How to Download HP Printer Offline Driver?
Last updated
Last updated
Setting up your HP printer requires the right software to ensure that it can communicate effectively with your computer. Typically, when you connect your printer to your computer, the operating system will automatically attempt to find and install the required printer driver from the internet. However, in certain situations, especially when the printer or computer does not have internet access, this automatic process might fail. In such cases, you will need to manually download the printer driver—often referred to as an "offline driver"—to ensure that your HP printer functions correctly.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain in detail how to download and install an HP printer offline driver, step by step, for both Windows and macOS users. Whether you have limited or no internet access, this guide will walk you through every stage of the process, helping you get your printer up and running without any hassle.
An offline driver is typically used when the computer or the printer cannot connect to the internet. There are several reasons you may need to download an offline printer driver:
No Internet Access: Your computer might not be connected to the internet due to networking issues, geographical constraints, or other reasons.
Firewall or Security Settings: Sometimes, firewalls or security settings prevent the automatic download of drivers from the internet.
No Network Connection: If you’re using a printer connected via USB and prefer to avoid connecting your computer to the internet to download drivers.
Using an Older Printer: Older printer models may not be compatible with newer operating systems, or their drivers might not be automatically available online.
In such cases, downloading the offline driver manually becomes necessary to ensure that the printer can function as expected.
The first step in downloading the offline driver for your HP printer is to know the exact model of the printer. HP printers come in a variety of models with different specifications, and it’s important to select the correct driver for your specific model.
You can typically find the model number of your printer on the front, top, or side of the device. HP printers usually follow a naming convention such as HP DeskJet 2700, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw, or HP OfficeJet Pro 8025. The model number will help you find the correct offline driver for your printer.
If you’re unsure of your printer model, check the user manual, or you can find the model number in the printer’s settings menu if it has a display screen.
Once you know your printer’s model number, the next critical step is to determine your computer’s operating system (OS) version. The offline driver you download will depend on whether you are using Windows or macOS, and it is crucial to download the correct version of the driver for your system.
For Windows:
Open the Settings menu: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings window.
Check the OS version: Go to System > About. Here you will see the version of Windows you are using (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11).
Check the architecture: Under Device Specifications, you will see whether your system is a 32-bit or 64-bit version. This is important because drivers for a 32-bit OS are different from those for a 64-bit OS.
For macOS:
Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
Select About This Mac from the dropdown.
You’ll see the version of macOS (e.g., macOS Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina).
Also, confirm your macOS architecture (e.g., Intel or Apple Silicon, M1, etc.), which is essential for finding the correct driver.
The next step is to visit the official HP website to download the offline driver. You will need to download the driver from the manufacturer’s website to ensure that it is up-to-date and free from security risks.
Open your web browser (such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) on your computer.
Search for HP printer drivers: Type “HP printer drivers” into your search engine or go directly to the HP Support website.
Search for your printer model: Use the search bar on the HP website to enter your printer model number (e.g., HP DeskJet 2700 or HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw).
Navigate to the support page: You’ll be directed to a page that offers drivers, software, and troubleshooting resources for your printer.
Once you’ve found the support page for your printer, the website will typically prompt you to select your operating system. This is crucial to ensure that the driver you download is compatible with your system.
Select your operating system (Windows or macOS).
Choose your version: For Windows, make sure to select whether you are using Windows 10, Windows 11, or an older version (such as Windows 7 or Windows 8). You’ll also be prompted to select whether your version is 32-bit or 64-bit.
For macOS: Select the macOS version you’re using (e.g., macOS Monterey or Big Sur).
HP usually provides several different types of drivers for each printer, including:
Basic Driver: This is the minimum software required to print documents.
Full Feature Driver: This includes the full suite of printer features, including scanning, faxing, and advanced management tools.
To ensure you get all the features your printer offers, choose the Full Feature Driver. However, if you only need basic printing capabilities, the Basic Driver may suffice.
Once you've selected the correct driver, you can proceed with downloading the file.
Click the "Download" button next to the driver you want.
The driver will begin downloading to your Downloads folder, or any location you have specified for downloaded files.
The file size of the driver may vary based on the version you’ve selected, so be patient during the download process. Depending on the size, it may take a few minutes.
If you’ve downloaded the driver on a computer with internet access and need to transfer it to a computer without internet access, you can use a USB flash drive or external hard drive to copy the downloaded driver.
Copy the downloaded file from your internet-connected computer to a USB flash drive or external hard drive.
Connect the USB drive to the offline computer.
Copy the driver from the USB drive to the offline computer’s desktop or another location where you can easily access it.
After transferring the driver to the offline computer, follow these steps to install the driver:
For Windows:
Open the downloaded file (usually in the Downloads folder or the location where you saved it).
Double-click the driver file to begin the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions: The installation wizard will guide you through the process. You will be prompted to accept the terms of the software license agreement and choose an installation type (usually Typical Installation is recommended for most users).
Connect the printer: During the installation, you’ll be asked to connect your printer to the computer. If you’re using a USB connection, plug the printer into an available USB port. If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, the installation wizard will guide you through the process of connecting the printer to the same network as the computer.
Once the installation is complete, restart your computer if prompted.
For macOS:
Locate the downloaded file and double-click it to mount the disk image (.dmg file).
Open the installer package (.pkg file) within the mounted disk image.
Follow the installation instructions: The installer will walk you through the process. You may be asked to enter your Administrator password to allow the installation.
Connect the printer: During the installation, you’ll need to connect your printer. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the printer using a USB or wireless connection.
Once the installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer.
Once the driver is installed, you should test the printer to ensure everything is working as expected.
For Windows:
Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
Locate your printer in the list of installed printers.
Right-click on the printer and select Print Test Page to verify that the printer is working.
For macOS:
Open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer from the list.
Click Open Print Queue and then select Print Test Page to verify functionality.
If you encounter any issues during the installation, here are a few common troubleshooting steps:
Printer not recognized: Double-check the connections (USB or Wi-Fi) to ensure the printer is properly connected to your computer.
Driver installation fails: Ensure you have downloaded the correct driver for your OS version. You may need to temporarily disable antivirus software or firewalls during the installation.
Missing features: If some features (e.g., scanning) are not available, make sure you have downloaded the Full Feature Driver.
Downloading and installing an HP printer offline driver can seem like a challenging task, especially if you don’t have internet access. However, with the proper steps, you can manually download the necessary driver and set up your printer with ease. By following the detailed guide provided, you’ll be able to download the correct driver for your HP printer and install it successfully on both Windows and macOS systems. Whether you’re dealing with no internet access or other connectivity issues, this process ensures that your printer will be ready to use for all your printing and scanning needs.