How to Update HP LaserJet Pro 400 Printer Driver?

By Russow Senz on April 23, 2025
Beginner

Updating the printer driver for your HP LaserJet Pro 400 is crucial for maintaining the best performance and compatibility of your device. Printer drivers are essential pieces of software that facilitate communication between your computer and the printer. Without the correct and updated driver, you may experience issues such as poor print quality, printing failures, or slower print speeds. Whether you are facing issues like connectivity problems, system crashes, or just want to make sure your printer is running smoothly, keeping your HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer driver up to date is essential.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of updating the HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer driver. We will discuss why updates are important, the methods available for updating the driver, and step-by-step instructions for each method.

Why Is It Important to Update Your Printer Driver?

Before we get into the process of updating the driver, let's first understand why keeping your printer driver updated is important:

  1. Improved Performance:
  2. Manufacturers regularly release driver updates to improve the overall performance of their products. For your HP LaserJet Pro 400, these updates can improve print speed, resolution, and paper handling, ensuring that your printer operates at its best.
  3. Bug Fixes:
  4. Just like any software, printer drivers can have bugs or errors. HP frequently releases updates to fix these bugs, which could be causing issues with your printer. Updating your driver ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, reducing the likelihood of encountering errors.
  5. Security:
  6. Printer drivers are not immune to security vulnerabilities. Outdated drivers can leave your printer exposed to security threats, potentially allowing hackers to access your network. Updating the driver ensures that your printer benefits from the latest security patches.
  7. Compatibility with New Software:
  8. If you upgrade your operating system or software, there’s a chance that the outdated driver may no longer be compatible. By updating the driver, you ensure that your printer remains compatible with the latest versions of Windows, macOS, or other operating systems.
  9. New Features:
  10. Occasionally, HP releases new features through driver updates. These features can include improved print settings, support for new paper types, or enhanced wireless connectivity options.

Methods to Update HP LaserJet Pro 400 Printer Driver

There are several methods for updating the printer driver for your HP LaserJet Pro 400. The method you choose depends on your preferences and comfort level with technology. Let’s take a look at the most common ways to update the driver.

Method 1: Update Printer Driver Using HP’s Official Website

The most reliable way to get the latest driver for your HP LaserJet Pro 400 is to download it directly from HP’s official website. This method ensures that you are getting the correct driver tailored for your specific model.

Steps to Update Your Printer Driver Manually:
  1. Go to HP’s Official Website:
  2. Open your web browser and type “HP support” in the search bar to navigate to HP’s official support page.
  3. Find Your Printer Model:
  4. On the HP support page, there will be a search box where you can type in your printer model (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro 400). Select the appropriate model from the search results.
  5. Select Your Operating System:
  6. Once you are on the printer’s support page, you’ll be prompted to choose your operating system. Select the correct OS (e.g., Windows 10, macOS, etc.) to ensure compatibility with your printer.
  7. Download the Latest Driver:
  8. Scroll down to the Driver & Downloads section. Find the most recent driver for your operating system and click on the Download button to initiate the download.
  9. Install the Driver:
  10. Once the driver file has downloaded, locate it in your Downloads folder and double-click to open the installation file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This process will automatically update your printer driver to the latest version.
  11. Restart Your Computer:
  12. After the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
  13. Test Your Printer:
  14. After restarting your computer, test the printer by printing a test page to confirm that the driver is working correctly.

Method 2: Update Printer Driver Using Windows Device Manager

For Windows users, you can use the Device Manager tool to update the printer driver. Device Manager is a built-in utility in Windows that allows you to manage hardware devices, including printers. If you are comfortable using Device Manager, this is a fast and efficient way to update your printer driver.

Steps to Update Your Driver via Device Manager:
  1. Open Device Manager:
  2. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the menu that appears.
  3. Locate Your Printer:
  4. In the Device Manager window, locate the Printers section and expand it by clicking on the small arrow next to it. You should see your HP LaserJet Pro 400 listed here.
  5. Update the Driver:
  6. Right-click on your printer’s name and select Update driver from the context menu.
  7. Search for Updates Automatically:
  8. In the next window, you will be given two options. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search the internet for the latest driver and install it if an update is found.
  9. Install the Update:
  10. If an update is found, Windows will automatically download and install it. Follow any prompts to complete the installation.
  11. Restart Your Computer:
  12. Once the update is installed, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is applied.
  13. Test Your Printer:
  14. After the restart, print a test page to confirm that the driver is functioning correctly.

Method 3: Update Printer Driver Using HP Smart Software

HP provides an application called HP Smart that makes managing your printer easy. With HP Smart, you can not only update your printer driver but also perform other functions such as scanning, printing remotely, and checking ink levels. HP Smart can be used on both Windows and macOS systems.

Steps to Update the Driver Using HP Smart:
  1. Install HP Smart:
  2. If you don’t have HP Smart installed, download it from the Microsoft Store (for Windows) or the Mac App Store (for macOS).
  3. Open the HP Smart Application:
  4. Once installed, open the HP Smart application on your computer.
  5. Select Your Printer:
  6. If your HP LaserJet Pro 400 is connected, it should appear automatically in the HP Smart interface. Select your printer.
  7. Check for Updates:
  8. In HP Smart, go to Printer Settings or Manage your Printer section. Look for an option to check for updates. If a newer driver is available, HP Smart will notify you.
  9. Download and Install the Driver:
  10. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest driver for your HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer.
  11. Restart Your Computer:
  12. After the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the updates.
  13. Test Your Printer:
  14. Once the computer has restarted, print a test page or document to ensure the printer is working correctly with the updated driver.

Method 4: Automatic Updates Through Windows Update (For Windows Users)

Windows Update can also help keep your printer drivers up to date automatically. This method works well if you have automatic updates enabled on your computer.

Steps to Update Your Printer Driver via Windows Update:
  1. Open Windows Update:
  2. Click the Start button and go to Settings. Then, select Update & Security and click on Windows Update.
  3. Check for Updates:
  4. Click on Check for updates. Windows will search for any pending updates, including updates for your printer drivers.
  5. Install Updates:
  6. If a printer driver update is found, it will be listed as part of the available updates. Click on Install now to apply the updates.
  7. Restart Your Computer:
  8. After the updates have been installed, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
  9. Test Your Printer:
  10. Once the system has rebooted, print a test page to ensure that the printer is functioning as expected.

Method 5: Use HP’s Driver Update Utility (For Windows Users)

HP also provides a Driver Update Utility that automatically detects and updates drivers for your HP devices, including printers. This utility can be helpful if you prefer a hands-off approach to keeping your drivers updated.

Steps to Use the HP Driver Update Utility:
  1. Download the HP Driver Update Utility:
  2. Go to HP’s official website and search for the HP Driver Update Utility.
  3. Install the Utility:
  4. After downloading, follow the installation prompts to install the utility on your computer.
  5. Run the Utility:
  6. Once installed, open the HP Driver Update Utility. It will automatically detect your connected HP printer and check for the latest driver.
  7. Download and Install the Driver:
  8. If a driver update is available, the utility will prompt you to download and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  9. Restart Your Computer:
  10. After the driver is updated, restart your computer to apply the changes.
  11. Test Your Printer:
  12. After restarting, print a test page to ensure that your printer is working properly.

Conclusion

Regularly updating the driver for your HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer is essential to maintaining the printer’s performance, security, and compatibility. There are several methods to update the driver, including downloading it manually from HP’s website, using Windows Device Manager, utilizing HP Smart software, and using Windows Update or the HP Driver Update Utility.


More articles on Driver-Update

More articles on Driver-Update
Comments

No comments yet.

Add a comment
Ctrl+Enter to add comment