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HP Customer Support

How to Get Your Printer Working with Windows 8

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Introduction

This document provides steps and FAQs on installing and using your HP printer when you have updated your operating system (OS) to Windows 8.
Click the plus sign () for more information.

Getting started in Windows 8

Select your scenario from the following list for steps to update your printer software for Windows 8.
Show all | Hide all
If you are upgrading from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 8 , all previously installed HP software will automatically be removed from your computer. Continue to Step two for steps to install the updated driver for your printer after you have upgraded to Windows 8.
If you are upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 , remove the previously installed HP drivers before the upgrade. Follow these steps to uninstall the previous HP drivers and then install the updated driver for your printer after you have upgraded to Windows 8.

Step one: Remove previous HP software

Use one of the following methods to uninstall any existing drivers and software for your printer.
Follow these steps to remove all HP software for an existing printer using HP Uninstaller.
Important : If your printer connects to the computer with a USB or Ethernet cable, disconnect the cable from the printer now.
  1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Windows icon ( ), and then type uninstall in the Search programs and files box.
  2. Click Uninstall a program . A list of programs installed on your computer opens.
  3. In the list of installed programs, click your HP printer and then click Uninstall . The HP Uninstaller opens.
    NOTE:If you do not see your printer in this list, the HP Uninstaller is not available for your printer. Try the next method in this document for removing the software.
  4. Select Uninstall all HP printers , and then click Next .
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software removal.
    CAUTION:If you are asked to remove shared files, click No . Other programs that use these files might not work if you delete the files.
  6. Disconnect the printer from the power source, and then restart the computer.
  7. Proceed with the Windows 8 operating system upgrade, and then continue to the next step to install the updated driver for your printer.
The HP Uninstaller program might be available on the CD that shipped with the printer, depending on the model. Try this option to check whether you have the HP Uninstaller, and then run it.
  1. Insert the CD into the CD drive of the computer, and then wait a few seconds for the software installer/uninstaller to start.
    NOTE:If it does not start automatically, click the Windows icon ( ), click Computer , and then double-click the CD drive.
  2. Click Uninstall , and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    NOTE:If an Uninstall option does not display, HP Uninstaller is not included on the CD. Try the other method in this document to uninstall the software.
  3. When prompted, select the Uninstall all HP printers associated with this device to complete the software removal.
  4. Proceed with the Windows 8 operating system upgrade, and then continue to the next step to install the updated driver for your printer.

Step two: Install a Windows 8 print driver

Select your connection type for steps to install a Windows 8 driver for your printer.
NOTE:The computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows 8 to check for HP driver and software updates.
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you connect your printer to the computer with a USB cable, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and finds the correct driver. You do not have to download any software from HP.
  1. Turn the printer on.
  2. Connect a USB cable to the printer, and then to the computer. Windows 8 automatically searches for the most recent driver for your printer.
    Figure 1: USB cable
    Image: USB cable
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you turn on your printer and connect it to the network that your computer is connected to, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver. You do not have to download any software from HP.
NOTE:If the installation did not begin automatically, follow these steps to add the printer in Devices and Printers .
  1. Turn the printer on and make sure that it is connected to the network.
  2. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Search from the menu.
  3. Click or tap Settings ( ).
  4. Type Devices and printers in the search box.
  5. Click or tap Devices and Printers in the results.
  6. Click or tap Add devices and printers . The computer searches for available printers.
  7. Select your printer, and then click or tap Next .
  8. Windows automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver.
  9. After the installation completes, the Add Printer window displays. Either accept the default printer name or rename it, and then click or tap Next .
  10. Choose whether to share the printer over the network, and then click or tap Next .
  11. Choose whether to set the printer as the default printer, and then click or tap Finish .
Follow these steps to remove previous HP drivers and software, and then install the new driver.

Step one: Remove previous HP software

Follow these steps to uninstall the HP print driver and software from your computer.
  1. Disconnect the USB or Ethernet cable from the printer, if it is connected.
  2. Right-click or tap and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Programs and Features .
  3. Click or tap your HP printer driver in the list of installed programs. If you do not see the printer name, look for the printer type, such as Photosmart, Officejet, PSC, or Deskjet. For example:
    • HP Photosmart C4600 All-in-One Driver software 13.0 Rel .5
    • HP Photosmart All-in-One Software 13.0
  4. Click or tap Uninstall , and then follow the on-screen instructions to remove the software.

Step two: Install a Windows 8 driver

Select your connection type for steps to install a Windows 8 driver for your printer.
NOTE:The computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows 8 to check for HP driver and software updates.
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you connect your printer to the computer with a USB cable, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and finds the correct driver. You do not have to download any software from HP.
  1. Turn the printer on.
  2. Connect a USB cable to the printer, and then to the computer. Windows 8 automatically searches for the most recent driver for your printer.
    Figure 2: USB cable
    Image: USB cable
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you turn on your printer and connect it to the network that your computer is connected to, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver for your printer. You do not have to download any software from HP.
NOTE:If the installation did not begin automatically, follow these steps to add the printer with Devices and Printers .
  1. Turn the printer on and make sure that it is connected to the network.
  2. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Search from the menu.
  3. Click or tap Settings ( ).
  4. Type Devices and printers in the search box.
  5. Click or tap Devices and Printers in the results.
  6. Click or tap Add devices and printers . The computer searches for available printers.
  7. Select your printer, and then click or tap Next .
  8. Windows automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver.
  9. After the installation completes, the Add Printer window displays. Either accept the default printer name or rename it, and then click or tap Next .
  10. Choose whether to share the printer over the network, and then click or tap Next .
  11. Choose whether to set the printer as the default printer, and then click or tap Finish .
Select your connection type for steps to install a Windows 8 driver for your printer.
NOTE:The computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows 8 to check for HP driver and software updates.
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you connect your printer to the computer with a USB cable, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and finds the correct driver. You do not have to download any software from HP.
  1. Turn the printer on.
  2. Connect a USB cable to the printer, and then to the computer. Windows 8 automatically searches for the most recent driver for your printer.
    Figure 3: USB cable
    Image: USB cable
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you turn on your printer and connect it to the network that your computer is connected to, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver. You do not have to download any software from HP.
NOTE:If the installation did not begin automatically, follow these steps to add the printer with Devices and Printers .
  1. Turn the printer on and make sure that it is connected to the network.
  2. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Search from the menu.
  3. Click or tap Settings ( ).
  4. Type Devices and printers in the search box.
  5. Click or tap Devices and Printers in the results.
  6. Click or tap Add devices and printers . The computer searches for available printers.
  7. Select your printer, and then click or tap Next .
  8. Windows automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver.
  9. After the installation completes, the Add Printer window displays. Either accept the default printer name or rename it, and then click or tap Next .
  10. Choose whether to share the printer over the network, and then click or tap Next .
  11. Choose whether to set the printer as the default printer, and then click or tap Finish .

How do I install a Windows 8 print driver?

Follow these steps to install the Windows 8 print driver for your printer.
NOTE:The computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows 8 to check for HP driver and software updates.
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you connect your printer to the computer with a USB cable, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and finds the correct driver. You do not have to download any software from HP.
  1. Turn the printer on.
  2. Connect a USB cable to the printer, and then to the computer. Windows 8 automatically searches for the most recent driver for your printer.
    Figure 4: USB cable
    Image: USB cable
Windows 8 comes with a basic driver that is built into the operating system (in-OS driver).
With this basic driver, some of the buttons on the printer do not function and some of the advanced printer features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program and you can still scan documents if your printer supports scanning. You can also import and view images on a memory card if your printer has a memory card slot.
When you turn on your printer and connect it to the network that your computer is connected to, Windows 8 automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver for your printer. You do not have to download any software from HP.
NOTE:If the installation did not begin automatically, follow these steps to add the printer with Devices and Printers .
  1. Turn the printer on and make sure that it is connected to the network.
  2. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Search from the menu.
  3. Click or tap Settings ( ).
  4. Type Devices and printers in the search box.
  5. Click or tap Devices and Printers in the results.
  6. Click or tap Add devices and printers . The computer searches for available printers.
  7. Select your printer, and then click or tap Next .
  8. Windows automatically detects your printer model and installs the correct driver.
  9. After the installation completes, the Add Printer window displays. Either accept the default printer name or rename it, and then click or tap Next .
  10. Choose whether to share the printer over the network, and then click or tap Next .
  11. Choose whether to set the printer as the default printer, and then click or tap Finish .

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Select a topic below to learn more about installing and using your printer with the Windows 8 in-OS driver.
Although your HP printer essentially functions the same with the in-OS driver as it does with a full-feature driver, you might notice some differences. Following is a summary of the differences in functionality with this driver.
  • No access to HP Solution Center or HP Toolbox : These HP applications are not supported by the in-OS driver. However, some workarounds are available in this document to accomplish the tasks in these applications as you did before.
  • Importing and viewing images on a memory card : If your printer has a memory card slot, use the workaround in this document to import and view images on a memory card.
  • Limited button functionality : If your printer has buttons on the front panel, some of them will not function as before. Following are examples of buttons that function and buttons that do not function with the in-OS driver:
    These buttons still function*
    Power button ( )Menu button ( )
    Resume button ( )Cancel button ( )
    Print Photos button ( )
    These buttons do not function*
    Photosmart Essentials button ( )Copy button ( )
    Scan button ( )
    *These lists are not comprehensive.
Use the following workarounds for Solution Center and Toolbox tasks when you install the Windows 8 in-OS driver.
HP Solution Center Workarounds
FunctionWorkaround
Changing print settings from the Start screen
NOTE:When you make settings changes within an app, the changes are not permanent and you must reset them every time you begin a new print job.


  1. From the Start Screen , click or tap the app you want to print from.
  2. Move the mouse cursor to or tap and hold the top right or bottom right area of the screen to activate the Charms Bar .
  3. Click or tap Devices .
  4. Click or tap the name of your printer.
  5. Change any print settings, and then click or tap Print .
Changing print settings from the Desktop
  1. Right-click or tap and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Search from the menu.
  2. Click or tap Settings ( ).
  3. Type Devices and printers in the search box.
  4. Click or tap Devices and Printers in the results.
  5. Right-click or tap and hold the icon for your printer.
  6. Click or tap Printing Preferences .
  7. Change any print settings, and then click or tap OK .
HP Toolbox Workarounds
FunctionWorkaround
Printing a self-test pageFor printers with buttons or a display, print a self-test page from the control panel.
Cleaning the cartridges or printheadsNo workaround at this time.
Checking estimated ink levels
  • Print a self-test page from the printer control panel.
  • View the ink level indicators on the control panel, if available.
Aligning the cartridgesNo workaround at this time.
Follow these steps to start a print job using the Windows 8 driver.
  1. From the Start Screen, click or tap the app you wish to print from.
  2. Move the mouse cursor to or touch and hold the top right or bottom right of the screen to activate the Charms Bar.
  3. Click or tap Devices .
  4. Click or tap the HP driver that you installed.
    NOTE:If your printer is not listed, the app does not currently support printing. Contact the app developer for additional information.
  5. Click or tap Print.
Video of printing from the Desktop
The following video demonstrates how to print in Windows 8 from the Desktop.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click or tap here to play the video on YouTube .
  1. From the Desktop, open the document to be printed in the software application in which it was created.
  2. Click or tap File , and then click or tap Print .
If your printer supports scanning, select your connection type for steps to scan using the Windows 8 in-OS driver.
If your printer connects to your computer with a USB cable, choose one of the following methods to scan a document.
Video of scanning with Windows Fax and Scan
The following video demonstrates how to scan in Windows 8 with Windows Fax and Scan.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click or tap here to play the video on YouTube .
  1. Place the item that you want to scan on the scanner glass, or load it into the automatic document feeder (ADF) if your printer has one.
  2. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Search from the menu.
  3. Click or tap Apps ( ) if it is not already selected.
  4. Type Fax and Scan in the search box.
  5. Click or tap Windows Fax and Scan in the results.
  6. Click or tap New Scan , and then click or tap Scan .
Video of scanning with Paint
The following video demonstrates how to scan in Windows 8 with Paint.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click or tap here to play the video on YouTube .
  1. Place the item that you want to scan on the scanner glass, or load it into the automatic document feeder (ADF) if your printer has one.
  2. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap Search from the menu.
  3. Click or tap Apps ( ) if it is not already selected.
  4. Type Paint in the search box.
  5. Click or tap Paint in the results.
  6. Click or tap File , and then click or tap From scanner or camera .
  7. Select your printer, click or tap OK , and then click or tap Scan .
If your printer connects to your computer over a wired (Ethernet) or wireless network, follow these steps to scan a document from the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS)
The EWS allows access to the product software via any Web browser.
.
Video of scanning from the Embedded Web Server
The following video demonstrates how to scan over a network in Windows 8 using the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS).
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click or tap here to play the video on YouTube .
  1. Place the item that you want to scan on the scanner glass, or load it into the automatic document feeder (ADF) if your printer has one.
  2. Obtain the printer's IP address. Consult the documentation that came with your printer for steps to locate the IP address from the printer control panel, or print a network configuration report.
  3. From the Desktop, open an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer.
  4. In the browser address box, type the IP address for the printer, and then press Enter . The EWS opens.
    Figure 6: Example of the printer IP address in the browser address box
    Image: Example of the printer IP address in the browser address box
    NOTE:Make sure that pop-up windows are not blocked in the browser. If pop-up windows are blocked, a message under the address line explains how to allow pop-up windows. If you try to scan with pop-up windows blocked, the scan fails.
  5. In the EWS, click or tap the Information tab, and then under Applications , select Webscan .
  6. Select the Image type for the item you are scanning.
    NOTE:Select Text as your image type if you are only scanning a document. If you scan a photo as text, it might result in a poor quality scan.
  7. Click or tap Scan . The scanned item displays in the window.
  8. Right-click or touch and hold the scanned item, click or tap Save Picture as , and then select the destination and type a file name.
  9. Click or tap Save .
Although you cannot fax a document directly from your computer, you can still fax a printed document from the printer if your printer supports faxing.
  1. Print the document you want to fax.
  2. Place the printout on the flat surface or feeder slot in the same way you would for scanning or copying a document.
  3. Fax the paper version of the document by using the faxing buttons on the control panel of the All-in-One.
Select your connection type for steps to access files or images on a memory card inserted into the printer's card slot.
Video of importing and viewing images on a memory card
The following video demonstrates how to import and view images on a memory card in Windows 8 from your printer's memory card slot.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click or tap here to play the video on YouTube .
  1. Insert the card into the appropriate memory card slot on the printer.
    NOTE:If the card is already inserted, remove and then reinsert it.
    • If the Choose what to do with memory cards window opens , click or tap one of the options, and then follow the instructions to access your files or images.
    • If the Choose what to do with memory cards window does not open , use the following steps to access your files or images with File Explorer.
  2. Right-click or tap and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap File Explorer from the menu.
  3. Click or tap the drive letter that corresponds to the memory card slot on the printer to access your files or images.
Video of importing and viewing images on a memory card
The following video demonstrates how to import and view images on a memory card in Windows 8 from your printer's memory card slot.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click or tap here to play the video on YouTube .
Step one: Map the network drive
  1. Insert the card into the appropriate memory card slot on the printer.
    NOTE:If the card is already inserted, remove and then reinsert it.
  2. Obtain the printer Host name by printing a network configuration report. Check the documentation that came with your printer for steps to print a network configuration report.
  3. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap File Explorer from the menu.
  4. Right-click or touch and hold Network , and then click or tap Map network drive .
  5. From the Drive drop-down list, select an available drive letter.
  6. Find the Host name from the network configuration report. In the Folder text box, type \\<host name>\Memory_Card , where <host name> matches the Host name on the network configuration report.
    NOTE:Do not use the Browse feature or the mapping might fail.
  7. Check the box next to Reconnect at sign-in if it is not checked already.
  8. Click or tap Finish .
Step two: Access the files from the memory card
NOTE:The printer must be turned on and connected to the network to access the files on the memory card.
  1. Right-click or touch and hold the lower left corner of the screen, and then click or tap File Explorer from the menu.
  2. Double-click or double-tap the letter and host name of the card reader on the printer to access your files or images.
To check ink levels, you can view the ink level indicators on the printer control panel, if available.
Additionally, you can print a Self-Test Page from the control panel to view ink levels. Go to the support page for your printer , and then search for the document on how to print the page.
Which cartridges you use depends on your country or region. Follow these steps to purchase cartridges or check cartridge compatibility for your printer using HP SureSupply.
  1. Click this link, HP SureSupply .
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and make sure that the country or region location is correct.
See what other customers are saying at HP Consumer Forums .