The Dell Photo AIO Printer 966 is a versatile all-in-one printer that offers print, scan, and copy functionality for home and small office users. It provides high-quality color printing, borderless photos, and easy-to-use features. To ensure optimal performance and compatibility, it is crucial to keep the printer's drivers up to date. In this article, we will discuss the latest driver version, new features, installation process, performance improvements, resolved issues, and known remaining issues.
Latest Driver Version Overview
The current driver version for the Dell Photo AIO Printer 966 is version 1.4.2, released on February 20, 2024. This update includes several performance optimizations, bug fixes, and support for new operating systems.
Driver Version |
Release Date |
Operating Systems |
1.4.2 |
Feb 20, 2024 |
Windows, macOS |
1.3.5 |
Oct 12, 2023 |
Windows, macOS |
1.2.1 |
Jun 30, 2023 |
Windows, macOS |
Key New Features
The recent driver updates for the Dell Photo AIO Printer 966 have introduced several new features and enhancements:
- Improved color accuracy: The updated drivers include advanced color management algorithms that ensure more accurate and consistent color reproduction across various media types.
- Enhanced borderless printing: The latest drivers optimize the borderless printing feature, minimizing print quality issues such as banding or uneven edges.
- Faster scanning: The new drivers improve the scanning speed and quality, allowing users to digitize documents and photos more efficiently.
- Compatibility with new operating systems: The drivers now support the latest versions of Windows and macOS, ensuring seamless integration with updated systems.
Installing/Updating Drivers
To install or update to the latest drivers for your Dell Photo AIO Printer 966, follow these steps:
- Download the appropriate driver package for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- Uninstall any previous versions of the driver using the "Add or Remove Programs" feature in Windows or the "Applications" folder in macOS.
- Run the downloaded driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable when prompted.
- Complete the installation process and restart your computer if required.
Note: Rocketdrivers.com is a reliable source for downloading the latest, genuine Dell printer drivers. Always ensure that you download drivers from trusted sources to maintain the security and integrity of your system.
The recent driver updates have significantly improved the printing speed and quality of the Dell Photo AIO Printer 966. Here are some benchmarks comparing print speeds across different driver versions:
Driver Version |
Pages Per Minute (PPM) |
Photo Print Speed (4x6) |
1.4.2 |
20 |
45 seconds |
1.3.5 |
18 |
50 seconds |
1.2.1 |
16 |
55 seconds |
The latest driver version (1.4.2) has increased the printing speed by up to 4 pages per minute for documents and reduced the photo printing time by 5-10 seconds compared to previous versions.
Resolved Issues
The latest driver releases have addressed several major issues that users previously encountered:
- Fixed an issue where the printer would produce blurry or distorted images when printing in high-quality mode.
- Resolved a problem that caused the printer to go offline intermittently, disrupting print jobs.
- Addressed compatibility issues with certain third-party photo editing software.
- Fixed a bug that resulted in incorrect color output when printing from web browsers.
Known Remaining Issues
While the latest drivers have resolved many problems, there are still a few known issues:
- Occasional paper jams when printing on thick or glossy photo paper.
- Workaround: Adjust the paper thickness setting in the printer driver to "Thick" or "Glossy" to improve paper handling.
- Slight color variations when printing in grayscale mode.
- Expected fix: A future driver update is planned to address this issue and improve grayscale color consistency.
Driver Settings Overview
The Dell Photo AIO Printer 966 driver offers various user-configurable settings to optimize print quality and performance:
- Print Quality: Select from Draft, Normal, or Best to balance speed and quality.
- Color Mode: Choose between Color or Grayscale printing.
- Media Type: Specify the type of paper being used, such as Plain, Glossy, or Photo.
- Border Settings: Enable or disable borderless printing for photos.
- Orientation: Select Portrait or Landscape orientation for your print job.
Users can access and modify these settings through the printer driver's Properties or Preferences menu.
Conclusion/Verdict
The current Dell Photo AIO Printer 966 drivers (version 1.4.2) offer significant improvements in terms of stability, performance, and features compared to previous versions. The enhanced color accuracy, faster printing and scanning speeds, and compatibility with the latest operating systems make this update highly recommended for all users.
By keeping the drivers up to date, users can ensure optimal printing results, minimize compatibility issues, and benefit from the latest bug fixes and performance optimizations. The Dell Photo AIO Printer 966, combined with its robust driver support, remains a reliable and efficient choice for home and small office printing needs.