What you need before you start
Before you plug in your HP printer, gather three things: the printer itself, the USB cable or your WiFi network name and password, and the installation disc that came in the box (or you can read the software from HP's website instead). You will also need to know whether your computer runs Windows or macOS, because HP has different software for each.
Check that your printer is unpacked but not yet plugged in. Leave it in its shipping position — do not remove the tape or protective material yet. You will do that after the software installs, which prevents ink from leaking during setup. If you are connecting by USB, make sure you have a clear path from the printer to your computer. If you are connecting by WiFi, make sure your router is nearby and working.
Key Takeaways
- Install the HP software on your computer before you plug in the printer, using either the disc that came in the box or a read from HP's website.
- During software installation, choose USB or WiFi connection — USB is faster to set up, WiFi lets you print from anywhere in your home.
- After the software finishes, unpack the printer, remove all protective tape and material, and plug it in when the software prompts you.
- Run a test print from your computer to confirm the printer is working before you rely on it for real documents.
- If the printer does not appear after you plug it in, restart both the printer and your computer, then check that the cable is fully inserted or WiFi is connected.
Installing the software on Windows
Insert the HP installation disc into your computer's disc drive, or go to hp.com/support, search for your printer model number, and read the software. The model number is on the front or back of the printer box. Once the read starts or the disc appears on your screen, double-click the file to begin installation.
The installer will ask you to choose between USB and WiFi. If you have a USB cable, select USB — it is faster and more reliable for the first setup. If you want to print wirelessly, select WiFi and have your network password ready. The installer will walk you through connecting to your network. Do not plug the printer in yet, even if the software asks. Wait until the installer tells you to.
When the installer says "Connect your printer," this is when you unpack the printer, remove all tape and protective material from inside and outside, and plug it into power. Then plug the USB cable into both the printer and your computer, or confirm that your printer has found your WiFi network. The software will detect the printer and finish the installation. This usually takes two to five minutes.
Installing the software on macOS
Go to hp.com/support on your Mac, search for your printer model number, and read the software. You cannot use the installation disc on a Mac — HP only provides software downloads for Apple computers. Once the read finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file to begin installation.
The installer will ask for your Mac password. Type it in — this is normal and required. Then choose between USB and WiFi. USB is simpler for the first time, so select that unless you specifically want wireless printing. The installer will tell you when to plug in the printer. Do not do it before then.
When prompted, unpack the printer, remove all tape and protective material, and plug it into power. Then connect the USB cable to both the printer and your Mac. The software will find the printer and complete the setup. On a Mac, this sometimes takes longer than on Windows — up to ten minutes is normal. Do not unplug anything or close the installer window while it is working.
Connecting by WiFi instead of USB
If you want to print from your phone, tablet, or multiple computers, WiFi is more convenient than USB. During the software installation, select WiFi when asked. The installer will show you a list of networks. Find your home WiFi network name (also called the SSID) and select it. Type in your WiFi password exactly as it appears — uppercase and lowercase letters matter.
The printer will connect to your network and the software will detect it. Once installation is complete, you can unplug the USB cable if you used one. The printer will stay connected to WiFi as long as it is powered on and in range of your router. If you move the printer to a different room later and it loses connection, you can reconnect it by going into the printer's settings menu on its screen and selecting your WiFi network again.
Removing protective material and running a test print
After the software installation finishes and the printer is detected, you need to remove the remaining protective material. Open the printer's access panel or lid. Inside, you will see tape, foam, or plastic covering the ink cartridges and paper path. Remove all of it — this material prevents damage during shipping but will jam the printer if left in place. Check inside the paper tray as well and remove any protective sheets.
Once the printer is unpacked, load paper into the tray. Use standard white printer paper. Close all panels and lids. Now open a document on your computer — any document will do — and go to File, then Print. Select your HP printer from the list of printers. Click Print. The printer should make noise, move its print head, and produce a page. If it does, your installation is complete. If nothing happens, see the troubleshooting section below.
What to do if the printer does not appear after installation
If you finished the software installation but the printer does not show up when you try to print, restart both devices. Turn off the printer completely, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your computer. This solves most connection problems because it resets the communication between the devices.
If you are using USB, check that the cable is fully plugged into both the printer and the computer. A cable that looks connected but is not fully seated will not work. Unplug it from both ends and plug it back in firmly. If you are using WiFi, check that the printer is showing as connected on its screen. If it is not, go into the printer's settings menu and reconnect to your WiFi network. If the printer still does not appear, uninstall the software and reinstall it, following the steps above.
If you are still stuck after restarting and checking cables, go to hp.com/support, search for your printer model, and look for a troubleshooting guide specific to your model. HP's support pages have step-by-step instructions for common problems like drivers not installing or the printer not being found.
Switching from USB to WiFi later
If you installed with USB and want to switch to WiFi, you do not need to reinstall the software. On your printer's screen or control panel, find the Settings or Network menu. Select your WiFi network and enter your password. Once the printer connects, you can unplug the USB cable. Your computer will continue to print to the printer over WiFi.
If your printer does not have a screen, you may need to use the HP software on your computer to change the connection. Open the HP software, look for a Printer Settings or Network option, and follow the prompts to connect to WiFi. The exact steps vary by printer model, so check your printer's manual if you get stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the installation disc or can I just plug in the printer?
You need the software before you plug in the printer. Without it, your computer will not know how to communicate with the printer. Use the disc if you have it, or read the software from hp.com/support. Plugging in the printer without software first will not work.
What if I lost the installation disc?
Go to hp.com/support, enter your printer model number, and read the software for your operating system. The read is free. You will need your model number, which is printed on the printer box or on a label on the back of the printer itself.
Can I use the same printer on multiple computers?
Yes, if you connect by WiFi. Install the software on each computer, select WiFi during installation, and connect each one to the same printer. If you use USB, only the computer with the cable plugged in can print. WiFi lets all computers on your network print to the same printer.
Why does the printer need to be unpacked after the software installs?
The protective tape and material inside the printer prevent ink from leaking and parts from moving during shipping. If you remove it before the software installs, the printer may not work correctly. The software needs to detect the printer in its shipping state first, then you remove the protection.
How long does installation usually take?
Software installation takes five to fifteen minutes depending on your computer speed and internet connection. Detecting the printer after you plug it in takes another two to ten minutes. The whole process from opening the box to printing your first page usually takes twenty to thirty minutes.