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Article Number	000011642

Title	Where Does Windows Store Driver Files?

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Note: It is not recommended to poke around in Windows system directories unless you are an IT administrator. Access to these directories is often protected.

Where are my printer driver files stored?

Printer drivers are stored as an .INF file in this directory: C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository. If you're trying to permanently remove a driver, see: Driver Installation, Removal, Configuration and Troubleshooting

I was able to delete the printer's folder in FileRepository - why is the driver still popping up?

1. The driver was likely installed as part of a driver package. Driver packages include drivers for multiple printers. In order to remove a driver package, you typically need to run the driver installation wizard for that driver package. The driver installation wizard should include an option to remove all drivers. For an example, see this process for Seagull Scientific drivers: Remove Seagull Scientific Drivers

Note: Keep in mind that other printers may be using this driver package, so completely removing it may cause some printers to stop working. You can specify driver packages for specific printers using the methods in this article: Prevent CAB and Seagull Driver Packages from Automatically Associating With Brady Printers

2. Sometimes it's necessary to reboot your PC after driver removal.

URL Name	Where-Does-Windows-Store-Driver-Files

Where Does Windows Store Driver Files?

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