Outdated printer drivers will cause a series of probelms, such as slower printing speeds, lower-quality prints, or even crashes. Therefore, it's recommended to update the printer drivers to ensure smooth functionality and prevents printing issues. In this article, we'll guide you through several easy ways to update your HP printer driver.
Part 1. Why Should You Update Your HP Printer Driver?
Your HP printer driver acts as a bridge between your computer and printer. It helps your computer communicate with the printer, ensuring that printing jobs are completed correctly. However, just like any other software, printer drivers require updates to ensure that they work smoothly with the latest operating system features and improvements.
When you update your printer driver, you can expect:
Improved printer performance: New drivers may fix bugs and improve speed.
Compatibility with your operating system: Printer drivers are updated to support new Windows or macOS versions.
New features: Driver updates may bring new printing features or support for additional paper types and sizes.
Bug fixes: An outdated driver can cause glitches or errors that are fixed in newer versions.
Part 2. How to Update HP Printer Driver
There are several ways to update your HP printer driver, ranging from using official software tools to manual methods. Let's break them down one by one:
Method 1. Using Windows Update
Windows Update automatically checks for updates for both the operating system and connected hardware, including printers. If there's a new update for your HP printer driver, it may be installed automatically.
Steps to Update HP Printer Driver Using Windows Update:
Step 1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.
Step 2. Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Update from the left-hand menu.
Step 3. Click on Check for Updates.
Step 4. Windows will search for available updates. If a printer driver update is available, it will be automatically downloaded and installed.
Step 5. Restart your computer after the update is complete to apply the new driver.
Method 2. Manually Update HP Printers via Device Manager (Windows)
Windows Update is a built-in feature that automatically downloads and installs updates for your system, including printer drivers. This method is ideal for users who want a hands-off approach.
Steps to update HP printers with Device Manager:
Step 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager.
Step 2. Expand the Print queues or Imaging devices section.
Step 3. Right-click on your HP printer and select Update driver.
Step 4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for and install the latest driver. If no updates are found, you can manually download the driver from the HP website.
Method 3. Update HP Printer Drivers Through System Preferences (macOS)
macOS includes a built-in tool for managing printers. It can check for driver updates and install them automatically. This method is straightforward for macOS users.
Steps to update HP printer drivers on macOS:
Step 1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
Step 2. Go to Printers & Scanners. Select your HP printer from the list.
Step 3. Click on Options & Supplies. Go to the Driver tab. If an update is available, you will see an option to download and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Method 4. Update Printer Drivers Using HP Smart App
The HP Smart App is a user-friendly tool designed to manage your HP printer. It automatically checks for driver updates and installs them for you. This method is ideal for users who prefer a simple, automated process.
Steps to update printer drivers via HP Smart app:
Step 1. Download the HP Smart App from the HP website or your device's app store.
Step 2. Install the app on your computer.
Step 3. Open the app and sign in with your HP account.
Step 4. Add your printer to the app by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 5. The app will automatically check for driver updates. If an update is available, it will prompt you to install it. Follow the instructions to complete the update.
Apart from HP Smart, HP also provides another tool called HP Support Assistant. It can also help you update printer drivers.
Method 5. One-click HP Printer Drivers Update - PcGoGo Driver Sentry
If you feel confused to follow the complex steps above for HP printer drivers update, there is a much easier way for you. PcGoGo Driver Sentry is a all-in-one driver management tool. Once you download and install it, it will automatically scan the drivers that need to be downloaded or updated.
Except for HP printer drivers, it supports downloads and updates of more kinds of drivers like motherboard drivers, graphic drivers, audio devices drivers, Wi-Fi card drivers and so on. Moreover, it provides free trial for all users.
Conclusion
It's relatively easy to update HP printer drivers through the ways mentioned. But the easiest way is no doubt using the PcGoGo Driver Sentry. Don't hesitate to download and give it a try now!
See also:
How to Fix Document Stuck in Printer Queue
