Install the Epson receipt printer driver (APD6) on Windows

Windows prints to Epson receipt printers through the EPSON Advanced Printer Driver 6 (APD6). It adds POS functions to a normal Windows driver, such as the autocutter and cash drawer. The steps are the same for the TM-T20IV, TM-m30III and TM-T88VII; only the download differs.

Which driver to download

Each model has its own APD6 package. In Europe, download the package marked "Europe/the Middle East/Africa". It includes StatusAPI, which encrypts the connection as required by the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED). Other regions use the standard package.

Our TM-T20IV (C31CL47101) is the USB/serial model, so the RED network rules don't apply to it.

Download the driver

1. Open Epson's download page for your model: TM-T20IV, TM-m30III or TM-T88VII.
2. Check that your Windows version is selected.
3. Under Drivers, download the APD6 package for your model and region.

Prepare the printer

For USB or serial, leave the printer disconnected for now. Epson recommends installing APD6 before you connect the printer.

For a network connection (TM-m30III or TM-T88VII), connect the printer to your network and switch it on. APD6 cannot use printers with a DHCP or other dynamic IP address, so give the printer a fixed IP address. You can do this during the installation with [Set to Printer], or with the model's utility. To see the current IP address, print a status sheet: with the printer on, open the roll paper cover, hold Feed for at least one second and close the cover. The TM-T88VII prints the sheet straight away; the TM-m30III first prints "Next Action" guidance that tells you which sheet to choose with Feed.

Run the installer

1. Close all other programs.
2. Double-click the installer (APD_6xx_xxx.exe) and confirm the administrator prompt.
3. Read the notes on the "Check Installation" screen and click [Next].
4. Follow the on-screen instructions until the "EPSON TM Printer Settings" window opens.

Register the printer and choose the port

1. Under [1. Select Printer], choose "New Printer".
2. Under [2. Printer], check the name. This becomes the name of the printer in Windows and in your POS software.
3. Under [3. Communication Settings], choose the port type:
   • USB: the port shows [Auto setup]. Nothing else to set.
   • Ethernet: leave the port on Auto setup and enter the printer's IP address. Click [Set to Printer] to write that address to the printer; on some models you set it with the model's utility instead.
   • Serial: choose the COM port and set baud rate, parity, stop bits, flow control and data bits to match the printer.
4. Under [4. Apply], tick "Set as Default Printer" if you want, and click [Save Settings].
5. Under [5. Complete], click [Close].

The printer queue now appears in Windows. APD6 names the port TMUSBxxx for USB without StatusAPI, or ESDPRTxxx when StatusAPI is installed.

Connect the printer and switch it on

Now connect the USB or serial cable and switch the printer on. Windows adds a USB printer by Plug and Play, but only while the printer is ready: an open cover or missing paper delays it until the printer is back online. Up to eight Epson TM printers can be used over USB at the same time.

Print a test page and set the options

1. On Windows 11, open Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners, select the printer and choose "Print test page". APD6 also offers its own [Test Print] for an operation check.
2. For the receipt settings, open Printers & scanners › your printer › Printer properties › Preferences.
3. On the Feed and Cut tab, choose when to feed and cut the paper.
4. On the Peripherals tab, set Cash Drawer #1 (2 pin) or Cash Drawer #2 (5 pin) to Open if the drawer should open when you print. More in Connect a cash drawer to an Epson receipt printer.
5. On 58 mm paper, choose a paper size that fits 58 mm paper under Layout › Advanced › Paper Size. See Switch an Epson receipt printer to 58 mm paper.

Notes for each model and for Windows 11

• Windows 11: the current packages (6.12 for the TM-T20IV and TM-T88VII, 6.13 for the TM-m30III) support Windows 11 64-bit and ARM64. Windows 7 and 8.1 can't print to RED-compliant network printers while Secure Printing is on.
• TM-T88VII on serial: Epson says to set DIP switch 2-1 (BUSY condition) to ON when you use APD with the serial model.
• TM-T20IV: Epson says the TM-T20IV also works with a TM-T20III driver, but use the current APD6 for TM-T20IV for new installations.
• Change the port later: open Start › EPSON Advanced Printer Driver 6 › EPSON APD6 - TM Printer Settings, select the printer, change [3. Communication Settings] and click [Save Settings].
• Uninstall: use Settings › Apps › Installed apps. Deleting the printer from Printers & scanners does not remove APD6.
• OPOS and JavaPOS: some POS software needs EPSON OPOS ADK, OPOS ADK for .NET or JavaPOS ADK instead of, or alongside, APD6. They are on the same download pages. If they share a PC with APD6, StatusAPI must be installed too.

Using Loyverse POS? See Set up an Epson receipt printer in Loyverse POS.