Win7: How to update printer drivers list?

[JEDI]

I installed Win7 Pro (64bit) on my desktop last year. I had an old printer and somehow i updated the default Win7 printer drivers. (Stupid Win7 for not installing it by default.)

Now i installed Win7 on my desktop and i have no idea how to update the default Win7 drivers.
Google has failed me. 🙁 all i find is 'goto the manufacturer'

i would like to know how to update the built in Win7 printer drivers?

 

[douglasb]

Windows Update

 

[kbp]

Control Panel - Device Manager
Click - Printers - Right Click on the printer/Update Driver-Software

 

[JEDI]

Control Panel - Device Manager
Click - Printers - Right Click on the printer/Update Driver-Software

hm.. why is Printers hidden in Device manager?

anyway, when i right click printers in device manager i only get these 2 options:
1) scan for hardware changes
2) properties

when i click on properties, i get:
a) general- just says printers w/no other options
b) settings- onlything clickable is a box that takes me to 'Device and Printers' folder

in 'Device and Printers' folder, i dont see an update option

 

[JEDI]

Windows Update

control panel-> windows update
dont see an option to update printer drivers

 

[JEDI]

ok, i think i got it.

'Device and Printers' folder
add printer to LPT1 (even tho my printer is USB)
click on 'windows update' box

updating now...

 

[Drsignguy]

You can also disconnect the USB and then remove anything pertaining to the printer if it exists. Then plug back in the USB and windows should recognize the device. Then you should be able to update the driver if it hasn't already. Usually this is opposite of what you should do if you were to use the manufacture drivers.