HP printer driver
Get the HP printer driver from HP Software and Driver Downloads: enter the printer's product number or name, then choose the full feature driver, which adds scanning and maintenance tools, or the basic driver for printing only. Most HP printers also work with the driver built into Windows.
Checked October 30, 2026 against the manufacturer's own pages.
The short version
What to install and where it comes from. Every link goes to the manufacturer or Microsoft, never to a copy.
Official files only, nothing bundled
Step by step
Find the product number
Look for the label inside the cartridge access area or on the back of the printer. Some older models have it underneath. In the HP app, select your printer and open Printer Information to see it.
Try the driver Windows already has
HP says print and scan drivers for most of its printers install by themselves when you plug in the USB cable or add a networked printer in Windows. Check Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, Optional updates as well.
Search HP's printer downloads
On HP Software and Driver Downloads, choose printers and enter the serial number, product number or product name. The product number gives the most precise match.
Choose full feature or basic
The full feature driver gives a guided install and connection setup, plus tools for printer settings, maintenance and ink levels. The basic driver covers basic printing only, and HP suggests it for PCs below the full driver's system requirements.
On a Mac, use HP Easy Start
Go to start.hp.com/setup and select Install HP Easy Start. It finds the best driver and software for your printer on supported macOS versions and walks you through connecting it.
Product name, series and product number
HP uses three names for the same machine. The product name, such as HP DeskJet 2545, is on the front or top. A series name groups similar printers: the OfficeJet Pro 8720 series includes the 8720, 8725 and 8728. The product number is a short code for one exact model, such as K7C85A or M9C7A, and it is the safest thing to search with.
Which driver HP recommends
HP recommends the full feature driver to get the most from the printer. It installs the basic driver, the printing and scanning tools and the HP Printer Assistant software in one go. To check whether your model has one, enter its model number at start.hp.com/setup.
The basic driver is a smaller file, so it downloads faster. It supports printing from most Windows, Mac and third-party apps, but leaves out the extra tools.
HP Support Assistant can find your printer
On Windows, HP Support Assistant shows your printer details too. Open it, choose My Devices, then Add an HP device and search for the printer. The product name, product number and serial number appear in the My Printer tile.
Questions
What is the HP app?
It is HP's printer app for Windows, macOS, Android and iPhone, with tools to print, scan, check ink and set up Wi-Fi. Older HP pages call it HP Smart. You can get it from start.hp.com or your app store.
Is the name on the front of my printer enough?
Often not. HP says the front name can cover a whole series. Extra letters matter too: the LaserJet Pro M125a is USB only, while the M125nw also has wireless and wired networking.
Will a new HP driver fix faded prints?
Usually not. HP notes that print quality, wireless and error problems often need their own troubleshooting rather than a driver update. Search HP support for your model and the problem.
Is a firmware update the same as a driver?
No. Firmware runs inside the printer and HP lists it separately on your model's download page. You can install it from the printer's control panel or from a computer.