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HP printer setup (Windows built-in driver)

Set up your printer using the printer drivers that come built into Windows.

Installing an HP Printer using the Windows Print Driver

Install your HP printer without any software using the drivers built into the Windows operating system. The Windows drivers provide basic functionality for your printer.

Note:

HP recommends installing HP Smart - Microsoft Store (in English), or the full-feature driver from 123.hp.com to get the most out of your printer.

Add a network printer to Windows

Set up a Wi-Fi or wired network printer in Windows without installing any additional drivers.

Search Windows for and open Change device installation settings, and then make sure Yes (recommended) is selected.
Place the printer and the computer near the Wi-Fi router.
Connect the printer to the same network that your computer is connected to.
- Wi-Fi connection for printers with a touchscreen control panel: Open the Setup, Network, or Wireless settings menu, select Wireless Setup Wizard, and then follow the instructions to select the network name and enter the password.
- Wi-Fi connection for most printers without a touchscreen control panel: Press and hold the Wireless button for five seconds or until the wireless light starts to flash. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the router until the connection process begins. The printer wireless light stops flashing when the connection completes.
- Wi-Fi connection for HP Deskjet 6000 and 6400, ENVY 6000 and 6400, and Tango printers: Press and hold the Wi-Fi button and the Power button on the back of the printer for five seconds until the blue bar flashes. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the router until the connection process begins. The blue bar stops flashing when the connection completes.
- Wired (Ethernet) network connection: Connect the network cable to the printer Ethernet port and to an available port on the router or access point. At the printer port, the green light should be steady and the orange activity light should blink.
In Windows, search for and open Add a printer or scanner.
Click Add a printer or scanner, and then wait for Windows to locate available printers.
- If your printer is found, click it, and then click Add device to complete the driver installation.
- If your printer is not found, continue with these steps.
Click The printer that I want isn't listed.
In the Find a printer by other options window, select Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname, and then click Next.
Select Autodetect from the Device type drop-down.
Find your printer IP address.
- HP Smart app: From the app home screen, click the image of your printer, and then click Network Information to find the IP address.
- Printers with a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, open the Wireless Summary or Network Settings menu to find the IP address.
- Printers without a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, press the Information button to print an Information Report, and then find the IP address on the printout. Printing reports from the control panel can vary by printer model.
Type the printer IP address, click Next, and then follow the instructions to install the driver for your printer model.

Add a USB-connected printer to Windows

Set up a USB printer connection in Windows without installing any additional drivers.

Search Windows for and open Change device installation settings, and then make sure Yes (recommended) is selected.
Make sure an open USB port is available on your computer. Do not connect the printer to a USB hub or docking station as the printer might not receive enough power to operate properly.
Turn on the printer, and then connect the USB cable to the printer and to the computer port.
If a Found new hardware message displays, follow any prompts to install the printer.
- If you can print, the driver installed successfully.
- If you cannot print, continue with these steps to add the printer in Windows settings.
In Windows, search for and open Add a printer or scanner.
Click Add a printer or scanner, and then wait for Windows to locate available printers.
- If your printer is found, click it, and then click Add device to complete the driver installation.
- If your printer is not found, continue with these steps.
Click The printer that I want isn't listed.
In the Find a printer by other options window, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and then click Next.
In the Choose a printer port window, select Use an existing port, select USB001: (Virtual printer port for USB) from the drop-down menu, and then click Next.
Follow the instructions to install the driver for your printer model.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Still have a question? Find additional answers and help.

How do I use the printer functions with the built-in driver?

Windows supports most standard printing and scanning tasks with the built-in driver.

Scan documents and photos: Complete scan jobs with a Windows app that works with the built-in driver.
- Windows Fax and Scan: In Windows, search for and open Windows Fax and Scan. Click New Scan, and then select your printer.
- Windows Paint: In Windows, search for and open Paint. Click File > From scanner or camera.
- Windows Scan app: In Windows, search for and open the Windows Scan app . If it is not listed, go to Windows Scan (in English) to install it.
Set up print jobs: Depending on the app, click the menu icon , and then click Print, or click File > Print.
Check estimated ink levels: View the ink level indicators on the printer control panel, if available. Or print a self-test page or printer status report.
Change print preferences: In Windows, search for and open Printers & scanners. Click your printer name, click Manage, and then click Printing preferences in the left sidebar.
Fax: Use the buttons and menus on the printer control panel.

Can I change printer settings if I use the built-in driver?

If your printer is on a network, open the printer homepage through a web browser to manage settings, get updates, and perform maintenance tasks.

Make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
Find your printer IP address.
- HP Smart app: From the app home screen, click the image of your printer, and then click Network Information to find the IP address.
- Printers with a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, open the Wireless Summary or Network Settings menu to find the IP address.
- Printers without a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, press the Information button to print an Information Report, and then find the IP address on the printout. Printing reports from the control panel can vary by printer model.
Type the IP address into the web browser address line, and then press Enter.
If you are prompted to log in or enter the printer PIN, enter admin for the username (HP LaserJets only), enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit or OK. This label is typically located inside the cartridge access area or printer door.

The printer homepage opens.

What if the printer did not connect to the network?

Check for network issues and review setup requirements if the printer failed to connect.

Check the network connection: Move the printer and computer or mobile device closer to the WI-Fi router, and then check if the signal quality improved. Try opening a website to see if the internet connection is working properly. If Wi-Fi is slow or intermittent, restart the router by disconnecting the power cord, wait 15 seconds, and then reconnect it.
Printer is off or in sleep mode: Touch the printer touchscreen or press the Power button to wake the printer and put it in a ready state. Sometimes the printer status might display Offline when it is actually ready.
Restart the printer: Restarting the printer can clear possible error conditions and restore the Wi-Fi connection.
Check the printer Wi-Fi signal: If your printer has a light next to a Wireless icon or button , make sure the light is on. Check the wireless settings to make sure the signal is turned on.
Print a Wireless Test Report: Search the HP Customer Support website for your printer model, and then search for self test page to find the document on how to print and evaluate the report.

What if my printer is not found or the connection failed during USB setup?

Check the USB cable for damage and recommended length, and then restart your printer and computer.

Turn off the printer and the computer.
Disconnect the USB cable from the computer and printer, and then inspect the cable.
- If the cable is damaged or longer than 3 m (9 ft 10 in), replace it.
- If the cable is undamaged and shorter than 3 m (9 ft 10 in), connect the cable to a different USB port on the computer. The port should be USB 2.0 or greater. If you are using a USB hub or docking station, connect the cable directly to the computer.
Connect the cable to the printer.
Turn on the computer, and then wait for the startup process to complete.
Turn on the printer, and then add the printer (Mac) or wait for the computer to install the new device (Windows).

What if my printer is not found or the wired network connection fails?

Make sure you are using an undamaged Ethernet cable, check for a green light near the Ethernet port on the printer, and then print a report to verify the connection.

Turn off the printer, and then disconnect the Ethernet cable from the router and the printer.
Check the cable for damage, and then verify that it is an Ethernet cable and not a phone cable.

Note:
Ethernet and phone cables look similar, but Ethernet cables are usually bigger and have eight visible wires on the connector.
Reconnect the cable to a different Ethernet or LAN port on the router, and then connect the other end to the printer's Ethernet port.
Turn on the printer.
Check the lights on the printer's Ethernet port to make sure the connection is successful. The green light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink.
Print a Network Configuration Report.
- HP Smart app: From the app home screen, click the image of your printer, click Printer Reports under Tools, and then select Network Configuration Report.
- Printers with a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, open the Wireless or Network Settings menu, and then select Network Configuration Report or Network Configuration Page.
- HP printers without a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, press and hold the Wireless and Information buttons. Printing reports from the control panel can vary by printer model.
  
  Depending on your printer, another method might be:
  - Press the Wireless and Resume/Cancel buttons at the same time.
  - Press and hold the Information button until all buttons light up, and then press and hold the Resume button or press the Information Resume buttons.
  - Press and hold the Resume button ( or ) until the Ready light blinks
Make sure the Network Status is Ready, or follow any instructions to resolve network issues identified on the report.

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