Modern drivers often rely on other software frameworks—.NET Framework, Visual C++ Redistributables, or even a manufacturer’s proprietary “printer experience” app. If those dependencies are missing or corrupted, the driver installer will silently fail. Mark discovered his system was missing a 2015 C++ Redistributable package.
Temporarily disable your antivirus during the installation. It feels risky, but if you are downloading the file directly from the manufacturer's website, you are safe. Just remember to turn it back on afterward. printer driver not installing
Mark’s story is archetypal. Printer driver installation fails for a handful of recurring reasons: Modern drivers often rely on other software frameworks—