Numerous users have recently voiced their concern that they are unable to set up their printers. Whenever they are trying to do so, they are instead greeted with the “software for the printer was installed incorrectly Please reinstall the software from the manufacturer” error message on their Mac. If you are also in the same boat, then this guide will make you aware of a couple of nifty workarounds to effectivity address this bug. Follow along.
Table of Contents
Fix The software for the printer was installed incorrectly on Mac
It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Verify Certificate Date
First off, make sure that the printer’s drivers aren’t expired. If they are, then you should first disconnect your Mac from the internet, change the date on your Mac prior to the expiration date, and then retry the installation. Or if that doesn’t work out, then try out our second fix listed below.
FIX 2: Add Printer via IP Address
If you’re having an expired encryption certificate for your printer and the aforementioned tweak didn’t spell out success, then your next course of action is to install the printer via its IP Address. Here’s how it could be done:
- Open System Settings > Network and select your printer.
- Then note down the IP Address next to your printer.
- Now System Settings and go to Printers and Scanners.
- Then select your printer from the list and delete it.
- After that, click on Add Printer.. and go to the Web tab.
- Then type in the IP Address and it will bring the printer, hit Add.
- Check if it fixes the “software for the printer was installed incorrectly” error on Mac.
FIX 3: Manually Place PPD Files
- The driver package that you have downloaded might also have a few PPD files.
- So copy those PPD files and place them at the following location
/Library/Printers/PPDs/Contents/Resources/ - Now check if it fixes the “software for the printer was installed incorrectly” error on Mac.
FIX 4: Install Unsigned Drivers
If you could only get hold of the drivers from unknown developers or they are unsigned but you are ready to take the risk, then here’s how you to install these unsigned drivers.
- Go to Launchpad > Others and select Terminal.
- Then type in the below command in the terminal:
sudo spctl --global-disable - Now try installing the driver and check out the result.
That’s it. These were the four different methods that should help you fix the “software for the printer was installed incorrectly” error on your Mac. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.
