How to Update HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Printer Driver?

By Russow Senz on April 23, 2025

Beginner

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is a versatile all-in-one printer that is widely used in home offices and small businesses. It is known for its high-quality printouts, fast printing speeds, and reliable performance. However, like all devices, it requires software updates, particularly for its printer driver, to maintain its performance and ensure compatibility with your computer or mobile device.

The printer driver acts as the intermediary between your computer and the printer, translating the data your computer sends into a language that the printer can understand. An outdated printer driver can lead to several issues, including poor print quality, slow printing speeds, and connectivity problems. Regular updates ensure that your printer continues to function optimally, with improved features, bug fixes, and security enhancements.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of updating the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 printer driver on both Windows and macOS operating systems. We will also explore the importance of driver updates and provide troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any issues during the update process.

Why Is It Important to Update Your Printer Driver?

Updating the printer driver is essential for several reasons:

1. Improved Performance

Driver updates often include optimizations that improve the overall performance of your printer. These updates can enhance print speed, reduce printing errors, and improve the printer's overall efficiency.

2. Bug Fixes and Software Stability

Like any other software, printer drivers can contain bugs or glitches. These bugs may lead to problems such as printing errors, connectivity issues, or slow performance. Regular updates fix these bugs, ensuring that your printer operates smoothly.

3. New Features and Functionality

HP periodically releases updates that add new features or improve the functionality of their printers. By updating your printer driver, you gain access to these new features, which could include improvements in print quality, new printing modes, or additional options for managing the printer.

4. Compatibility with New Operating Systems

Operating system updates often introduce changes that can affect how your printer communicates with your computer. By updating the printer driver, you ensure that it remains compatible with the latest version of your operating system (such as Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS), preventing potential issues that could arise from software incompatibility.

5. Security Enhancements

Outdated drivers can sometimes be vulnerable to security threats. HP frequently releases driver updates that address security flaws. By keeping your driver up to date, you ensure that your printer is protected from potential security risks.

How to Update HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Printer Driver

There are several methods to update your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 printer driver, including using the HP website, the built-in features of your computer's operating system, or HP’s software tools. Below are step-by-step instructions for updating the printer driver on Windows and macOS systems.

Method 1: Updating Driver Using the HP Website (Manual Update)

The most common and reliable way to update your printer driver is to download the latest version directly from the HP Support website. This method is recommended for both Windows and macOS users.

For Windows Users:

Visit the HP Support Website
Open your web browser and go to the official HP Support website.
Search for Your Printer Model
In the search bar, type HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 and press Enter. You should see the printer model appear in the search results.
Select Your Printer
Click on the link for your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 printer to go to its product support page.
Choose Your Operating System
The website will ask you to select your operating system. Choose the correct version of Windows (such as Windows 10 or Windows 11) from the dropdown menu.
Download the Latest Driver
In the Drivers & Downloads section, find the most recent version of the printer driver for your operating system. Click on the Download button to start the download.
Install the Driver
After the file has finished downloading, locate it in your Downloads folder and double-click the file to run the installation. 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 applied successfully.

For macOS Users:

Visit the HP Support Website
Open a web browser and navigate to the HP Support website.
Search for Your Printer
Type HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 in the search bar and press Enter.
Select Your Printer
Click on the correct link for your printer model to go to the support page.
Choose macOS as Your Operating System
On the product support page, select macOS from the operating system options.
Download the Latest Driver
In the Drivers & Downloads section, locate the latest version of the printer driver that is compatible with macOS. Click Download to begin the download.
Install the Driver
Once the file has downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Restart Your Mac
After installation, restart your Mac to finalize the process.

Method 2: Using HP Support Assistant (Windows Only)

HP Support Assistant is a free tool provided by HP that helps you keep your printer and other HP devices up to date. It automatically detects available updates for your printer and can install them with just a few clicks.

Download and Install HP Support Assistant
If you haven’t already installed HP Support Assistant, visit the HP website to download and install the software on your computer.
Open HP Support Assistant
Once installed, open HP Support Assistant by searching for it in the Start menu.
Check for Updates
The software will automatically scan your system and detect any available updates for your printer.
Install the Driver Update
If there is a driver update for your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720, the software will prompt you to install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Restart Your Computer
After the update is installed, restart your computer to apply the new driver.

Method 3: Updating via Device Manager (Windows Only)

Another way to update the printer driver on a Windows system is through Device Manager.

Open Device Manager
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Locate Your Printer
In the Device Manager window, expand the Printers section and locate your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720.
Update the Driver
Right-click on your printer and select Update Driver.
Search Automatically for Updates
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for the latest driver and install it if available.
Restart Your Computer
Once the update process is complete, restart your computer.

Method 4: Using Apple Software Update (macOS Only)

On macOS, updates to printer drivers can sometimes be handled automatically by Apple Software Update.

Check for Updates
Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
Go to Software Update
In the System Preferences window, click on Software Update.
Install Available Updates
If a printer driver update is available, it will appear in the list of updates. Click Update Now to install the update.
Restart Your Mac
After the installation is complete, restart your Mac to finalize the update.

Method 5: Using HP Smart (Windows and macOS)

HP Smart is an app available for both Windows and macOS that allows you to manage your HP printer and check for driver updates.

Download and Install HP Smart
If you don’t already have HP Smart installed, download it from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store (macOS).
Add Your Printer
Open the HP Smart app and add your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 printer by following the on-screen instructions.
Check for Updates
In the app, navigate to the Settings or Help section and check for any available driver updates.
Install the Update
If an update is available, follow the instructions in the app to download and install it.
Restart Your Computer
After the update is installed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Updating Printer Drivers

While updating the driver is usually a smooth process, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. The Printer is Not Recognized After the Update

Solution: Ensure that the printer is properly connected to your computer or network. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, check that both the printer and the computer are on the same network.

2. Driver Installation Fails

Solution: Try running the installation as an administrator by right-clicking the installation file and selecting Run as Administrator.

3. Printer Not Printing After the Update

Solution: Restart both the printer and your computer. Make sure there are no pending print jobs stuck in the queue and that your printer is set as the default printer in your system settings.

4. Poor Print Quality After the Update

Solution: Run a printer maintenance routine, such as printhead cleaning or alignment, to resolve issues with print quality.

Conclusion

Regularly updating the driver for your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 printer is essential for maintaining optimal performance, fixing bugs, adding new features, and ensuring compatibility with your computer's operating system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily update your printer driver and avoid any potential issues related to outdated software.

Whether you choose to update manually through the HP Support website, use HP Support Assistant, or leverage other update methods, keeping your printer driver up-to-date will ensure that your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 continues to deliver high-quality prints and a seamless printing experience for all your needs. If you run into any problems during the update process, follow the troubleshooting tips provided to resolve them quickly.