Add PrinterDriver - PowerShell

Overview

The Add-PrinterDriver cmdlet adds a printer driver to the system. This is primarily used to install drivers for new printer models or update existing ones, ensuring compatibility between your computer and printing devices.

Syntax

Add-PrinterDriver [-Name] <String> [-PrinterName] <String> [-Architecture] <String> [-DriverPath] <String> [-InstallAsDefault] [-Force] [-Verbose]

Options/Flags

  • -Name (Required): Specifies the name of the printer driver to be added. This name must be unique across all installed printer drivers.

  • -PrinterName (Optional): Specifies the name of the printer associated with the driver being added. If not specified, the driver will be added without being associated with a specific printer.

  • -Architecture (Optional): Specifies the architecture for the driver to be added. Valid values are x86 and x64. If not specified, the driver will be added for the current system architecture.

  • -DriverPath (Optional): Specifies the path to the driver files to be installed. If not specified, the system will search for the driver files using the -Name parameter.

  • -InstallAsDefault (Optional): Specifies that the driver being added should be set as the default printer driver for the system.

  • -Force (Optional): Specifies that the driver should be added even if it does not pass all validation checks.

  • -Verbose (Optional): Specifies that detailed information about the driver installation process should be displayed.

Examples

Example 1: Adding a driver for a specific printer

Add-PrinterDriver -Name "HP LaserJet 4000 Series PCL 6" -PrinterName "HP LaserJet 4000"

Example 2: Adding a driver for a specific architecture

Add-PrinterDriver -Name "Canon PIXMA iP7220 Series" -Architecture x64

Example 3: Adding a driver from a specific path

Add-PrinterDriver -Name "Brother MFC-L2710DW" -DriverPath "C:\Drivers\MFC-L2710DW\"

Example 4: Adding a driver and setting it as default

Add-PrinterDriver -Name "Xerox Phaser 3020" -InstallAsDefault

Common Issues

  • Error: The driver could not be found.

    • Ensure that the driver files are available at the specified path or that the -Name parameter matches an existing driver package.

  • Error: The driver is not compatible with this system.

    • Check the driver’s architecture (-Architecture) and ensure it matches the system’s architecture.

  • Error: The driver is already installed.

    • If you wish to update the driver, use the Update-PrinterDriver cmdlet instead.

Integration

The Add-PrinterDriver cmdlet can be integrated with other PowerShell commands for advanced printer management tasks. For instance, you can combine it with Get-Printer to retrieve a list of installed printers and use Set-Printer to configure printer settings.

  • Get-PrinterDriver
  • Remove-PrinterDriver
  • Update-PrinterDriver
  • Get-Printer
  • Set-Printer