Learn how to easily install Sharp copier drivers on Windows 10 and 11 with this step-by-step guide, ensuring seamless printing for your office needs.
How to Install a Sharp Copier Driver on Windows 10 or 11
A complete walkthrough for downloading and installing the printer driver for your Sharp MFP
Adding a Sharp copier to a Windows PC isn't much harder than installing any other printer, but the official Sharp download page does ask a few questions along the way and the installer has a handful of screens where the right choice isn't obvious. Here's the path that works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Step 1: Pick your printer driver on Sharp's website
Head to Sharp's Driver/Software Downloads page, choose your Country/Region, and enter the Product Name (the model number, like BP-60C36, MX-5050N, etc.) in the search field.
Step 2: Pick a driver language
Select your language (US English for most North American users) and click NEXT.
Step 3: Let the page detect your operating system
Sharp's page will try to detect your OS automatically (Windows 10, Windows 11, or whatever you're running) and show it on the next screen. If it's right, click NEXT.
If the detected OS isn't right (for example, you're downloading the driver from a different machine than the one you're installing on), click Select another OS and pick the correct one from the dropdown.
Step 4: Download and run the installer
Click the Download button. Most browsers will ask whether you want to open or save the file — if you save it, just double-click it once the download finishes. When Windows asks for admin permission, click Yes.
Step 5: Confirm the install location
The installer asks where to extract its files. You can leave the default location alone and click Next.
Step 6: Choose Advanced installation
On the installation method screen, click Advanced installation. This gives you the ability to choose PCL6, PS, or PPD drivers (rather than just a single default), which is usually what you want.
If you see "Select a type of installation" first: this screen only appears if you've installed a Sharp driver on this PC before. Click Add a new Sharp printer to continue.
Step 7: Pick the copier on your network
The installer searches your network for Sharp copiers and shows them in a list. Check the box next to the one you want to install and click Next.
Don't see your copier in the list? Check that the copier is powered on and connected to the same network as your PC. If it still doesn't appear, click Specify Conditions or Re-search. As a last resort, you can manually enter the copier's IP address.
If you have multiple Sharp copiers on the same network, you can install them all at once by checking more than one box.
Step 8: Pick which driver flavor to install
Sharp offers three driver types — PCL6, PS, and PPD. Most office users only need PCL6 (it's the default for general printing). PS is useful if you do a lot of graphics or PDF work, and PPD is for compatibility with certain niche applications. Check the boxes for the ones you want and click Next.
Step 9: Confirm and start the install
Review the summary screen showing what's about to install. Leave the Run the Autoconfiguration checkbox checked — this lets the driver auto-detect the copier's installed options like trays and finishers, which saves you from configuring them manually. Click Next to start copying files.
If a Windows security warning appears: the Sharp driver is safe to install, so click whatever button continues the installation (Yes, Continue Anyway, or Install this software anyway depending on the Windows version).
Step 10: Print a test page
Once the installation completes, click Print test page to confirm everything is working. A page should print on the Sharp within a few seconds.
Step 11: Set your default printer (or don't)
If you want this Sharp to be your default printer for everything, select it from the Set as default printer dropdown. If you'd rather leave your current default alone, pick Don't change.
Step 12: Finish
Click Finish. If Windows asks you to restart, do it — the new driver will be fully active after the reboot.
You're done
The Sharp is now installed and ready to print. If you ever need to change settings like paper trays or finisher options later, you can right-click the printer in Windows' Printers & scanners list, choose Printer properties, and use the Configuration tab.
