The Xerox Color 550 is a high-performance color printer designed to meet the needs of various business environments, from small offices to large enterprises. It offers advanced features like fast printing, high-quality color output, and robust scanning capabilities. However, in order to make full use of this printer, you need to download and install the appropriate driver software. The Xerox Color 550 driver acts as the bridge between your computer and the printer, ensuring seamless communication and functionality.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to download the Xerox Color 550 driver, from selecting the right version to installation.

Understanding Drivers

Before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand what a driver is and why it’s important for your Xerox Color 550 printer. A printer driver is a piece of software that allows your computer to communicate with your printer. Without the correct driver, your computer may not recognize the printer, or you may encounter issues such as print jobs not processing, poor print quality, or printer malfunctions.

For the Xerox Color 550 printer, the driver includes the necessary instructions for all the print functions, including color printing, duplex printing, scanning, and other advanced features. Hence, it’s crucial to download the driver from a reliable source and install it correctly.

Steps to Download Xerox Color 550 Driver

Step 1: Identify Your Operating System

Before downloading the driver, you need to ensure that you select the right version of the driver for your operating system (OS). Xerox offers drivers for various operating systems, including:

• Windows (Windows 7, 8, 10, 11)
• Mac OS (macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, etc.)
• Linux (Ubuntu, Red Hat, etc.)

To check which operating system you are using:

1. On Windows: Go to the "Start" menu, then select "Settings" > "System" > "About". You will see the version of Windows you are using.
2. On Mac: Click the Apple logo at the top left corner of the screen and select "About This Mac." You will see your macOS version.
3. On Linux: Open a terminal and typelsb_release -a to see your Linux distribution and version.

Knowing your operating system will allow you to download the correct version of the driver, ensuring that your Xerox Color 550 printer operates smoothly.

Step 2: Visit the Official Xerox Website

Once you know your operating system, the next step is to visit the official Xerox website. This is the safest and most reliable source for downloading the Xerox Color 550 driver. Avoid third-party websites, as they may offer outdated or malicious software that could harm your system.

To visit the official Xerox website, follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and go to www.xerox.com.
2. On the homepage, hover over the "Support" menu at the top of the page.
3. Select "Drivers & Downloads" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Search for the Xerox Color 550 Printer

On the Xerox Drivers & Downloads page, you’ll need to search for the Xerox Color 550 printer. You can do this by:

1. Typing Xerox Color 550 into the search bar.
2. Alternatively, you can browse through the printer models listed by Xerox. Look for the “Xerox Color 550/560” section.

Once you find the Xerox Color 550 printer model, click on it to access the available drivers.

Step 4: Choose Your Operating System

Once you’ve selected the Xerox Color 550 printer, you’ll be prompted to choose your operating system. Depending on what OS you're using, you should select the appropriate version (e.g., Windows 10, macOS Big Sur, etc.).

Xerox provides a drop-down menu or a selection list that includes all supported operating systems. Make sure you select the exact version of your OS to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 5: Select the Driver Type

Xerox provides different types of drivers depending on your needs:

• Global Print Driver (GPD): This universal driver can be used with multiple Xerox printers. It's perfect if you are managing a variety of Xerox printers in a network.
• Full Feature Driver: This includes the printer’s advanced features, such as color management, scan-to-email, and job storage. This driver is best if you need to make full use of your Xerox Color 550's capabilities.
• Basic Driver: This is a smaller driver with basic functionality, suitable for users who need simple printing without any additional features.

Choose the Full Feature Driver for the best performance and to access all advanced features of the Xerox Color 550. If you’re unsure, the Global Print Driver is another good option, especially if you have multiple Xerox printers.

Step 6: Download the Driver

After selecting the driver type, click on the Download button. The driver installation file will be downloaded to your computer. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, this may take a few minutes.

It’s important to download the driver directly from the Xerox website to ensure you’re getting the latest, most secure version. This minimizes the risk of encountering issues or using outdated software.

Step 7: Install the Driver

Once the driver is downloaded, follow these steps to install it on your system:

1. Windows:

   • Open the downloaded file (usually in.exe format).
   • Double-click to begin the installation process.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
   • Restart your computer if prompted.

2. Mac:

   • Open the downloaded file (usually in.dmg format).
   • Double-click the file to mount the installer.
   • Follow the installation prompts to complete the process.
   • Restart your Mac if required.

3. Linux:

   • Linux drivers are often in.rpm or.deb formats depending on your distribution.
   • Use the package manager (e.g.,apt-get for Ubuntu) to install the driver.
   • You may also need to execute commands from the terminal to complete the installation.

After installation, your Xerox Color 550 printer should be ready to use.

Step 8: Set the Printer as Default (Optional)

After successfully installing the driver, you may want to set the Xerox Color 550 as your default printer. This can save you time when printing documents. To do this:

1. On Windows:

   • Go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers."
   • Right-click on your Xerox Color 550 printer and select "Set as Default Printer."

2. On Mac:

   • Open "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners."
   • Select your Xerox Color 550 and click "Set as Default."

Step 9: Test the Printer

Finally, once the driver is installed, print a test page to ensure everything is working correctly. Most drivers offer an option to print a test page during installation. If you skipped this step, you can manually print a test page from the printer settings on your computer.

If the test page prints successfully, your Xerox Color 550 printer is ready for regular use.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the driver download or installation process, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Check Compatibility: Ensure that the driver you downloaded is compatible with your operating system version.
• Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve installation issues.
• Update Firmware: Check if your Xerox Color 550 printer has any firmware updates available. Updating the firmware can improve printer performance and resolve compatibility issues.
• Contact Xerox Support: If you’re still having trouble, you can reach out to Xerox customer support for assistance.

Conclusion

Downloading and installing the Xerox Color 550 driver is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to ensure that you choose the right version for your operating system and follow the correct installation steps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to get your Xerox Color 550 up and running in no time. Once the driver is installed, you’ll be able to enjoy the full range of features offered by this powerful printer. Whether you’re printing high-quality color documents or scanning large files, having the correct driver ensures optimal performance and reliability.