How to Download HP LaserJet Pro Printer Driver
Last updated
Last updated
The HP LaserJet Pro series is one of the most popular and reliable lines of printers designed for both home and office use. These printers provide high-quality printing, scanning, and copying features. However, to ensure your HP LaserJet Pro printer works smoothly with your computer, you need to install the correct driver. The driver acts as a communication link between your computer and the printer, allowing your system to send print jobs to the printer.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of downloading the correct HP LaserJet Pro printer driver. Whether you're using Windows or macOS, the process is straightforward, and by following these steps, you’ll ensure your printer works efficiently.
Before you begin downloading the driver, it is essential to know two things:
Your exact printer model: HP LaserJet Pro has multiple models (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w, HP LaserJet Pro M404n, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw). You need to know which one you own in order to download the correct driver.
Your operating system (OS): Different operating systems require different versions of drivers. HP provides drivers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s crucial to know which OS your computer is running to ensure compatibility.
Look at the front or back of your HP LaserJet Pro printer; the model number is usually printed on a label. For example, "HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw" or "HP LaserJet Pro M404n."
For Windows users: Open the Start Menu and go to Settings > System > About. This section will show your version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11) and whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit.
For macOS users: Click on the Apple logo in the top left of the screen and choose About This Mac. This will display the version of macOS you are using.
Once you have your printer model and operating system information, you are ready to begin downloading the correct driver.
The most reliable place to download the official driver for your HP LaserJet Pro printer is the HP Support website. The website provides the latest drivers, software updates, and troubleshooting guides for all HP products, including printers.
Here’s how you can find the correct driver:
Open your web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.).
In the search bar, type “HP Support” and press Enter.
Look for the official HP Support website (usually the first result) and click on it.
Once on the HP Support page, locate the search bar, which may ask you to “Search by product, serial number, or model.”
If you know the exact model of your printer, type it into the search bar (e.g., "HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw").
If you are unsure of the exact model, you can select “Printers” from the categories listed on the website and browse through the HP LaserJet Pro models.
Once you've entered your printer model on the HP support page, you’ll be redirected to the download page for your printer. At this point, you will need to specify your operating system to ensure the driver is compatible with your computer.
For Windows users: The website will usually detect your operating system automatically. However, if it doesn’t, you can manually select the version of Windows you’re using (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11).
For macOS users: Similarly, the website should recognize your operating system version, but you may need to manually choose macOS and the version you're using (e.g., macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur).
After selecting your OS, the website will display the available drivers and software for your printer model.
Once your operating system has been selected, you will be presented with a list of available drivers and software for your HP LaserJet Pro printer. There are typically two options:
This is the recommended download, especially for users who want to take full advantage of their printer’s capabilities. The Full Feature Software and Driver package contains everything you need, including:
The printer driver: The core software that allows your computer to communicate with the printer.
HP Printer Assistant: A tool that allows you to manage your printer settings, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot issues.
Additional utilities: Depending on your model, this might include features like scanning utilities, faxing software, or cloud printing options.
If you are only interested in printing and don’t need additional features like scanning, the Basic Driver is sufficient. It includes just the basic print driver, which allows your computer to send print jobs to the printer.
You can click the Download button next to your preferred option.
If your printer requires any firmware updates or extra utilities (such as the HP Smart app), those options will also be listed on the page. You can choose to download these as well, but they are typically optional unless your printer needs a firmware update.
Once the driver file has been downloaded to your computer, you can begin the installation process. The installation process will vary slightly depending on whether you’re using Windows or macOS.
Go to the folder where the driver file was saved (usually Downloads).
Double-click the downloaded .exe file to begin the installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
Agree to the license agreement.
Select the type of connection (USB or Wireless). If you are using a USB connection, plug the printer into your computer when prompted. If you are setting up a wireless connection, the installer will guide you through the process of connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Continue through the installation steps. The software will automatically install the necessary drivers and utilities.
Once the installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer to finalize the installation.
After restarting, the printer will be ready to use. You can test it by printing a test page from the printer settings.
Locate the downloaded .dmg file in the Downloads folder and double-click it to mount the disk image.
Open the mounted disk image and double-click the HP Installer icon to begin the installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
Agree to the license agreement.
Select your printer and the connection type (USB or Wireless). If you are using a wireless connection, ensure both the printer and your Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network.
The installation will proceed automatically, and once completed, your printer will be ready for use.
After installation, print a test page to verify that the printer is working correctly.
If you chose to set up your printer using a wireless connection, you may need to configure the printer’s Wi-Fi settings. To do this, follow these steps:
On the printer control panel, navigate to Wireless Setup Wizard (found in the settings or network menu).
Select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
Enter your Wi-Fi password if prompted.
Once the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi, you can complete the setup on your computer.
Your printer should now be accessible from any device on the same network.
To ensure the driver is installed correctly, it’s always a good idea to print a test page. This will confirm that your computer and the printer are communicating properly.
Open the Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
Right-click on your HP LaserJet Pro printer and select Print Test Page.
Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
Select your HP LaserJet Pro printer and click on Options & Supplies.
Click on Utility and select Print Test Page.
If you encounter issues during the installation process, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
Printer Not Detected: Ensure that your printer is properly connected (via USB or wirelessly) and powered on. If using a wireless connection, ensure that both the printer and computer are on the same network.
Installation Errors: If the installation fails, try restarting your computer and reinstalling the driver. You may also want to uninstall any previous versions of the driver before trying again.
Poor Print Quality: Check your printer’s toner levels and ensure you’re using the correct paper type. Additionally, you may need to clean the print heads or run a maintenance cycle.
Downloading and installing the correct driver for your HP LaserJet Pro printer is essential for ensuring optimal performance and functionality. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily download, install, and set up the appropriate driver for your operating system. With the right driver installed, your printer will be ready to deliver high-quality prints and perform additional functions such as scanning and copying, depending on your model. Remember to keep your drivers up to date for the best experience, as updates often improve performance and fix bugs.