How to Download HP Inkjet Driver?
Last updated
Last updated
HP Inkjet printers are well-known for their quality, reliability, and performance in both home and office environments. Whether you're printing important documents, family photos, or business reports, an HP Inkjet printer can provide high-quality results. However, to ensure that your printer works seamlessly with your computer, it’s crucial to install the correct printer driver. A printer driver acts as a communication link between your operating system and the printer, allowing you to take full advantage of the printer's features.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of downloading the correct HP Inkjet printer driver for your computer. This guide is designed to provide step-by-step instructions for both Windows and macOS users, ensuring that you can set up your printer without any issues.
Before downloading the driver, it's essential to know the exact model of your HP Inkjet printer. HP has a wide range of Inkjet printers, and each model may require a different driver. The model number is usually found on the front or top of your printer and is often labeled as "HP DeskJet," "HP Envy," or "HP OfficeJet," followed by the model number, such as HP DeskJet 3755, HP Envy 6055, or HP OfficeJet Pro 9015.
If you’re not sure of the model number, you can also check the printer’s settings or refer to the user manual that came with the printer.
Once you have identified your printer model, the next step is to determine which operating system (OS) you are using on your computer. The driver you download will depend on whether you are using Windows or macOS, as these operating systems require different drivers.
For Windows:
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
Click on System, then select About on the left side.
Under Device specifications, you will find the version and type of your Windows operating system, such as Windows 10, Windows 11, or older versions like Windows 8 or Windows 7. You will also see whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
For macOS:
Click the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen.
Select About This Mac from the drop-down menu.
A window will appear showing your macOS version, such as macOS Monterey or macOS Big Sur.
Knowing this information is crucial because downloading the wrong driver for your OS version can lead to issues with functionality.
Once you’ve identified your printer model and operating system version, it’s time to download the appropriate driver. The safest and most reliable place to get the driver is the official HP website.
Open a web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.).
Type “HP Inkjet driver download” into your search engine or simply visit the HP Support website.
On the HP Support website, you’ll find a search bar where you can type in your printer model number (e.g., HP DeskJet 3755, HP Envy 6055, or HP OfficeJet Pro 9015). After entering your printer model, click Search.
You will be redirected to the product support page for your printer model.
The HP support page for your specific printer model will display a list of available drivers and software options.
Once you are on the product page, HP will prompt you to select your operating system. This is necessary because different operating systems require different drivers.
For Windows: You may need to select your version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows 8, etc.). Additionally, if you are using a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows, you will need to choose the appropriate driver.
For macOS: Choose the version of macOS that you are using, such as macOS Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina. Ensure you select the correct version for compatibility.
By selecting your OS, you will ensure that the driver you download is compatible with your system.
After selecting your operating system, you’ll be presented with a list of available drivers. HP usually provides two options:
Basic Driver: This is the essential software that allows you to print documents. If you only need basic printing functionality, the Basic Driver is enough.
Full Feature Software and Drivers: This package includes everything you need for full printer functionality, including advanced features like scanning, copying, and printer management tools.
If you want to use all the features of your HP Inkjet printer, it’s recommended to download the Full Feature Software and Drivers. Otherwise, the Basic Driver will be sufficient if you only need printing capabilities.
Click the Download button next to the appropriate driver for your operating system. The file will begin to download, and you will be prompted to save it to your computer. Most browsers automatically save files to the Downloads folder.
Once the driver file has been downloaded, you can begin the installation process. The installation steps vary slightly depending on whether you are using Windows or macOS.
For Windows:
Open the Downloads folder or the location where you saved the downloaded driver file.
Double-click on the driver file to launch the installation process.
If prompted, click Yes to allow the installer to make changes to your computer.
The installation wizard will guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
You will be asked to accept the license agreement.
Choose between a Typical Installation (recommended for most users) or Custom Installation (if you want to customize the installation).
During the installation, you will be prompted to connect your printer to your computer. If you are using a USB connection, plug the printer into an available USB port. If you are connecting via Wi-Fi, the installation wizard will guide you through the process of connecting your printer to the same network as your computer.
Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer.
For macOS:
Locate the downloaded driver file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to open the .dmg file (Disk Image).
A window will appear showing the installer package (.pkg file). Double-click the package to start the installation.
The installer will walk you through the installation process. You’ll need to accept the terms of the license agreement and then click Install.
You may be asked to enter your Administrator password to allow the installation.
Once the installation is complete, your HP Inkjet printer will be added to the list of available printers on your Mac.
You may need to restart your Mac to complete the installation.
Once the printer driver is installed, it’s time to test the printer to ensure everything is functioning properly. Testing your printer will confirm that the driver installation was successful and that the printer is connected to your system.
For Windows:
Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
Find your HP Inkjet printer in the list of installed printers.
Right-click on the printer and select Print Test Page. This will send a test print job to your printer to verify that it is working properly.
For macOS:
Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
Select your HP Inkjet printer from the list.
Click Open Print Queue and then choose Print Test Page to ensure the printer is functioning correctly.
While the installation process is usually straightforward, sometimes issues may arise. Below are some common problems and how to fix them:
The printer is not recognized:
Double-check that your printer is connected properly, either through USB or Wi-Fi. For wireless connections, ensure both the computer and printer are on the same network.
Restart your printer and computer to reset any connection issues.
Driver installation fails:
Make sure you have downloaded the correct driver for your specific OS version (e.g., Windows 10 vs. Windows 7).
Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software, as they may block the installation process.
Ensure your computer is up to date with the latest software updates.
Printer features are missing:
If certain features (such as scanning or faxing) are not available after installation, you may have installed the Basic Driver instead of the Full Feature Software and Drivers package. Download and install the full package to access all features.
Downloading and installing the HP Inkjet printer driver is an essential step to ensure that your printer works seamlessly with your computer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily download the correct driver and install it on your system, whether you're using Windows or macOS. Remember to check your printer model, operating system version, and select the appropriate driver for full functionality. With the correct driver in place, you’ll be able to enjoy all the features your HP Inkjet printer has to offer, from high-quality printing to advanced scanning and copying capabilities.