Official ZT231 driver download
Check that the printer label says ZT231. Open Downloads on Zebra’s support page and choose the file for your operating system. Zebra recommends Windows Printer Driver v10 for setup. Install the driver first and connect USB when the wizard prompts you.
Open official Zebra ZT231 downloadsUSB, Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi
Standard connections include USB 2.0, RS‑232 and 10/100 Ethernet. Wi-Fi requires the optional card. In the Windows installation wizard, choose the port that matches the connection you actually use. Zebra product specifications · Windows installation sequence
Print a configuration label from the printer
On the ZT231 touchscreen, open System → Settings → Print: System Settings to print a configuration label. This checks whether the printer can feed and print with the loaded supplies before you send a job from the computer.
If the label prints but PC jobs fail, check the connection and port and open the official ZT231 driver guide. Configuration label example
Ribbon Out and Ribbon In
- Ribbon Out. With thermal transfer stock, check that the ribbon is loaded correctly. Calibrate the sensors if the installed ribbon is still undetected. If you are using ribbon-free stock, open Print → Print Quality → Print Type and choose Direct Thermal.
- Ribbon In. The printer detects ribbon in direct thermal mode. Remove it if the stock is direct thermal, or choose Thermal Transfer for transfer stock and ribbon. Calibrate if the alert persists after you remove the ribbon.
If labels skip after you change stock or the ribbon alert persists, open Print → Sensors → Manual Calibration, select Start Calibration and follow the prompts. When calibration finishes, press PAUSE to resume printing. Ribbon alerts in the manual · Calibration procedure