HP Printer Driver Download for Windows & Mac – Step-by-Step Instructions
- millsstanley94
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Whether you're installing a brand-new HP printer or troubleshooting an existing one, downloading and installing the correct printer driver is essential. The driver acts as the bridge between your printer and computer, enabling smooth communication and proper functionality.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to download, install, and update HP printer drivers on both Windows and macOS, using HP’s official sources.
🖨️ Why HP Printer Drivers Matter
A printer driver is a software package that allows your operating system (Windows or macOS) to interact with your HP printer. Without the correct driver:
Your computer may not detect the printer
Print jobs may fail or result in errors
Advanced functions like scanning or wireless printing may not work
Your printer could show as “Offline” or “Unknown Device”
Using the official driver ensures compatibility, stability, and full access to all of your printer’s features.
✅ What You Need Before Downloading
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
Your HP printer model number (e.g., HP DeskJet 2723, ENVY 6455e, LaserJet Pro MFP M130nw)
A computer running Windows 10/11 or macOS Ventura/Sonoma
A stable internet connection
Your printer powered on and connected (via USB or Wi-Fi)
🌐 Step 1: Visit the Official HP Support Website
Open your web browser
Go to the official HP driver support page:👉 https://support.hp.com/drivers
In the search bar, type your printer model and select it from the suggestions
You’ll be redirected to the software and drivers download page for your specific printer.
🖥️ Step 2: Select Your Operating System
HP’s website usually auto-detects your OS (e.g., Windows 11 64-bit or macOS Ventura). If it doesn’t:
Click the “Choose a different OS” link
Select your version of Windows or macOS
⚠️ Tip: If you’re unsure about your operating system version, you can check it in your computer settings:
Windows: Settings > System > About
Mac: Apple Menu > About This Mac
📦 Step 3: Download the Full Feature Driver
Under the Driver-Product Installation Software section, you’ll typically find:
HP Smart App (recommended)
Full Feature Software and Driver
Basic Driver (minimal)
✔️ Choose “Full Feature Software and Driver” if available
This includes everything: printer drivers, scan utility, HP Smart integration, and firmware tools.
Click Download, then wait for the setup file to finish downloading.
💻 Step 4: Install the Driver (Windows & macOS)
🪟 On Windows:
Open the downloaded .exe file
Follow the on-screen instructions
Choose your connection type: USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet
Wait for the software to detect your printer
Complete setup and print a test page
🍎 On macOS:
Open the downloaded .dmg file
Double-click the HP installer package
Follow the prompts to complete installation
Add your printer under System Settings > Printers & Scanners > “+”
macOS may also offer to download the driver automatically when you add the printer.
🔄 Step 5: Keep Drivers Updated
HP frequently releases driver updates to improve performance and fix bugs.
To manually check for updates:
Go to: https://support.hp.com/drivers
Enter your model and OS
Look for newer versions of drivers or firmware
Or, use HP Smart to manage updates:
Open the HP Smart App
Go to Printer Settings > Advanced Settings (EWS) > Tools > Printer Updates
Enable Automatic Updates
📲 Optional: Use HP Smart App for Simplified Setup
If you're setting up a wireless printer or managing multiple HP devices, the HP Smart App makes everything easier.
Download from 123.hp.com
Available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Allows you to:
Print and scan from any device
Monitor ink levels
Update drivers and firmware
Access HP support directly
🧰 Troubleshooting HP Driver Installation Issues
❌ Printer Not Detected?
Make sure your printer is powered on and connected
Try switching USB ports or restarting the router (for Wi-Fi)
Disable VPN or antivirus temporarily
❌ Setup Freezes or Fails?
Reboot your computer and printer
Redownload the driver file
Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool (Windows only)
Download: https://support.hp.com/us-en/topic/printscandoctor
❌ macOS Can’t Find Driver?
Try resetting the print system:System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Right-click > Reset Printing System
Reinstall HP Smart or use Apple’s built-in AirPrint driver
✅ Conclusion
Downloading and installing the correct HP printer driver for Windows or Mac ensures that your printer works reliably and can access all its features—whether it’s scanning, duplex printing, or wireless connectivity.
By following the simple steps outlined above and using official resources like 123.hp.com and support.hp.com, you can avoid setup errors and have your printer running in no time.
Would you like a driver download guide for a specific printer model (e.g., HP DeskJet 2723, ENVY 6000 series)? I can also provide a printable checklist or PDF version upon request!
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