Jump to content United States-English
HP.com Home Products and Services Support and Drivers Solutions How to Buy
» Contact HP
HP.com home
Everyday Printing  >  Printing tips and how-tos

Downloading and installing a printer driver

Learn why you should update your printer driver, as well as exactly where and how to do it.
» 

Home & Home Office

»

Everyday Printing

» Printer buying guide
» Printing tips & how-tos
» Ink, toner & paper
»

Digital Photography

»

Everyday Computing

»

Digital Entertainment

»

Activity Center

»

Free online classes

Browse & Buy

»

Home & Home Office Store

»

Find a Retailer

»

Rebate Center

Product Support

»

Support & troubleshooting

»

Software & Drivers

»

HP Total Care

»

Register your product

Content starts here

»  What is a printer driver?
»  Why should I update my printer driver?
»  How do I get a new printer driver?
»  How do I install my new printer driver on my computer?

What is a printer driver?

A driver is a term used to describe the software that allows your computer to control your printer. This driver is what allows you to change the settings for any given print job. Any time you change paper size or print quality, for example, you’re using the printer driver to do that.


»  Back to top

Why should I update my printer driver?

A lot can happen with your computer system from the time you buy your printer. Maybe you upgrade your computer’s operating system, maybe you get a new computer altogether. These are things that can confuse your printer and lead to lower-quality prints.

Signs that it may be time to update your driver include: 

  • Pages not printing completely
  • Characters missing from your prints
  • Your printer doesn’t seem to function as well as it once did

»  Back to top

How do I get a new printer driver?





»  Back to top

You can almost always find the most current version of your printer’s driver software on the manufacturer’s website under “support” (even if your particular model has been recently discontinued).

For HP printers, visit the support and downloads page.

If you don’t have access to the Internet, call the manufacturer directly and request that a new driver be mailed to you on CD.

How do I install my new printer driver on my computer?






»  Back to top

Once you’ve downloaded a new driver to your computer, simply double-click on the installer icon. You may see the message “Do you want to run this file?” Click Run. Then, follow the instructions in the Install Wizard. It will guide you through the rest of the installation. You’ll most likely have to restart your computer for the driver to become active.

Recommended products

When you’re ready to upgrade your printer, explore the HP printer buying guide.


Your feedback is important to us. Was this article useful/informative?
Not at all(1) Neutral(3) Definitely(5)

Learn more

Take a free online class.  HP offers classes to teach you how to use your products in fun, new ways. 

Award-winning support

woman with headset giving 24/7 toll free phone support
»  Get easy access to support 24/7 – toll free phone or email responses in about an hour.

Related links

»  See all articles
»  Printer buying guide
»  FREE print projects
Printable version
Privacy statement Using this site means you accept its terms Feedback to webmaster
© 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.