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How to Install an HP Printer Driver on Windows and Mac

Last updated: October 29, 2026 · Written by H&G

This guide covers the steps that are the same for most HP printers: choosing the right package, connecting the printer, and installing the driver on Windows or a Mac. Each printer page on hpdrivers.net adds the notes that are specific to that model, such as when to plug in the USB cable.

1. Find the right download

  • Check the exact model. The model name is printed on the front or top of the printer and on the label at the back. “M404dn” and “M404dw” can share a driver page, but an M404 and an M428 cannot.
  • Check your Windows version. Press Win + R, type winver and press Enter. Almost all current PCs run 64-bit Windows.
  • Pick the package type. A full software package installs the driver plus HP’s setup and scan tools. A driver-only package installs just the print driver. Driver files without an installer are meant for Windows’ Add Printer wizard.

2. Connect the printer

USB

Many HP installers ask you to plug in the USB cable during setup, not before. If the installer says so, leave the cable unplugged until it asks. If the cable was already connected and setup can’t find the printer, unplug it, restart the installer and connect it when prompted.

Network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)

Connect the printer to the same network as the computer before you start the installer. For Ethernet, plug the printer into your router or switch. For Wi-Fi, use the printer’s control panel or HP’s setup tool to join your network. Printing a configuration or network page from the printer shows its IP address, which helps if the installer can’t find it.

3. Install on Windows

Full or driver-only package (with installer)

  1. Close other programs and turn the printer on.
  2. Run the downloaded .exe file. It extracts itself and starts the installer.
  3. Follow the on-screen steps and choose USB or network when asked.
  4. Print a test page when setup finishes.

Driver files without an installer

  1. Run or unzip the download to extract the driver files to a folder.
  2. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners (Windows 11) or Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners (Windows 10) and choose to add a printer.
  3. Choose the option to add the printer manually, then select the port or enter the printer’s IP address.
  4. When Windows asks for a driver, choose Have Disk and browse to the extracted folder.

4. Install on a Mac

For most current HP printers, HP’s Mac download is HP Easy Start or the HP app. They find the right software for your model and walk you through setup. Many HP printers also support Apple AirPrint: in that case you can add the printer in System Settings → Printers & Scanners without installing anything. Each printer page shows what HP lists for macOS.

5. If it doesn’t work

  • The printer shows as offline. Check that the printer and computer are on the same network, then restart the printer, the computer and the router.
  • Windows installed its own driver. Windows sometimes adds a basic driver automatically. If features are missing, install HP’s package from the printer page; it replaces the basic driver.
  • The installer stops or fails. Try the driver-only package for your printer, or the HP Universal Print Driver if HP lists it for your series.
  • An old driver causes problems. Remove the printer in Printers & scanners, restart, then install the current package.

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