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HP LaserJet Pro - Installing the printer software in Windows on a Wired (Ethernet) Network

Installation and driver options
Windows® installation for a wired (Ethernet) network connection by downloading the software
Windows® installation for a wired (Ethernet) network connection using the in-box CD
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.

Installation and driver options

Review the following information to decide which installation option to use.
Download
CD
For a new printer
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 download is the preferred solution as it provides full printer software functionality or the most advanced features available for the printer. This driver is the best option and is recommended for most multi-function printers when available.
CD installation is also a quick and easy method, but might not contain the latest software available, even for a newer printer.
For an older printer
Downloading the software provides good results for older printers and can help avoid installation issues.
CD installation might not work if you are installing the printer on a computer running a newer operating system that released after the HP printer released.
About the software
The software available from the HP Web site is the most current software available for your printer. HP often updates software and drivers after the printer and CD release to the market.
The software on the CD is current only to the date of the printer release.
In addition to software installation options, there are also multiple types of print drivers available for some printers. For Windows, the following options might be available:
HP PCL 6 print driver: The HP PCL 6 print driver is included on the in-box CD and 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 Universal Print Driver (UPD): The HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) for Windows 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 ONLY provides print capability.
To use the UPD, download it from the HP Web site. For more information, go to www.hp.com/go/upd.

Windows® installation for a wired (Ethernet) network connection by downloading the software

There are two methods for downloading the printer software. Use 123.hp.com/laserjet to access an automated installation tool that detects the computer operating system and HP printer model in order to download and install the most up-to-date printer software. Use the Product Support page to manually download and install the printer software.

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

note:
The steps vary according to the type of control panel.
1
2-line control panel
2
Touchscreen control panel
  1. Connect the network cable to the printer and to the network. Wait a few minutes for the printer to acquire a network address.
  2. 2-line control panels: On the printer control panel, press the OK button. Open the Network Setup menu, and then select Show IP Address.
    Touchscreen control panels: On the printer control panel, touch the Connection Information button.
    If an IP address is listed, the network connection has been established. If an IP address is not listed, wait a few more minutes and try again. Note the IP address for use during software installation. Example IP address: 192.168.0.1.
  4. When the Download your installation software screen displays, click Download.
    The computer downloads HP Easy Start.
  5. Follow the steps provided to install the printer software.

Method two: Download the printer software from the Product support page

Step one: Download the printer software

note:
The steps vary according to the type of control panel.
1
2-line control panel
2
Touchscreen control panel
  1. Connect the network cable to the printer and to the network. Wait a few minutes for the printer to acquire a network address.
  2. 2-line control panels: On the printer control panel, press the OK button. Open the Network Setup menu, and then select Show IP Address.
    Touchscreen control panels: On the printer control panel, touch the Connection Information button.
    If an IP address is listed, the network connection has been established. If an IP address is not listed, wait a few more minutes and try again. Note the IP address for use during software installation. Example IP address: 192.168.0.1.
  4. In the Search all support text box, enter the printer name. Press the Enter key on the computer keyboard.
  5. Click drivers, software & firmware.
  6. If prompted, select the printer from the list of similar printers on the page.
  7. Select your language from the drop-down list, and then select the computer’s operating system.
  8. Click Driver - Product Installation Software, and then review the available software and driver options. The options available vary depending on the printer.
    note:
    HP recommends the Full Software Solution option to optimize printer performance and features.
  9. Click a driver item to select it, review the driver details, and then click Download. The software downloads to the computer.
    note:
    Make a note of the folder location
  10. When the HP Installer opens, follow the steps provided to install the printer software.
    note:
    If the HP Installer does not open automatically, browse to the folder location and open the downloaded file. The file name ends in .exe.

Step two: Use the HP Installer to complete the software installation process

note:
The HP Installer might ask to check online for the latest installation updates for the printer. For the best installation results, HP recommends clicking Yes to let the installer check for and download updates.
  1. Select the software to install.
      • To proceed with the recommended software installation, click Next.
      • To customize the software to install, click Customize software selections. When the customized software selections are complete, click Next.
      • To access additional support options and tools, click the More Options drop-down menus. Click Back to return to the Software Selection screen. The options include:
        • Documentation: Download the User Guide, Readme file, and the Warranty and Legal Guide.
        • Web Support: Access the Product Support page for the printer.
    2. Read the installation agreements and settings documents, select I have reviewed and accept the installation agreements, and then click Next.
      A Preparing to install message displays.
  2. When Preparing to install is complete, click Next.
  3. Connect the printer.
    1. On the Connection Type screen, select Connect through a network, select one of the following search options, and then click Next.
      • Automatically find my product on the network
      • Search using an IP Address
      • Search using a Host Name
      • Search using a Hardware Address
    2. On the Network Product(s) Found screen, select the printer from the list of available printers. Click Next.
      When the software installation is complete, a Your software has been successfully installed message displays.
  4. On the Product Configuration screen, review the configuration options and change them if necessary. Click Next.
  5. Configure the printer.
    1. On the Enable HP Web Services screen, review the information about HP ePrint and HP Apps. Click Next.
      note:
      For more information about HP ePrint, go to Setup ‘HP ePrint via email’.
      The HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) opens.
      note:
      If the Web browser displays a message indicating that accessing the website might not be safe, select the option to continue to the website. Accessing this website will not harm the computer.
    2. Use the EWS to enable HP Web Services.
  6. Click Finish to complete the installation process.

Windows® installation for a wired (Ethernet) network connection using the in-box CD

Step one: Use the in-box CD to open the HP Installer

note:
The steps vary according to the type of control panel.
1
2-line control panel
2
Touchscreen control panel
  1. Connect the network cable to the printer and to the network. Wait a few minutes for the printer to acquire a network address.
  2. 2-line control panels: On the printer control panel, press the OK button. Open the Network Setup menu, and then select Show IP Address.
    Touchscreen control panels: On the printer control panel, touch the Connection Information button.
    If an IP address is listed, the network connection has been established. If an IP address is not listed, wait a few more minutes and try again. Note the IP address for use during software installation. Example IP address: 192.168.0.1.
  3. Insert the printing system software CD into the CD-ROM drive. The software installer detects the language of the operating system, and then displays the main menu of the installation program in the same language.
    If the installer program has not started after 30 seconds, complete these steps:
    1. On the Start menu, click the Run option.
    2. Type the following: X:\SETUP.EXE (where X is the letter of the CD-ROM drive).
    3. Click the OK button. The installer program starts.
      note:
      If the User Account Control dialog box opens, click Allow or Yes to continue.

Step two: Use the HP Installer to complete the software installation process

note:
The HP Installer might ask to check online for the latest installation updates for the printer. For the best installation results, HP recommends clicking Yes to let the installer check for and download updates.
  1. Select the software to install:
      • To proceed with the recommended software installation, click Next.
      • To customize the software to install, click Customize software selections. When the customized software selections are complete, click Next.
      • To access additional support options and tools, click the More Options drop-down menus. Click Back to return to the Software Selection screen. The options include:
        • Documentation: Download the User Guide, Readme file, and the Warranty and Legal Guide.
        • Web Support: Access the Product Support page for the printer.
    2. Read the installation agreements and settings documents, select I have reviewed and accept the installation agreements, and then click Next.
  2. When Preparing to install is complete, click Next.
  3. Connect the printer.
    1. On the Connection Type screen, select Connect through a network, and then select one of the following search options, and then click Next.
      • Automatically find my product on the network
      • Search using an IP Address
      • Search using a Host Name
      • Search using a Hardware Address
    2. On the Network Product(s) Found screen, select the printer from the list of available printers. Click Next.
      When the software installation is complete, a Your software has been successfully installed message displays.
  4. On the Product Configuration screen, review the configuration options and change them if necessary. Click Next.
  5. Configure the printer.
    1. On the Enable HP Web Services screen, review the information about HP ePrint and HP Apps. Click Next.
      note:
      For more information about HP ePrint, go to Setup ‘HP ePrint via email’.
      The HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) opens.
      note:
      If the Web browser displays a message indicating that accessing the website might not be safe, select the option to continue to the website. Accessing this website will not harm the computer.
    2. Use the EWS to enable HP Web Services.
  6. Click Finish to complete the installation process.

Additional support options

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