PrintIntroduction
This document explains how to install the print driver
and software for your printer for a USB cable connection. You can either download the software from the HP website or use the printer CD.
A print driver is a software program that allows the computer to run the printer. HP offers a variety of print drivers and software on the CD you received with your printer and the HP website. The available choices vary by printer.
Click the plus sign (
) for more information.
) for more information.
Don’t worry if you don’t have the product CD!
You can download the most current software available for your product from the HP Web site at no cost. The following information might help you decide which installation method to use:
| CD | Download | |
|---|---|---|
| For a new product: | CD installation is a quick and easy method. | If you do not have a CD, you can download the software you need. |
| For an older product: | CD installation might not work if you are installing the product on a computer running a newer operating system that released AFTER the HP product released. | Downloading the software provides the best results for your older product.
Even though it takes more time than using the CD, downloading the latest software can help you avoid installation issues. Downloading is the recommended method if your computer operating system released after the HP product released. |
| About the software: | The software on the CD is current to the date of the product release. | The software that you can download from the HP Web site is the most current software available for your product. HP often updates software and drivers AFTER the product and CD release to the market. |
Step-by-step instructions follow, but you can also watch a video preview of the entire download and install process.
NOTE: Do NOT connect the USB cable now. Wait until the on-screen instructions prompt you to connect it. HP recommends using a USB cable that is less than 3 m (10 ft) long.
Video of downloading and installing the driver from the HP website
The following video demonstrates how to download and install the software in Windows Vista.
NOTE:This video is for demonstration purposes only. The product and software in the video might differ from your product and available software.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size,
click here
to play the video on YouTube.
Step one: Download the driver
Many products have more than one driver option on the downloads page. Choices might include a Basic
type, and Full Feature
type. If both options are available, the following information might help you decide which driver to download.
| Basic type | Full Feature type |
|---|---|
| For basic printing:
This driver runs the basic print functions of your product only.
If you have an All-in-One, the basic driver does not provide the software needed for most users to copy or fax from the computer, or to use all the scanning features of the All-in-One. For quick download: The file size is smaller than the Full Feature driver, so it is faster to download and install. | For enhanced printing and full functionality:
HP includes valuable software to help you get the most from your product. If you have an All-in-One, this driver provides complete product functionality for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. The software varies by product , but here are some examples:
NOTE: During the Full Feature installation process, you can choose a custom installation, where you select the specific software items that you want to install. |
HP recommends the Full Feature
type of download, if available, to ensure the best support your product.
Follow these steps to download the product software and save it to your computer.
- Disconnect the USB cable from both the product and the computer (if you already connected it).
- Turn the product on.
- Browse to the Get Software and Drivers page: Get Software and Drivers .
- Check the instructions on the page, and then click the Plus sign (+) next to the correct heading for additional instructions:
- Type your product number in the window.
- Click Next . If necessary click your model in a list of similar products.
- Click Software and Driver Downloads .
- Click the drop-down arrow (
), and then click your operating system. - Click Next , and then continue to the next step.
- Click the drop-down arrow (
), and then click your operating system.
- Click Next .
- Continue to the next step.
- Click the Plus sign (
) next to Driver
, and then click the driver that you want to download. If you need help deciding, see the information in the previous table. - Read through the minimum system requirements and additional instructions. You can also click View directions (
) for complete download instructions. - Click Download .
- If the File Download Security Warning window displays, click Save , and then browse to the location on your computer where you want to save the file.
- Click Save . The software downloads to your computer.Hint: Make a note of the place that you saved the file, in case you want to install it at a later time.
Step two: Install the driver
Follow these steps to install the driver.
- When the download is complete and you are ready to install the files, click Open Folder , and then click the downloaded file. The file name ends in .exe .NOTE:If you closed the Download Complete screen, browse to the folder where you saved the .exe file, and then click it.
- You can accept the default place to save the files. Click Next , and then wait while the installer extracts the files to prepare for installation.
- When the Install Wizard starts, follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.For a Full Feature installation, you choose what type of installation you want: Typical (Recommended) or Minimum . The Typical (Recommended) type of installation allows you to get the most out of your printer.
For a Full Feature installation, you choose what type of installation you want: Typical (Recommended)
or Minimum
. The Typical (Recommended)
type of installation allows you to get the most out of your printer.
NOTE: Do NOT connect the USB cable now. Wait until the on-screen instructions prompt you to connect it. HP recommends using a USB cable that is less than 3 m (10 ft) long.
Follow these steps to install the software with the printer CD.
- Turn the printer on.
- Insert the printer CD into the CD drive of the computer, and then wait a few seconds for the software installer to start.If the installer does not start automatically, click the Windows icon (
), click Computer
, and then double-click the CD drive.NOTE:If the User Account Control screen opens, click Allow to continue. - Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.IMPORTANT: The installer might ask if you want to check online for the latest installation updates for your printer. For the best installation results, HP recommends that you click “Yes” to let the installer check for updates and download them for you.
Experiencing installation errors?
| HP Printer Installation | |
| If you experience an error during installation, try the HP Printer Installation website. |
