD. Also, confirm if you’re on Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS — steps differ slightly.

Customer

I’ve got a used HP OfficeJet. No disc. I need to download the printer driver and connect it to Wi‑Fi from a Windows 11 laptop.

Technician

Great. Installing a printer without a CD is normal now — you just need the correct vendor driver download or a reliable Windows Update driver. Avoid random driver sites; we’ll use the official HP/Epson/Canon/Brother pages. For Wi‑Fi, we’ll either run the vendor wizard or use WPS/IPP and then add the printer via Printers & scanners.

Customer

Where do I get the HP driver? Is HP Smart enough?

Technician

Download HP printer drivers: go to the official HP Software & Drivers page, search your exact model, and pick the Full Feature Software (best for scanning and wireless). HP Smart works for many models, but if Windows added a Microsoft IPP Class Driver, install the full HP package to enable all features. This is the fastest way to install HP printer without CD.

Customer

If the installer can’t find my Wi‑Fi printer, can I add it manually in Windows 11?

Technician

Windows 11 — Add printer without CD:
1) Put the printer on Wi‑Fi (control panel or WPS).
2) Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device → wait for your model. If it doesn’t appear, click Add manually → TCP/IP and enter the printer’s IP.
3) When asked for a driver, choose the Have Disk option and point to the vendor package you downloaded, or select from Windows Update. This lets you install a printer driver manually when there is no disk.

Customer

We also have an older Canon Pixma at home. Can I install Canon printer without CD on my Mac?

Technician

Install printer on macOS without CD: open System Settings → Printers & Scanners → click Add Printer → choose the device from the list. Prefer AirPrint or the vendor’s driver (Canon IJ/UFR II). If it shows as Generic, download the Canon driver to enable scanning and media presets. This is the best way to install a printer on Mac without the CD.

Customer

What if Windows uses a generic driver? I want full features like scans and duplex.

Technician

If Windows installs the Microsoft IPP Class Driver, you’ll get basic printing only. Replace it: remove the queue, run the vendor installer (HP/Epson/Canon/Brother), or go to Printer properties → Advanced → New Driver and choose the model from Windows Update or Have Disk. This ensures you have the correct printer driver download without needing a CD.

Customer

We also have a Brother laser that will be USB only. How do I install printer via USB without CD?

Technician

USB install without disc: download the Brother Full Driver & Software Package first, then connect the USB cable only when the wizard asks. If Windows added a generic USB driver, uninstall the device from Device Manager → Printers and re‑run the vendor package. This method works for installing printer without disk across brands.

Customer

Where can I get drivers for Epson? And is there a way to use drivers from Windows Update only?

Technician

Epson drivers download: use the official Epson Driver & Utilities Combo for your model. If you prefer Microsoft’s catalog, during manual install click Windows Update in the driver list to pull down signed drivers. It’s a clean way to add a printer without software CD, though vendor packages usually provide scanning apps and firmware updates.

Customer

Any tips for older printers on Windows 11? It’s a 2012 model.

Technician

Install older printer on Windows 11 without CD: try the inbox driver via Windows Update. If your exact model isn’t listed, pick a class‑compatible driver (e.g., Canon UFR II Generic, HP PCL6 Class) or use a Universal Print Driver. For very old devices, add the printer via Standard TCP/IP Port and choose a close model — this often restores basic printing.

Customer

Thanks! Can you summarize the best places to download printer drivers for each brand?

Technician

Summary: To install a printer without the original CD, use official pages — HP Software & Drivers, Epson Driver & Utilities, Canon Support (IJ/UFR II), and Brother Full Driver & Software Package. Prefer vendor packages for full features; fall back to Windows Update or AirPrint/IPP for simple installs. Need hands‑on help? Open the chat and we’ll finish the setup.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix when you need to install a printer without a CD (Windows 10/Windows 11/Mac): download the official vendor driver (HP/Epson/Canon/Brother), run the wireless/USB wizard, or add the device manually and select the driver via Windows Update or Have Disk. On macOS, add the printer with AirPrint or the vendor driver in Printers & Scanners.

FAQ

Step‑by‑step (Windows 10/11)

1. Download the exact printer driver from HP/Epson/Canon/Brother.
2. Run the installer for USB or wireless setup; if it fails, use Add device → Add manually and fetch drivers via Windows Update.
3. If Windows used a Generic or IPP Class driver, replace it with the full vendor driver.
4. Print a test page and set preferences (paper type, duplex, color).

Step‑by‑step (macOS)

1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer.
2. Select AirPrint or install the vendor driver and choose it from the Use: menu.
3. Finish wireless or USB setup and test print/scan.

Sources

• HP — Software & Drivers
• Epson — Drivers & Utilities
• Canon — Support (IJ/UFR II)
• Brother — Full Driver & Software Package
• Microsoft — Add a printer in Windows
• Apple — Add a printer on Mac

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