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HP LaserJet Pro - Installing the printer software in Windows on a wireless network

Learn how to install the printer software on a Windows computer using a wireless network connection.

Note:

The HP printer must be set up before you install the printer software. If you have not already set up the printer, follow the instructions for setting up your printer hardware before installing the software.

Learn about software download options

Review the following information to learn about the options that are available for downloading software for your HP printer.

Software download options
Download option	Description
HP Easy Start (123.hp.com)	HP Easy Start is an automated installation tool that detects the computer operating system and the HP printer model in order to download and install the most up-to-date printer software. Use this method to easily install the full software solution to take advantage of all the printer features and options.
Software and Driver downloads page	The downloads page lists the software, driver, and firmware options that are available to download and install. Use this method if you want to install a full software solution or install a print driver only (via the Add Printer Wizard).

Additional software information

Downloading the software is free from the HP Web site and it includes the latest printer-specific drivers, installer software, and other administrative tools.

The software available from the HP website is the most current software available for your printer. HP often updates software and drivers after the printer has released to the market.

Downloading the latest firmware that is available for your printer ensures that your printer is up-to-date. Firmware updates provide minor fixes and improvements for the printer.

Learn about print driver options

Some printer models have multiple print drivers available to choose from. The table below lists the driver types (for Windows operating systems) that could be available for your printer.

Note:

The driver types that are available depend on your specific printer model. Some printer models have only one driver available.

Print driver options
Driver type	Description
HP PCL 6 print driver	The HP PCL 6 print driver is the default print driver. The HP PCL 6 print driver has the following characteristics: Recommended for all Windows environments and for most printing needs, including general office applications, such as word processing or spreadsheets Provides the overall best speed, print quality, and printer-feature support for most users Developed to align with the Windows Graphic Device Interface (GDI) for the best speed in Windows environments Might not be fully compatible with third-party and custom software programs that are based on PCL 5
HP Smart Universal Printing Driver (Smart UPD)	The HP Smart Universal Print Driver (Smart UPD) for Windows eliminates the need for separate print drivers and dramatically simplifies printing management. HP Smart UPD provides a general-purpose printing driver. For more information about the HP Smart UPD, go to support.hp.com/us-en/help/smartupd. Note: The option to download the HP Smart UPD is also available via this link.

Step one: Prepare the printer for wireless connection

Before installing the software, you must prepare your printer for a wireless connection.

Find your printer control-panel type (touchscreen or dial) in the options listed below and then follow the steps to prepare your printer for a wireless connection.

Important:

If your printer is connected to a wired network with an Ethernet cable, disconnect it now.

Touchscreen control panel

Follow these steps for wireless printer models that have a touchscreen control panel with circular menu icons.

From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Sign In icon, enter the default PIN or custom password, and then touch Sign In.

Once you are signed in, the Home screen will display again.
Touch the Menu icon.
Scroll to and touch Settings.
Scroll to and touch Network.
Touch Wi-Fi, and then touch Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.

The printer scans for available wireless networks and returns a list of wireless network names.
Touch your network name in the list.

Wait while the printer establishes a network connection.

Dial control panel

Follow these steps for wireless printers that have a dial control panel.

At the printer control panel, rotate the dial to select Menu, and then press the dial.
Rotate the dial to select Settings, and then press the dial.
Rotate the dial to select Network Settings, and then press the dial.
Rotate the dial to select Wi-Fi, and then press the dial.
Rotate the dial to select Wi-Fi Setup Wizard, and then press the dial.

The printer scans for available wireless networks and returns a list of wireless network names.
Rotate the dial to select your network from the list and then press the dial.
After selecting the network or SSID, rotate the dial to select Next, and then press the dial.
Rotate and press the dial to enter each character of the SSID password.
After entering the password, rotate the dial to select Done, and then press the dial.
Rotate the dial to select OK, and then press the dial.

Wait while the printer establishes a network connection.

Step two: Install the printer software

Choose one of the options below to download and install the printer software on your computer.

Option one: Download the printer software from hpsmart.com

Follow these steps to download and install the printer software from hpsmart.com.

Go to hpsmart.com/download.
Click Install HP Smart.

Microsoft Store opens to the HP Smart app download screen.
Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the printer software.

Option two: Download the printer software from the Software and Driver downloads page

Follow these steps to download and install the printer software from the Software and Driver downloads page:

Go to support.hp.com, click Software and Drivers in the menu bar, and then click Printer.
Enter your product name. If prompted, select your printer model from the list.
Review the list of software and drivers that are available for your printer. The options will vary depending on the printer model.

Note:
HP recommends the Full Solution or Full Feature Software and Driver option to optimize printer performance and features.
Click a driver from the list to select it, review the driver details, and then click Download.
Wait while the software downloads to the computer.
Click the downloaded file (the file name ends in ".exe"). The files will be extracted and the installation process will begin automatically.

Note:
To install at a later date, save the file to a location on your hard drive. When you are ready to install, locate and double-click the file. This will automatically start the installation process.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the software installation.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics

Ask a question on our HP Support Community page

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