The Driver Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 is the unsung hero that bridges the gap between your computer and this capable all-in-one printer. Getting the right driver installed and properly configured unlocks the full potential of this machine, ensuring seamless printing, scanning, and copying. This article is dedicated to helping you navigate the world of ET-8700 drivers, from initial installation to troubleshooting common issues, all while maintaining peak performance.
A printer driver isn’t just a piece of software; it’s the translator between your operating system and the hardware. It tells your computer how to communicate with the printer, specifying paper sizes, print quality, color profiles, and all the other settings that influence your output.
Without the correct Driver Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700, you might experience:
- Printing Errors: Garbled text, incomplete prints, or the dreaded “printer offline” message.
- Limited Functionality: Inability to access advanced features like duplex printing, high-resolution scanning, or specific paper tray options.
- Poor Print Quality: Washed-out colors, blurry images, or inconsistent results.
- Device Recognition Issues: Your computer simply doesn’t recognize the printer is connected.
Therefore, maintaining an up-to-date and properly installed driver is paramount for a smooth and efficient printing workflow.
Download Driver Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700
The first and most crucial step is locating the correct driver for your specific operating system. This is typically Windows, macOS, or Linux. Avoid relying on generic drivers provided by your OS, as they often lack the specific optimizations and features tailored to the ET-8700.
| Compatible Operating System | Size | Download |
| Windows | ||
| Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 8.1 64-bit, Windows 8 64-bit, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit | 30.39 MB | Download |
| Windows 10 32-bit, Windows 8.1 32-bit, Windows 8 32-bit, Windows 7 32-bit, Windows XP 32-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit | 26.58 MB | Download |
| Scanner Driver – Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 8.1 64-bit, Windows 8 64-bit, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit, Windows 10 32-bit, Windows 8.1 32-bit, Windows 8 32-bit, Windows 7 32-bit, Windows XP 32-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit | 60.64 MB | Download |
| Mac OS | ||
| Printer Driver – Mac OS X – Intel, Mac OS X – PowerPC | 47.51 MB | Download |
| Scanner Driver – Mac OS X – Intel | 24.4 MB | Download |
Understanding Driver Packages
Epson often bundles several drivers and utilities into a single download. This typically includes:
- Printer Driver: The core software that allows your computer to send print jobs to the ET-8700.
- Scanner Driver: Enables you to use the scanner functionality of the all-in-one.
- Epson Scan Utility: A dedicated application for scanning documents and photos with advanced settings.
- Epson Event Manager: Allows you to customize the buttons on the printer for quick access to scanning or copying functions.
- Epson Software Updater: Keeps your drivers and software up-to-date automatically.
You may not need to install every component, but it’s generally recommended to install the printer and scanner drivers at a minimum.
Installing the Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 Driver
Once you’ve downloaded the driver package, the installation process is generally straightforward. However, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth experience:
1. Close All Applications: Before you begin, close any open applications, especially those related to printing or scanning.
2. Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded file (usually an .exe for Windows or a .dmg for macOS) and double-click it to start the installation process.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the installation steps. Pay close attention to the prompts and read the license agreement carefully.
4. Connect Your Printer: The installer will likely prompt you to connect your printer. Make sure the ET-8700 is powered on and connected to your computer via USB or network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
5. Select Connection Method: Choose the appropriate connection method. If connecting via USB, simply plug in the cable. If connecting via Wi-Fi, you may need to select your network and enter the password.
6. Complete the Installation: The installer will complete the driver installation and may ask you to restart your computer.
Network Installation Considerations
Installing the Driver Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 over a network requires a few extra steps:
- Ensure Printer is on the Network: Make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer. You can usually configure the Wi-Fi settings directly on the printer’s control panel.
- Find the Printer’s IP Address: You may need to know the printer’s IP address. This can usually be found on the printer’s control panel under “Network Settings” or “Wi-Fi Status.”
- Select Network Connection During Installation: When the installer asks how the printer is connected, choose “Network” or “Wireless Network.” The installer may automatically detect the printer on the network, or you may need to manually enter the IP address.
Updating Your Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 Driver
Keeping your driver up-to-date is essential for optimal performance and security. Driver updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements.
Manual Driver Updates
You can manually check for driver updates by returning to the Epson website and downloading the latest driver package. Follow the same steps as the initial installation, but the installer may give you the option to “Update” the existing driver.
Using Epson Software Updater
The Epson Software Updater, included in the driver package, can automatically check for and install updates. This is the easiest way to keep your drivers current.
1. Open Epson Software Updater: You can usually find it in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS).
2. Check for Updates: The utility will scan your system for installed Epson software and check for available updates.
3. Install Updates: Select the updates you want to install and click “Install.”
Troubleshooting Common Driver Issues
Even with careful installation, you might encounter driver-related problems. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Printer Offline
- Check Connections: Make sure the printer is powered on and properly connected to your computer (via USB or network).
- Verify Network Connection: If using Wi-Fi, ensure the printer is connected to the network and the network is working correctly.
- Set as Default Printer: In your operating system’s printer settings, make sure the ET-8700 is set as the default printer.
- Restart the Print Spooler (Windows): The print spooler manages print jobs. Restarting it can often resolve “printer offline” errors. To do this, search for “Services” in the Windows Start menu, find “Print Spooler,” right-click it, and select “Restart.”
- Reinstall the Driver: A corrupted driver can cause this issue. Uninstall the driver and reinstall it from the Epson website.
Printing Errors (Garbled Text, Incomplete Prints)
- Check Paper Type and Settings: Make sure you’ve selected the correct paper type and size in your print settings.
- Clean the Print Heads: Clogged print heads can cause printing errors. Use the printer’s built-in print head cleaning utility.
- Update the Driver: An outdated or corrupted driver can cause printing errors. Download and install the latest driver from the Epson website.
Scanning Issues
- Ensure Scanner Driver is Installed: Make sure the scanner driver is installed.
- Check TWAIN/WIA Drivers (Windows): Some scanning applications require TWAIN or WIA drivers. Ensure these are installed and configured correctly.
- Use Epson Scan Utility: Try scanning using the Epson Scan utility. This can help determine if the issue is with the driver or with a third-party scanning application.
Driver Conflicts
- Uninstall Old Drivers: If you’ve previously installed drivers for other printers, they might be conflicting with the ET-8700 driver. Uninstall any old printer drivers you no longer need.
- Perform a Clean Boot (Windows): A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing a driver conflict.
Optimizing Print Settings for Best Results
Once you have the Driver Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 installed correctly, you can fine-tune the print settings to achieve the best possible results for your specific needs.
Accessing Print Settings
You can access the print settings from within any application that supports printing (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, your web browser). The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the application, but generally, you’ll go to “File” > “Print” and then look for a button or link that says “Properties,” “Preferences,” or “Printer Settings.”
Key Print Settings
- Paper Type: Select the correct paper type (e.g., Plain Paper, Premium Photo Paper Glossy, Matte Paper). This setting tells the printer how to apply ink for the best results.
- Print Quality: Choose the desired print quality (e.g., Draft, Standard, High). Higher quality settings will use more ink and take longer to print.
- Color Mode: Select the appropriate color mode (e.g., Color, Grayscale).
- Duplex Printing: Enable duplex printing to print on both sides of the paper automatically.
- Paper Size: Ensure the correct paper size is selected (e.g., Letter, Legal, A4).
Creating Custom Print Presets
If you frequently use the same print settings, you can create custom print presets to save time. Most applications allow you to save your current print settings as a preset for later use.
Maintaining Your Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 for Longevity
Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your ET-8700. Regular cleaning and using genuine Epson ink can prevent many common issues.
Print Head Cleaning
As mentioned earlier, clogged print heads can cause printing problems. Use the printer’s built-in print head cleaning utility regularly, especially if you notice streaks or missing colors in your prints.
Nozzle Check
Perform a nozzle check to identify which nozzles are clogged. This will help you determine if a print head cleaning is necessary.
Using Genuine Epson Ink
Using genuine Epson ink cartridges is highly recommended. Genuine ink is specifically formulated for Epson printers and will provide the best print quality and longevity. Using third-party ink can sometimes damage the print heads and void your warranty.
Conclusion
The Driver Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 is the key to unlocking the full potential of your printer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your driver is properly installed, up-to-date, and configured for optimal performance.
Regular maintenance and troubleshooting will help you keep your ET-8700 running smoothly for years to come, providing you with reliable and high-quality printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. Remember to always prioritize downloading drivers from the official Epson website to ensure security and compatibility. Good luck!
