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HP LaserJet, HP OfficeJet Enterprise, HP PageWide Enterprise - Installing a printer driver with a USB cable (Windows)

Learn how to install the printer software in Windows using a USB cable connection.

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.

For some printers, the high-speed USB port is disabled by default and must be enabled from the printer control panel.

If you have not already enabled the USB port, follow these steps to enable it using the printer control panel:

Open the Settings menu and then select General.
Select Enable Device USB.
Select Enabled.

Note:

If you plan to install the HP Smart Universal Printing Driver (SUPD) for Windows, go to www.hp.com/go/smartupd

The SUPD is designed to easily manage print environments with multiple printers on a network.

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 Smart (123.hp.com)	HP Smart 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).
HP Smart Universal Printing Driver (SUPD) (www.hp.com/go/smartupd)	The SUPD is designed to easily manage print environments with multiple printers on a network. It provides a consistent interface across a variety of HP printers, reducing the need for training and support.

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
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.

Install the printer software using a USB cable (Windows)

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

Note:

To install the print driver only, choose Option three: Install the print driver only using the Add Printer Wizard (in Windows).

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

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

Important:

Do not connect the USB cable yet. The installation process prompts you to connect the cable at the appropriate time. If you are connecting to a network, make sure the network cable is connected before running the installer.

Go to 123.hp.com.
Click Download.

The computer downloads HP Easy Start.
Follow the steps provided to launch HP Easy Start and install the printer software.

Note:
When you are prompted to connect the USB cable, connect the square end of the USB cable to the back of the printer and the flat end of the cable to any available USB port on your computer.

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:

Important:

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 disk. 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.

Option three: Install the print driver only using the Add Printer Wizard (in Windows)

Follow these steps to download the print driver only and install it using the Add Printer Wizard (in Windows):

Important:

Go to support.hp.com and select Software and Drivers from the top menu bar.
Select Printer, enter your printer model name, and click Submit.
Review the list of software and drivers that are available for your printer. The options will vary depending on your printer model.
To install only the print driver, choose the driver option that indicates Print Driver Only, or Print Driver (no installer).
Click the driver name to select it, and then click "See full details" to open the driver details page.
Click "Installation instructions" to expand that section, and then follow the steps provided to install the driver.

Option four: Download and install the HP Smart Universal Printing Driver (SUPD)

Follow these steps to download and install the SUPD.

Go to http://www.hp.com/go/smartupd.
Click Download the HP Smart Universal Printing Driver.
Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the printer software.

Share the printer on a network

After the printer driver is installed, share the printer on the network so other users can access it for printing.

Navigate to the printer information on your computer:
- Windows 11: Select the Windows icon on the center of the taskbar, click Settings, and then click Bluetooth & devices from the left pane. Select Printers & scanners, and then select your printer from the list.
- Windows 10: Right-click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, click Settings, and then click Devices. In the left pane, click Printers & scanners. Select your printer in the Printers & scanners list.
- Windows 8 and 8.1: Right-click in the lower-left corner of the screen to display the menu. Click Control Panel, and then click Devices and Printers.
- Windows 7: Click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then click Devices and Printers.
Right-click the printer icon, and then click Printer Properties.
Click the Sharing tab, and then select Share this printer.
Assign a Share name to the printer, and then click Apply to save the setting.
Click OK to close the Properties window.

Additional support options

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