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HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201, 4202, 4203 - Installing a printer driver with an Ethernet cable (Windows)

Learn how to install the printer software on a Windows computer using a wired (Ethernet) network.

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.

Note:

If you plan to install the HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) for Windows, go to www.hp.com/go/upd.

The UPD is designed to easily manage print environments with multiple printers on a network. The HP UPD is a good choice for a print-only printer because this driver provides ONLY print capability.

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 driver types

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.

Driver types
Driver type	Description
Full Feature Software and Driver	For most Windows users, in most situations, HP recommends this full solution driver to take advantage of all the printer features. When available, this model-specific driver is typically called the Full Solution, Full Software Solution, Full Feature Software and Driver, or HP Product Installation Software.
HP PCL 6 print driver	The HP PCL 6 print driver is available for some printer models. This 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. Newer drivers were developed for XPS technology. Might not be fully compatible with third-party and custom software programs that are based on PCL 5

Install the printer on a wired (Ethernet) network (Windows)

Follow these steps to connect your printer to the network and install the printer software in Windows.

Step one: Connect the printer to the wired network

Connect the network cable to the printer and to the network. Wait a few minutes for the printer to acquire a network address.

Step two: Obtain the printer's IP address

Use the printer control panel to obtain the printer's IP address that you will need during software installation.

Example IP address: 192.168.0.1

Find the printer IP Address

Follow these steps to obtain the printer's IP address.

Note:

Your printer must be connected to an IP-based network.

Locate the printer's IP on the printer control panel:
1. On the printer control panel, rotate the dial to Menu and then press the dial.
2. Rotate the dial to Info and then press the dial.
3. Rotate the dial to Connected under either WiFi or Ethernet (depending on the method you are using to connect).
4. Turn the dial until the printer's IP address displays. Make note of the IP address as you will need it in the next step.

Step three: Install the printer software

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

Note:

If you plan to use the Windows Add Printer Wizard to install a print driver only, skip the following steps and use the installation instructions provided for the driver on the Software and Drivers page.

Option one: Download the printer software from 123.hp.com

Follow these steps to download and install the printer software from 123.hp.com.

Go to 123.hp.com
When the Install printer software screen displays, click Download.

The computer downloads HP Easy Start.
Follow the steps provided to launch HP Easy Start 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

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