HP LaserJet Printers - Installing the Printer Software in Windows for a USB Cable Connection

Introduction

This document explains how to install the print driver and software for your printer for a USB cable connection. There are several methods available to install the software and driver for your printer, including downloading the software and using the product CD.

Learn more about the available installation methods

	Download	CD	In-OS driver
For a new printer:	Downloading the driver and software for free from the HP website takes more time than using the CD, but provides the most up to date software.	CD installation is a quick and easy method, but might not have the latest driver and software available, even for a newer product.	Available through the Windows 7 operating system, this driver provides basic printer functionality.
For an older printer:	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.	The CD installation might not work if you are installing the printer on a computer running a newer operating system that released AFTER the printer released.	For customers who need basic printer functionality, or if updated full-feature HP software for the new version of Windows for your printer is not immediately available on the HP website.
About the software:	The HP website has the most current driver and software available for your printer. HP often updates drivers and software AFTER the printer released.	The CD is only current to the date of the printer release.	The driver is available in the Windows 7 operating system. It automatically installs the most current driver when the printer is connected to the computer with a USB cable.

Click the plus sign (

) next to your operating system for more information.

Choose one of the following methods to install the software in Windows XP.

Method one: Download and install the software from the HP website

Your printer might have more than one driver option on the downloads page. Options might include a Full Feature driver, a Basic driver, or a Host Based option.

Learn more about the available driver download options

The following information might help you decide which driver to download.

NOTE:

Your printer might not support all of the following drivers.

Driver	Features
Full Feature	Provides full product functionality. Includes image-editing software and searchable help files tailored to your printer. Includes HP Solution Center, software that helps you adjust print settings, and for supported products, scan and copy settings. It also helps with product maintenance, troubleshooting, software updates, and includes links to buy supplies. You can choose a custom installation to select the specific software items that you want to install.
Basic	Provides a limited set of basic print functions, and runs basic scan functions for multifunction products. Allows scanning from third-party applications in Windows. Provides no HP scanning software. Provides no copy or fax support for multifunction products. The smaller file size is faster to download and install than the Full Feature driver.
Plug and Play	Automatically installs the printer driver and the USB port.
Host Based	Takes advantage of your computer's memory and processing power to complete print jobs. Processes the print job on the host computer, rather than in the printer formatter.
PostScript	Adobe’s PostScript software interfaces with your printer to produce sharp graphics and to handle multiple printing fonts.
PCL6 USB	Provides basic print and scan functionality.

NOTE:

This section contains step-by-step instructions to download and install the software. You can also watch videos of the entire download and install process.

Video of downloading and installing the Full Feature driver and software

The following video demonstrates how to download and install the software in Windows XP.

Download and install the software - Windows XP

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.

Video of downloading and installing the Basic driver

The following video demonstrates how to download and install the basic software in Windows XP.

Download and install the basic software - Windows XP

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.

Follow these steps to download the software, and then install it.

Step one: Download the software

Disconnect the USB cable from both the product and the computer (if you already connected it).
Turn the product on.
Click this link, Get Software and Drivers to browse to the Get Software and Drivers page.
Check the instructions on the page, and then click the Plus sign ( ) next to the correct heading for additional instructions:
- If prompted to enter your product in the window :
  1. Type your product number in the window.
  2. Click Next . If necessary click your model in a list of similar products.
  3. Click Software and Driver Downloads .
  4. Click the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click your operating system.
  5. Click Next , and then continue to the next step.
- If prompted to select your operating system :
  1. Click the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click your operating system.
  2. Click Next , and then continue to the next step.
  3. Continue to the next step.
Click the Plus sign ( ) next to Driver, and then click the driver that you want to download.
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 folder where you saved the file, in case you want to install it at a later time.

Step two: Install the software

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.

Method two: Install the software with the product CD

Follow these steps to install the software with the product CD.

Disconnect the USB cable from both the printer and the computer, if you already connected it.
Press the Power button ( ) or switch to turn on the printer, if it is not already 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, follow these steps to start it:

Click Start ( ), click My Computer , and then double-click the CD drive.
Follow the on-screen instructions to start the installation.
In the Software to Install window, you might be prompted to install the recommended software or the minimum software.
- Recommended : Click Next to install the recommended software. The recommended software provides full printer functionality and includes valuable software, such as the printer Toolbox and the Help and Learn Center. HP designed this type of installation to work for most users.
- Minimum : Click Click here for more install options to install the minimum software. The minimum software contains only the print driver. Install the minimum software if the computer is low on hard disk space.
When prompted to select a connection type, select USB .
Click Next .
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing the software.

Vista

Choose one of the following methods to install the software in Windows Vista.

Method one: Download and install the software from the HP website

Your printer might have more than one driver option on the downloads page. Options might include a Full Feature driver, a Basic driver, or a Host Based option.

Learn more about the available driver download options

The following information might help you decide which driver to download.

NOTE:

Your printer might not support all of the following drivers.

Driver	Features
Full Feature	Provides full product functionality. Includes image-editing software and searchable help files tailored to your printer. Includes HP Solution Center, software that helps you adjust print settings, and for supported products, scan and copy settings. It also helps with product maintenance, troubleshooting, software updates, and includes links to buy supplies. You can choose a custom installation to select the specific software items that you want to install.
Basic	Provides a limited set of basic print functions, and runs basic scan functions for multifunction products. Allows scanning from third-party applications in Windows. Provides no HP scanning software. Provides no copy or fax support for multifunction products. The smaller file size is faster to download and install than the Full Feature driver.
Plug and Play	Automatically installs the printer driver and the USB port.
Host Based	Takes advantage of your computer's memory and processing power to complete print jobs. Processes the print job on the host computer, rather than in the printer formatter.
PostScript	Adobe’s PostScript software interfaces with your printer to produce sharp graphics and to handle multiple printing fonts.
PCL6 USB	Provides basic print and scan functionality.

NOTE:

This section contains step-by-step instructions to download and install the software. You can also watch a video of the entire process.

Video of downloading and installing the software 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.

Download and install the software in Windows Vista

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.

Follow these steps to download the software, and then install it.

Step one: Download the software

Disconnect the USB cable from both the product and the computer (if you already connected it).
Turn the product on.
Click this link, Get Software and Drivers to browse to the Get Software and Drivers page.
Check the instructions on the page, and then click the Plus sign ( ) next to the correct heading for additional instructions:
- If prompted to enter your product in the window :
  1. Type your product number in the window.
  2. Click Next . If necessary click your model in a list of similar products.
  3. Click Software and Driver Downloads .
  4. Click the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click your operating system.
  5. Click Next , and then continue to the next step.
- If prompted to select your operating system :
  1. Click the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click your operating system.
  2. Click Next , and then continue to the next step.
  3. Continue to the next step.
Click the Plus sign ( ) next to Driver, and then click the driver that you want to download.
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 folder where you saved the file, in case you want to install it at a later time.

Step two: Install the software

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.

Method two: Install the software with the product CD

Disconnect the USB cable from both the printer and the computer, if you already connected it.
Press the Power button ( ) or switch to turn on the printer, if it is not already on.
Insert the printer CD into the CD drive of the computer, and then wait a few seconds for the software installer to begin.

If the installer does not begin 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 start the installation.
In the Software to Install window, you might be prompted to install the recommended software or the minimum software.
- Recommended : Click Next to install the recommended software. The recommended software provides full printer functionality and includes valuable software, such as the HP Toolbox, and the Help and Learn Center. HP designed this type of installation to work for most users.
- Minimum : Click Click here for more install options to install the minimum software. The minimum software contains only the print driver. Install the minimum software if the computer is low on hard disk space.
When prompted to choose a connection type, select USB .
Click Next .
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing the software.

Windows 7

Choose one of the following methods to install the software in Windows 7.

Method one: Download and install the software from the HP website

Your printer might have more than one driver option on the downloads page. Options might include a Full Feature driver, a Basic driver, or a Host Based option.

Learn more about the available driver download options

The following information might help you decide which driver to download.

NOTE:

Your printer might not support all of the following drivers.

Driver	Features
Full Feature	Provides full product functionality. Includes image-editing software and searchable help files tailored to your printer. Includes HP Solution Center, software that helps you adjust print settings, and for supported products, scan and copy settings. It also helps with product maintenance, troubleshooting, software updates, and includes links to buy supplies. You can choose a custom installation to select the specific software items that you want to install.
Basic	Provides a limited set of basic print functions, and runs basic scan functions for multifunction products. Allows scanning from third-party applications in Windows. Provides no HP scanning software. Provides no copy or fax support for multifunction products. The smaller file size is faster to download and install than the Full Feature driver.
Plug and Play	Automatically installs the printer driver and the USB port.
Host Based	Takes advantage of your computer's memory and processing power to complete print jobs. Processes the print job on the host computer, rather than in the printer formatter.
PostScript	Adobe’s PostScript software interfaces with your printer to produce sharp graphics and to handle multiple printing fonts.
PCL6 USB	Provides basic print and scan functionality.

Follow these steps to download the software, and then install it.

Step one: Download the software

Disconnect the USB cable from both the product and the computer (if you already connected it).
Turn the product on.
Click this link, Get Software and Drivers to browse to the Get Software and Drivers page.
Check the instructions on the page, and then click the Plus sign ( ) next to the correct heading for additional instructions:
- If prompted to enter your product in the window :
  1. Type your product number in the window.
  2. Click Next . If necessary click your model in a list of similar products.
  3. Click Software and Driver Downloads .
  4. Click the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click your operating system.
  5. Click Next , and then continue to the next step.
- If prompted to select your operating system :
  1. Click the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click your operating system.
  2. Click Next , and then continue to the next step.
  3. Continue to the next step.
Click the Plus sign ( ) next to Driver, and then click the driver that you want to download.
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 folder where you saved the file, in case you want to install it at a later time.

Step two: Install the software

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.

Method two: Install the software with the product CD

Disconnect the USB cable from both the printer and the computer, if you already connected it.
Press the Power button ( ) or switch to turn on the printer, if it is not already on.
Insert the printer CD into the CD drive of the computer, and then wait a few seconds for the software installer to begin.

If the installer does not begin 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 start the installation.
In the Software to Install window, you might be prompted to install the recommended software or the minimum software.
- Recommended : Click Next to install the recommended software. The recommended software provides full printer functionality and includes valuable software, such as the HP Toolbox, and the Help and Learn Center. HP designed this type of installation to work for most users.
- Minimum : Click Click here for more install options to install the minimum software. The minimum software contains only the print driver. Install the minimum software if the computer is low on hard disk space.
When prompted to choose a connection type, select USB .
Click Next .
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing the software.

Method three: Install the print driver in Windows 7

For your product, Windows 7 comes with basic driver built into the operating system (in-OS driver).

With this basic driver, the buttons on the product do not function and some of the advanced product features are not available. However, using the workaround procedures in this document, you can still print from a software program. You can also import and view images on a memory card, if your product has a memory card slot.

When you connect the product to the computer, Windows 7 detects the hardware and automatically installs the correct driver. A notification lets you know when installation begins and when it is complete. You do not have to download any software or insert the product CD.

Follow these steps to install the basic driver in Windows 7.

Turn the product on.
Connect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable to the product and to the computer.
A Your devices are ready to use window might display on the screen. If the window displays and does not close automatically, close the window.

How to use your printer with an in-OS print driver

Some functions might not be available with the in-OS driver, but you can still print and perform common tasks, if your printer supports them, by using the following workarounds.

Printing

This section contains step-by-step instructions to print with an in-OS driver. You can also watch a video of the entire process.

Video of printing in a software program

Watch the following video for a demonstration of printing from a software program with Windows 7 operating system.

Video of printing from a software program in Windows 7

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube .

Open the document to be printed in the software application in which it was created.
Click File , and then click Print .

Scanning

Use one of the following methods to scan an image or a document.

Method one: Scanning with Windows Fax and Scan

This section contains step-by-step instructions to scan with Windows Fax and Scan. You can also watch a video of the entire process.

Video of scanning with Windows Fax and Scan

The following video demonstrates how to scan with Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 7.

Scan with Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 7

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.

Click the Windows ( ) icon.
Click All Programs .
Click Windows Fax and Scan .
Click New Scan , and then click Scan .

Method two: Scanning with Paint

This section contains step-by-step instructions to scan with Windows Paint. You can also watch a video of the entire process.

Video of scanning with Paint

The following video demonstrates how to scan with Paint in Windows 7.

Scan with Paint in Windows 7

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.

Click the Windows ( ) icon, click All Programs , and then click Accessories .
Click Paint ( ).
Click the drop-down arrow in the upper-left corner, and then click From Scanner or Camera .
Make sure the correct device is selected, click OK , and then click Scan .

Faxing

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.

Print the document you want to fax.
Place the printout on the flat surface or feeder slot in the same way you would for scanning or copying a document.
Fax the paper version of the document by using the faxing buttons on the control panel of the All-in-One.

Importing and viewing images on a memory card

If your printer has a memory card slot, follow these steps to access images on a memory card.

NOTE:

This section contains step-by-step instructions to import and view images on a memory card with an in-OS driver. You can also watch a video of the entire process.

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 7.

Importing and viewing images on a memory card in Windows 7

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.

Insert the memory card into the appropriate memory card slot on the product.

NOTE: If the memory card is already inserted, remove it, and then reinsert it.
On the Autoplay window that opens, click Import Pictures , View Pictures , or Open folder to view files .
Follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows 8

Follow these steps to install the software for your printer from the HP website. Your printer might have more than one driver option on the downloads page. Options might include a Full Feature driver, a Basic driver, or a Host Based option.

Learn more about the available driver download options

The following information might help you decide which driver to download.

NOTE:

Your printer might not support all of the following drivers.

Driver	Features
Full Feature	Provides full product functionality. Includes image-editing software and searchable help files tailored to your printer. Includes HP Solution Center, software that helps you adjust print settings, and for supported products, scan and copy settings. It also helps with product maintenance, troubleshooting, software updates, and includes links to buy supplies. You can choose a custom installation to select the specific software items that you want to install.
Basic	Provides a limited set of basic print functions, and runs basic scan functions for multifunction products. Allows scanning from third-party applications in Windows. Provides no HP scanning software. Provides no copy or fax support for multifunction products. The smaller file size is faster to download and install than the Full Feature driver.
Plug and Play	Automatically installs the printer driver and the USB port.
Host Based	Takes advantage of your computer's memory and processing power to complete print jobs. Processes the print job on the host computer, rather than in the printer formatter.
PostScript	Adobe’s PostScript software interfaces with your printer to produce sharp graphics and to handle multiple printing fonts.
PCL6 USB	Provides basic print and scan functionality.

Video of downloading and installing the Full Feature software with a USB connection

The following video demonstrates how to download and install the Full Feature software with a USB connection in Windows 8.

Video of downloading and installing the Full Feature software with a USB connection in Windows 8

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: Download the software

Follow these steps to download the software.

Disconnect the USB cable from both the printer and the computer (if you already connected it).

NOTE:

If you previously connected the USB cable, right-click or tap and hold the bottom left corner of the screen, click or tap Control Panel , click or tap View devices and printers , right-click or tap and hold the printer icon (

), and then click Remove device .

Turn the printer on.
Browse to the Get Software and Drivers page: Get Software and Drivers .
Check the instructions on the page, and then click or tap the Plus sign ( ) next to the correct heading for additional instructions:
- If prompted to enter your product in the window :
  1. Type your printer model in the window.
  2. Click or tap Next . If necessary select your model in a list of similar printers.
  3. Click or tap Software and Driver Downloads .
  4. Click or tap the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click or tap your operating system.
  5. Click or tap Next , and then continue to the next step.
- If prompted to select your operating system :
  1. Click or tap the drop-down arrow ( ), and then click or tap your operating system.
  2. Click or tap Next , and then continue to the next step.
Click or tap the Plus sign ( ) next to Driver , and then click or tap the driver that you want to download.
Read through the minimum system requirements and additional instructions. You can also click or tap View directions ( ) for complete download instructions.
Click or tap Download .

Click or tap Save in the Notification bar to download the software.

NOTE:

The software file automatically saves to the Downloads folder on your computer. If you want to install it at a later time, right-click or tap and hold the bottom left corner of the screen, click or tap File Explorer , and then click or tap Downloads to access the file.

Step two: Install the software

Follow these steps to install the downloaded software.

When the download completes, click or tap Run in the Notification bar.

NOTE:

If you closed the Notification bar after the download completed, right-click or tap and hold the bottom left corner of the screen, click or tap File Explorer , and then click or tap Downloads . Find the name of the HP software file, and then double-click or double-tap the file.

Click or tap Yes in the User Account Control window, and then wait while the installer extracts the files.
When the Install Wizard starts, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Experiencing installation errors?

HP Printer Installation
If you experience an error during installation, try the HP Printer Installation website.

HP Support document

Business Support Center

HP Passport Sign-in

Tasks

Resources

HP LaserJet Printers - Installing the Printer Software in Windows for a USB Cable Connection