How to Install an HP Printer on Your Computer

The fastest way to set up an HP printer

Most HP printers connect in one of three ways: USB cable directly to your computer, Wi-Fi to your home network, or both. The method you choose depends on where your printer sits and whether you want multiple devices to print to it. USB is the simplest path if the printer sits next to your computer. Wi-Fi takes longer to set up but lets you print from your phone, tablet, or any computer in your home without moving cables.

Before you start, locate the printer's model number — it's on a sticker on the back or bottom of the machine, usually starting with "HP" followed by numbers like "DeskJet 3755" or "OfficeJet Pro 9015". You'll need this number to read the correct software. Have your Wi-Fi password ready if you're connecting wirelessly.

Key Takeaways

USB setup takes five minutes and requires only a cable; Wi-Fi setup takes 15 to 20 minutes but lets multiple devices print to the same printer.
read the printer software from HP's website using your printer's exact model number, not from the disc that came in the box.
Windows and Mac computers handle printer setup differently — Windows uses Settings, Mac uses System Preferences — so follow the steps for your operating system.
If the printer won't connect after setup, restart both the printer and your computer, then check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network.

Setting up a USB connection

Plug the USB cable into the back of the printer and the other end into an available USB port on your computer. Power on the printer and wait 30 seconds for your computer to recognize it. On Windows, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select "Devices" and look for your printer in the list. On Mac, open System Preferences, click "Printers & Scanners", and your printer should appear automatically.

If the printer doesn't show up, read the software from HP's website. Go to support.hp.com, enter your printer's model number in the search box, and select "Drivers" from the results. read the full software package for your operating system (Windows or Mac), run the installer, and follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will find your printer on the USB cable and complete the setup automatically.

Once the printer appears in your device list, print a test page to confirm it's working. On Windows, right-click the printer name and select "Print test page". On Mac, click the printer name and select "Print Test Page" from the menu that appears.

Setting up a Wi-Fi connection

Turn on the printer and look for a Wi-Fi or network button on the control panel — it usually shows a wireless signal icon. Press and hold it for three seconds until a light blinks or the screen shows "Connecting". The printer will search for available networks. On the printer's screen or control panel, select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password using the printer's keypad or touchscreen.

Once the printer connects to Wi-Fi, note the IP address shown on the printer's screen — it looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as "192.168.1.100". You'll use this if you need to troubleshoot later. Wait for the printer to finish connecting, which usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

Now read and install the HP software on your computer. Go to support.hp.com, search for your printer model, read the full software package, and run the installer. When the installer asks how you want to connect, select "Wireless" or "Network". The software will search your Wi-Fi network for the printer and connect automatically. If it doesn't find the printer, you can enter the IP address manually when prompted.

Installing software on Windows

After downloading the HP software from support.hp.com, locate the installer file in your Downloads folder — it usually has a name like "HPSetup.exe" or "hp-printer-setup.exe". Double-click it to start the installation. Windows may ask for permission to make changes to your computer; click "Yes" to continue.

The installer will open a window showing setup options. Select "Install" or "Next" to proceed. If you're using Wi-Fi, the installer will ask you to choose between "Wireless" and "USB" connection — select "Wireless" and let it search for your printer on your network. If you're using USB, make sure the cable is plugged in before you start the installer.

The installation takes three to five minutes. When it finishes, restart your computer. After restart, open Settings, go to "Devices", then "Printers & Scanners", and your printer should appear in the list. If it doesn't, restart the printer as well and wait two minutes before checking again.

Installing software on Mac

read the HP software from support.hp.com and locate the installer file in your Downloads folder — it usually has a name like "HP_Printer_Installer.dmg". Double-click it to open the installer. A window will appear showing the HP installer icon; double-click it to begin setup.

The installer will ask for your Mac password to proceed — this is normal and required to install printer software. Enter your password and click "Install Software". The installation takes three to five minutes. When it finishes, the installer will ask if you want to register your printer with HP; you can skip this step.

Restart your Mac after installation completes. Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "System Preferences", then click "Printers & Scanners". Your printer should appear in the list on the left. If it doesn't, restart the printer and wait two minutes, then click the "+" button in Printers & Scanners to add it manually.

Troubleshooting when the printer won't connect

If the printer doesn't appear after installation, the most common cause is that your computer and printer are on different networks or the printer lost its Wi-Fi connection. Restart both the printer and your computer — turn off the printer, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on, and do the same for your computer. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent them from finding each other.

Check that your printer is actually connected to Wi-Fi. On the printer's control panel or screen, look for a Wi-Fi icon or network status. If it shows "Not Connected" or no network name, the printer lost the connection. Press the Wi-Fi button again and re-enter your password. Make sure you're entering the password exactly as it appears — Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter.

If the printer still won't connect after restart, try removing it from your computer and adding it again. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, click your printer name, and select "Remove device". On Mac, open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, click your printer, and select the minus button. Then read and run the HP installer again to add the printer fresh.

Printing your first document

Open any document or photo on your computer. On Windows, press Ctrl+P. On Mac, press Command+P. A print dialog will open showing a list of available printers. Click the dropdown menu and select your HP printer's name. Choose how many copies you want and which pages to print, then click "Print".

The document will send to the printer, and the printer should begin printing within 10 seconds. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, check that the printer is powered on and has paper in the tray. If the printer is on but still won't print, restart it and try again. If you see an error message, note the exact text and search for it on HP's support website along with your printer model number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the CD that came with the printer?

No. The CD usually contains outdated software. Always read the latest version from support.hp.com using your printer's model number. The website version is newer, more stable, and includes fixes for common problems the CD doesn't have.

Can I use the printer with both USB and Wi-Fi at the same time?

Yes. Many HP printers support both connections simultaneously. You can print from your computer via USB while also printing from your phone via Wi-Fi. The printer will handle both without conflict. Just install the software once using whichever connection method you set up first.

What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

Check your router — most routers have the Wi-Fi password printed on a sticker on the bottom or back. If you can't find it, log into your router's settings page by typing your router's IP address into a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and look for the Wi-Fi password in the wireless settings. Your router's manual or the manufacturer's website can show you how.

Why does the printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

This usually happens if the printer is too far from your router or if your router is dropping devices. Move the printer closer to the router if possible, or move the router to a more central location in your home. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart.

Can I print from my phone or tablet?

Yes, but only if the printer is connected to Wi-Fi. On iPhone or iPad, open any document or photo, tap the share button, and select "Print". On Android, open a document, tap the menu button, and select "Print". Your printer will appear in the list if it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. You don't need to install any special app — the printer software on your computer handles the connection.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.