Should I install printer specific drivers or not?


tjsuominen

tjsuominen

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Hi all!

I have taken Epson ET-2870 inkjet printer into use just by adding that as Windows 11 printer via my wifi network (= printer uses generic Windows printer drivers). Printer works and prints 'ok'.

However, it seems that the printing / printer options are quite limited with standard Windows printing drivers.


The question goes: Should I install the Epson drivers from the manufacturer?


If yes, why?
If not, why not?


Lastly, can I use 3rd party inks if I install Epson specific drivers?


Appreciated!
 
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11

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You only need to install drivers to enable device features or fix buggy driver.
 

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How about printing quality and using 3rd party inks?
 

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Windows 11
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Lenovo T14s
tjsuominen said:
However, it seems that the printing / printer options are quite limited with standard Windows printing drivers.
Click to expand...
If you want the extra print options then it's a no brainer. Install the Epson drivers.

I use Epson drivers for my Epson XP-3100 printer and I use 3rd party inks.
 

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wiganken said:
If you want the extra print options then it's a no brainer. Install the Epson drivers.

I use Epson drivers for my Epson XP-3100 printer and I use 3rd party inks.
Click to expand...

Thx @wiganken ! Would you mind taking a screenshot of extra printing options avaibale? E.g. from a PDF file.
 

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OS
Windows 11
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Lenovo T14s
The initial print options vary depending upon where I am printing from. I see a different print UI if I print from a pdf file open in my pdf app than if I print from a pdf in my web browser.
However, if I go into Devices & Printers and select Printing Preferences for my Epson printer there are 3 tabs where one can make choices or carry out printer maintenance. See 3 photos. One for each tab: -

E1.webp

E2.webp

E3.webp
 

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    GMKtec K11
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
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    32GB DDR5 SO-DIMM
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    Integrated AMD Radeon 780M (4.00 GHz)
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    1920 x 1080
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    1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
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    ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED 14" Laptop - UX3405CA-QL192W
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    Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 - 255H processor
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    16 GB LPDDR5 SDRAM
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    Intel Arc 140T onboard graphics
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Hugely appreciated, thx. Gave a good impression what (more or less) could be achieved / altered. Seems basically no-brainer to install the drivers. Thx once more for your help.
 

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I have an HP LaserJet Pro and an HP OfficeJet Pro connected to my Router, on my LAN. Any computer I connect to the Router can get the basics but if I want scanning and anything else I install the software for them. For mine it's called HP Smart but the instructions that accompanied them gave a location on HP's site as where/how to get the additional software, no charge, should be similar for other brands.
 

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    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz16GBOnboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA a...
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tjsuominen said:
Hi all!

I have taken Epson ET-2870 inkjet printer into use just by adding that as Windows 11 printer via my wifi network (= printer uses generic Windows printer drivers). Printer works and prints 'ok'.

However, it seems that the printing / printer options are quite limited with standard Windows printing drivers.


The question goes: Should I install the Epson drivers from the manufacturer?


If yes, why?
If not, why not?


Lastly, can I use 3rd party inks if I install Epson specific drivers?


Appreciated!
Click to expand...
I use an Epson ET8550 EcoTank printer. You need the Epson drivers if you are serious about good quality printing. You also have an EcoTank printer for which the OEM inks work out far cheaper than standard low ink capacity printers. It's a false economy to use lower quality third party inks and you will invalidate your warranty by using them.
 

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