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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 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. For more information about the UPD, go to http://www.hp.com/go/upd. Note: The option to download the 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.

Note:

The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

Touchscreen with white background

Touchscreen with black background

2-line LCD with keypad

Find your printer control-panel type 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 with white background

Follow these steps for wireless printer models that have a white display background.

Touchscreen with white background

From the Home screen on the printer control panel, swipe the tab at the top of the screen downward to open the Dashboard, and then touch the Wireless icon .
Touch Setup, Wireless Settings, and then Wireless Setup Wizard.
Follow the instructions on the control panel screen to complete the wireless setup.

Touchscreen control panel with black background

Follow these steps for printers that have a touchscreen control panel with a black display background.

Touchscreen with black background

On the printer control panel, touch the Connection Information icon .
Open the following menus: Network Wi-Fi Off → Settings → Wireless Setup Wizard.

The printer scans for available wireless networks and returns a list of wireless network names or service set identifiers (SSIDs).
Select the correct network from the list.

If your network is not in the list, touch Enter SSID, and then manually enter the SSID.
When prompted for the type of network security, select the option that pertains to the local wireless network.
- If the network uses WPA security, enter the WPA passphrase.
- If the network uses WEP security, enter the WEP key.
Touch OK, and then wait while the printer establishes a network connection.

Note:
Establishing the wireless network connection can take a few minutes.
On the printer control panel, touch the Network Information icon to display the IP address.

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.

Make note of the IP address for use during software installation.

2-line LCD control panels

Follow these steps for printers that have a 2-line LCD control panel with physical buttons to press.

2-line LCD with keypad

Press the Wireless button .
Depending on the options displayed on the control panel, perform one of the following tasks:
- Press OK to enter the Wireless Status Menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to On, and then press OK.
- Open the Wireless On/Off menu, and then select On.

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 123.hp.com

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

Click the link below for your printer type (LaserJet or PageWide):
- LaserJet: 123.hp.com/laserjet
- PageWide: 123.hp.com/pagewide
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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