What are Drivers? A Practical Guide to Printer Drivers

If you’ve ever set up a printer and wondered “Why does my computer need this extra software?”—you’ve encountered a printer driver.

Drivers are one of the most common sources of confusion for end users and one of the most frequent causes of support tickets for IT teams. At Image Star, we work closely with resellers, MSPs, and businesses of all sizes, and we see firsthand how simplifying printer setup can dramatically improve the user experience.

That’s exactly why modern devices like the Capsul MB3300 and MB4000 are designed to support driverless printing, making installation faster, easier, and more reliable—especially in today’s mixed-device environments.

This guide breaks down:

• What drivers are

• Why they exist

• How driverless printing works

• How to set up Capsul printers step by step

• Why this matters for IT teams and end users alike

What Is a Printer Driver?

A driver is a piece of software that allows a computer’s operating system to communicate with a hardware device—like a printer.

Think of it like this:

• Your computer speaks one language (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)

• Your printer speaks another

• The driver acts as the translator between the two

Without a driver, your computer wouldn’t know:

• How to format a document for printing

• What paper sizes are available

• Whether the printer supports duplexing, scanning, or secure print

Why Traditional Printer Drivers Can Be a Problem

Historically, printer drivers caused frustration for both users and IT teams because they were:

• OS-specific

• Frequently outdated

• Manually installed

• Vulnerable to breaking during updates

For businesses running hybrid environments—or MSPs supporting multiple clients—this often led to:

• Setup delays

• Compatibility issues

• Repeat service calls

• User frustration

Modern printers like the Capsul MB3300 and MB4000 address these challenges by supporting driverless printing standards that reduce dependency on manufacturer-specific software.

What Is Driverless Printing?

Driverless printing uses universal print standards built directly into modern operating systems. Instead of downloading a unique driver, the computer automatically detects the printer and assigns a compatible print protocol.

Common standards include:

• IPP Everywhere

• AirPrint (Apple)

• Mopria (used by Android and Windows environments)

Capsul printers leverage these standards to deliver a consistent, simplified setup experience across platforms.

Why Driverless Printing Matters for the Capsul MB3300 & MB4000

The Capsul MB3300 and MB4000 were designed with modern workplaces in mind—shared offices, hybrid work, and limited on-site IT resources.

Key advantages include:

• Faster deployment

• Fewer setup steps

• Reduced support tickets

• Easy onboarding for new users

• Compatibility across multiple operating systems

For IT resellers and MSPs, this means less time troubleshooting and more time delivering value.

How to Set Up a Capsul MB3300 or MB4000 Using Driverless Printing

Below is a step-by-step process you can share directly with customers or internal teams.

Step 1: Ensure the Printer and Computer Are on the Same Network

Driverless printing relies on network discovery.

• Connect the Capsul MB3300 or MB4000 to Wi-Fi or Ethernet

• Confirm the user’s computer is on the same network

• Avoid VPNs during initial setup

Once connected, the printer will broadcast its availability to nearby devices.

Step 2: Open CPU / Device Settings

On the user’s computer (CPU):

Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners

Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners

This is where the operating system manages device detection and drivers.

Step 3: Select “Add Device”

When the user clicks Add Device, the system will:

• Scan the local network

• Identify compatible printers

• Display the Capsul MB3300 or MB4000 automatically

This process typically takes less than a minute.

Step 4: Search for a Local Driver Automatically

Instead of prompting for a manual download, the operating system:

• Searches its built-in driver library

• Assigns a universal print driver (IPP, AirPrint, or Mopria)

• Configures the printer using standard protocols

This eliminates the need for manufacturer-specific software in most cases.

Step 5: Complete Driverless Setup

Once selected, the printer installs automatically.

Users may see labels such as:

• “Driverless Printer”

• “Generic IPP Driver”

• “Secure AirPrint”

At this point, the Capsul MB3300 or MB4000 is ready to print.

When Would You Still Use a Traditional Driver?

While driverless printing works for most environments, there are cases where a full driver may be beneficial, such as:

• Advanced finishing options

• Custom paper trays

• Department-level print rules

• Legacy software compatibility

Even in these scenarios, Capsul printers allow IT teams to install drivers selectively—without impacting basic usability for most users.

Common Questions IT Teams and Users Ask

“Why can I print but not see all features?”Driverless mode prioritizes compatibility. Advanced features may require a full driver.

“Why didn’t my printer show up?” Most often due to:

• Network mismatch

• VPN interference

• Wi-Fi credentials entered incorrectly

“Do I need to update drivers regularly?” Driverless printing dramatically reduces update requirements, as the OS manages compatibility.

Why Image Star Recommends Capsul Printers

At Image Star, we believe office technology should be powerful—but not complicated.

The Capsul MB3300 and MB4000 align with that philosophy by offering:

• Simplified setup

• Driverless compatibility

• Reliable performance

• Lower total cost of ownership

• Fewer support headaches

They’re ideal for SMBs, remote offices, and reseller-supported environments where ease of use matters.

Final Takeaway

Drivers aren’t going away—but they are getting smarter.

By choosing printers like the Capsul MB3300 and MB4000, businesses and IT providers can move away from complex driver management and toward a more seamless, modern printing experience.