How to Update HP Office Printer Driver?

By Russow Senz on April 23, 2025

Beginner

Printers, especially office printers, are essential tools for productivity in both small and large workplaces. Among the various types of printers available today, HP has long been a trusted brand for its reliable and feature-rich office printers. However, like all hardware devices, HP office printers require regular maintenance and updates to ensure smooth and efficient operation. One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining your HP office printer is keeping its driver updated.

A printer driver is the software that allows your computer to communicate with your printer. When the driver is outdated, you might experience several issues such as poor print quality, connectivity problems, or even the inability to print at all. In this article, we will guide you on how to update the printer driver for your HP office printer. This includes why it is important to update your printer drivers regularly and the different methods you can use to update them.

Why Is It Important to Update Your HP Office Printer Driver?

Before we dive into the steps for updating your printer driver, it’s crucial to understand why doing so is important.

Improved Performance:
Printer manufacturers, including HP, frequently release updates to their printer drivers to improve the functionality and performance of the printer. These updates often address issues such as printing speed, accuracy, and overall efficiency. Updating your driver ensures that you benefit from these improvements.
Compatibility with New Operating Systems:
Operating system updates, whether it's a major update to Windows, macOS, or any other system, can lead to compatibility issues with outdated printer drivers. Without the correct driver, your printer may fail to communicate with your computer. Regular updates ensure that your HP printer stays compatible with the latest OS versions.
Fix Bugs and Security Vulnerabilities:
Printer manufacturers also release driver updates to fix bugs, glitches, and security vulnerabilities. Without these updates, your printer might run into errors or fail to perform properly. Additionally, security patches help protect your printer from potential threats.
New Features:
Printer manufacturers often introduce new features through driver updates. For example, newer drivers might introduce better paper handling, new printing modes, or better support for wireless printing.
Prevents Device Failure:
An outdated driver can lead to issues like printer malfunctions, system crashes, or the complete failure of the printer to work. Regular driver updates help avoid these issues, ensuring that your office printer continues to perform optimally.

How to Update HP Office Printer Driver

There are several methods you can use to update the driver for your HP office printer, depending on your operating system (Windows or macOS). Let’s explore these methods in detail.

Method 1: Updating HP Printer Driver via HP’s Official Website

One of the most reliable methods for updating your HP office printer driver is to download the latest version directly from HP’s official website. This ensures you are installing the correct driver for your specific printer model.

Steps to Update Your Driver Manually:

Visit HP’s Official Website:
Open your web browser and go to HP’s official support website. On the homepage, there will be a search box.
Search for Your Printer Model:
In the search box, type the model number of your HP printer (e.g., HP OfficeJet Pro 8210, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw). Click on the appropriate search result to be directed to your printer’s support page.
Select Your Operating System:
Once on the printer's support page, you’ll be asked to choose your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS). Ensure you select the correct OS to ensure compatibility with your printer.
Find and Download the Latest Driver:
After selecting the operating system, scroll down to the Driver & Downloads section. Look for the most recent driver version listed for your printer. Click on the Download button to begin downloading the latest driver file.
Install the Driver:
Once the driver file has been downloaded, navigate to the folder where the file is stored (usually the Downloads folder). Double-click on the file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Restart Your Computer:
After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is correctly applied.
Test Your Printer:
Once your computer restarts, you can test the printer by printing a test page to ensure the new driver is working correctly.

Method 2: Using HP Smart Software to Update Drivers

HP Smart is an application designed to help users set up and manage their HP printers. It can also be used to update printer drivers. This method is particularly useful if you have an HP printer that supports wireless connectivity or mobile printing features.

Steps to Update the Driver Using HP Smart:

Install HP Smart Software:
If you don’t already have the HP Smart application installed, download it from the Microsoft Store (for Windows users) or the Mac App Store (for macOS users). Once installed, open the application.
Select Your Printer:
After opening the app, it will automatically detect your connected HP printer. Select the HP office printer you want to update.
Check for Updates:
In the HP Smart application, go to the Printer Settings or Device Settings section. Look for an option to check for software or driver updates. If a newer driver is available, you will be notified.
Download and Install the Driver:
Follow the prompts to download and install the latest printer driver. HP Smart will guide you through the installation process, and once complete, it will apply the update.
Restart Your Computer:
After the driver update is installed, restart your computer to ensure the update is applied properly.
Test Your Printer:
Once your computer has restarted, print a test page or document to check if the printer is functioning properly with the updated driver.

Method 3: Updating Printer Driver via Windows Device Manager

If you're using Windows, Device Manager is a built-in tool that allows you to update hardware drivers, including printer drivers. Here’s how to update your HP office printer driver using Device Manager.

Steps to Update the Driver Using Device Manager:

Open Device Manager:
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the menu that appears.
Locate Your Printer:
In the Device Manager window, locate the Printers section and expand it by clicking the small arrow next to it. You should see your HP printer listed here.
Update the Driver:
Right-click on your printer’s name and select Update driver from the context menu.
Search for Updates Automatically:
When prompted, select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for the latest driver available for your printer.
Install the Update:
If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install the new driver.
Restart Your Computer:
Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to finalize the update.
Test Your Printer:
After restarting, print a test page to confirm that the driver update was successful and that the printer is working correctly.

Method 4: Updating Printer Driver via macOS Software Update

For macOS users, the built-in Software Update feature can also help you update the printer driver. macOS automatically checks for the latest drivers when performing system updates.

Steps to Update the Driver Using macOS Software Update:

Open System Preferences:
Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences.
Go to Software Update:
In the System Preferences window, click on Software Update.
Check for Updates:
macOS will automatically search for available updates. If there’s an updated driver available for your HP office printer, it will appear in the list of updates.
Install the Update:
If an update is available for your printer, click the Update Now button to download and install the latest driver.
Restart Your Mac:
After the installation is complete, restart your Mac to apply the changes.
Test Your Printer:
After the system restarts, try printing a document or a test page to verify that your printer is working correctly with the updated driver.

Method 5: Automatic Updates via HP’s Driver Update Utility

HP also offers a Driver Update Utility that scans your system and automatically installs the latest drivers for your HP devices, including printers. This is an excellent option for users who are not comfortable manually checking for driver updates.

Steps to Use the HP Driver Update Utility:

Download the HP Driver Update Utility:
Visit HP’s support website to download the HP Driver Update Utility. Install the utility following the on-screen prompts.
Run the Utility:
Once installed, open the utility. It will automatically detect your printer and check for any available driver updates.
Install the Latest Driver:
If an update is available, the utility will prompt you to install it. Click on Install to begin the process.
Restart Your Computer:
After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is applied correctly.
Test Your Printer:
Print a test page to verify that the updated driver has fixed any issues and is working as expected.

Conclusion

Updating the driver for your HP office printer is an essential part of maintaining its functionality and performance. Regular updates ensure compatibility with your operating system, provide security patches, improve performance, and offer new features. Whether you update your printer driver manually via HP’s official website, through HP Smart software, or using Device Manager, the process is simple and straightforward. If you encounter any problems, troubleshooting tips such as restarting the printer and computer or reinstalling the driver can help resolve issues. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your HP office printer continues to perform optimally for all your printing needs.