Epson is a leading brand in the printing industry, known for producing high-quality printers that offer reliable performance for both personal and professional use. One of the key factors in maintaining optimal performance and functionality of your Epson printer is keeping both the printer’s firmware and driver up to date. Updating the firmware ensures your printer operates with the latest features and fixes, while updating the driver ensures your computer communicates properly with the printer.
In this guide, we will explain how to update both the Epson printer firmware and driver together, ensuring that your printer is operating at its best. By following these steps, you can easily ensure that your Epson printer is up to date with the latest improvements and fixes.
Why is it Important to Update Epson Printer Firmware and Driver?
Before we dive into the update process, let’s explore why updating both the firmware and driver of your Epson printer is important:
Improved Printer Performance: Updating the firmware ensures that your printer is running with the latest enhancements, fixes, and optimizations, which can improve print quality, speed, and reliability.
Bug Fixes: Epson frequently releases firmware updates to address bugs and glitches that may affect your printer’s performance. Similarly, driver updates often address compatibility issues or improve printing capabilities.
Access to New Features: Firmware updates often introduce new features and functionalities that are not available in older versions. Updating the driver ensures compatibility with your computer’s operating system and new printer features.
Security and Stability: Firmware and driver updates also address potential security vulnerabilities, ensuring your printer and computer are protected from potential threats.
Now, let's go through the process of updating both the Epson printer firmware and driver together.
How to Update Epson Printer Firmware and Driver Together?
Step 1: Prepare for the Update
Check Printer Status:
Ensure that your Epson printer is powered on and connected to your computer or network (for wireless printers). If you are updating the firmware over a wireless connection, make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
Backup Printer Settings:
If you have customized your printer settings (such as paper size, print quality, or other preferences), consider backing up these settings before starting the update process. Some firmware updates may reset certain settings to default.
Ensure Sufficient Power:
If you are updating the firmware, ensure that your printer has enough power. It is recommended to keep the printer plugged into a power source to avoid any interruptions during the update process.
Step 2: Check for the Latest Firmware and Driver
Visit the Epson Support Website:
Open your preferred web browser and go to the official Epson support website.
Search for Your Printer Model:
Enter your printer’s model name (for example, Epson EcoTank ET-2720, Epson SureColor P900, Epson Workforce WF-3720) in the search bar.
Select Your Printer:
Select your printer from the list of available models to go to the printer’s support page.
Download the Latest Driver:
Under the Driver & Downloads section, select the operating system you are using (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS). Download the latest driver version that is compatible with your system.
Check for Firmware Updates:
On the same page, check the Firmware section to see if a new firmware version is available for your printer model. If there is a new firmware update, you can download the update file from here.
Step 3: Update the Printer Firmware
Download the Firmware Update:
Click on the Download button to download the firmware update file. This file will typically have an executable format for Windows or a .dmg file for macOS.
Run the Firmware Update:
Once the firmware file is downloaded, open the file to launch the update program. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.
During the firmware update process, do not turn off the printer or your computer, as this could cause damage to the printer or the update process.
Wait for the Update to Complete:
The firmware update process may take several minutes, depending on the printer model and the size of the update. Wait for the update to finish before proceeding.
Restart the Printer (If Necessary):
Some firmware updates require a restart of the printer. If prompted, turn off the printer, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
Step 4: Update the Epson Printer Driver
Run the Driver Installer:
Once the driver is downloaded, locate the setup file in your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the file). Double-click the file to start the installation process.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
The driver installation wizard will guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest printer driver. You may need to agree to the terms and conditions and choose the printer connection method (USB or wireless).
Connect Your Printer:
If you are installing a new driver and the printer is not already connected, you will be asked to connect your printer to your computer. For USB printers, simply plug in the USB cable; for wireless printers, ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
Complete the Installation:
After the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer to finalize the installation.
Verify Installation:
To ensure the driver is correctly installed, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers (Windows) or System Preferences > Printers & Scanners (macOS). Your Epson printer should be listed. You can also print a test page to confirm the printer is functioning properly.
Step 5: Check for Updates and Restart the Printer
Check Printer Settings:
Once the firmware and driver updates are installed, go through your printer settings to ensure that all preferences are set correctly. Some settings may have been reset to default during the update process.
Restart Your Printer and Computer:
After the updates are complete, restart both your printer and computer to ensure all changes are applied and the system is properly synced with the new firmware and driver.
Print a Test Page:
To confirm that the firmware and driver updates have been successfully applied, print a test page. This will help verify that your printer is functioning correctly after the updates.
Step 6: Set Up Automatic Updates (Optional)
To keep your Epson printer’s firmware and driver up to date in the future, you can enable automatic updates for both firmware and drivers, if your printer model supports it. This way, you won't have to manually check for updates each time.
Enable Automatic Firmware Updates:
Some Epson printers allow you to enable automatic firmware updates directly through the printer’s settings menu. Check your printer's user manual or online support page for instructions on enabling automatic firmware updates.
Enable Automatic Driver Updates:
You can also enable automatic driver updates in Windows by using Windows Update or by installing a driver update utility from Epson, if available.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues during the update process, here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Check Printer Connection:
Ensure that your printer is properly connected to your computer, either via USB or over the network, and that there are no connection issues.
Check for Update Errors:
If the firmware update fails, try restarting the printer and your computer, then retry the update. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve update errors.
Reinstall the Printer Driver:
If the printer driver is not working properly after the update, uninstall the current driver and reinstall it from the Epson support website.
Ensure Sufficient Power:
Make sure that the printer is not running low on power during the update process. If the printer shuts down during an update, it may cause issues with the firmware installation.
Consult Epson Support:
If the issue persists, reach out to Epson support for further assistance. They can help guide you through the troubleshooting process or provide a solution if the update did not complete successfully.
Conclusion
Updating both the Epson printer firmware and driver together is an essential step in ensuring your printer operates with the latest features, improvements, and fixes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily keep your Epson printer up to date and ensure it continues to deliver high-quality prints with optimal performance.