How to Update HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 Printer Driver?

By Russow Senz on April 23, 2025

Beginner

Updating the printer driver is essential for ensuring that your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer functions optimally, remains compatible with your computer’s operating system, and takes advantage of the latest features and improvements. The printer driver acts as the intermediary between your computer and printer, allowing them to communicate effectively. Without an updated driver, you may experience issues such as slow print speeds, poor print quality, connectivity problems, or even complete failure to print.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of updating the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer driver. We will explore several methods, from manual downloads from HP’s official website to automatic updates using HP’s software tools, as well as troubleshooting tips for resolving common issues during the update process.

Why is it Important to Update HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 Printer Drivers?

Before jumping into the methods, it’s important to understand the importance of updating your printer driver:

Improved Performance: New driver versions often include enhancements that make your printer run more efficiently. This can mean faster printing speeds, better print quality, or more reliable connectivity with your computer.
Bug Fixes: Sometimes, drivers have bugs or glitches that can cause printing errors or crashes. Regularly updating your printer’s driver helps address these issues and improves stability.
New Features: Manufacturers often release new features through driver updates. This could include support for new paper types, mobile printing options, or new print modes.
Operating System Compatibility: As new versions of operating systems are released, older printer drivers may not work correctly. By updating the printer driver, you ensure that your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 remains compatible with the latest operating systems, such as Windows 10, macOS, or others.
Security Patches: Outdated drivers may have security vulnerabilities that could expose your system to malicious attacks. Driver updates often include security patches to keep your printer and computer safe.

Methods for Updating the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 Printer Driver

There are several methods available for updating the driver for your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer. We’ll discuss the most common and reliable methods below.

Method 1: Updating the Driver Manually via HP’s Official Website

One of the most reliable ways to update the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer driver is to download it manually from HP’s official website. This ensures that you are getting the correct and latest driver for your printer model and operating system.

Steps to Manually Update the Printer Driver:

Visit HP’s Official Website: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to HP’s official support website.
Search for Your Printer Model: In the search bar on HP’s support page, type "HP OfficeJet Pro 9020" and press Enter. This will take you to the dedicated support page for the printer.
Choose Your Operating System: Once you’re on the support page for your printer, select your computer’s operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.). HP will display the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.
Download the Latest Driver: In the "Drivers & Downloads" section, locate the driver that corresponds to your operating system. Click on the Download button next to the driver.
Install the Driver: Once the driver is downloaded, locate the file in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the driver.
Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is properly installed and ready to use.
Test the Printer: After restarting, try printing a document to ensure that your printer is working properly with the new driver.

Method 2: Using HP Support Assistant

HP Support Assistant is a free tool provided by HP that automatically detects and installs driver updates for your printer and other HP devices. It makes the update process easier by automatically checking for available updates and installing them.

Steps to Update the Driver Using HP Support Assistant:

Download and Install HP Support Assistant: If you don’t already have HP Support Assistant installed, visit the HP website to download and install the tool. It’s available for both Windows and macOS.
Launch HP Support Assistant: After the installation is complete, open HP Support Assistant by clicking on its icon in the system tray (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS).
Check for Printer Updates: In HP Support Assistant, the software will automatically detect your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer and any other connected HP devices. It will check for any available driver updates for your printer. You’ll be notified if there’s an update.
Install the Update: If there is an update available, simply click on Install to begin the update process. HP Support Assistant will automatically download and install the latest driver for your printer.
Restart Your Computer: After the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is properly integrated.
Test the Printer: After restarting, print a test page or document to confirm that your printer is working as expected with the updated driver.

Method 3: Updating the Printer Driver via Device Manager (Windows Only)

The Device Manager tool in Windows allows you to manage and update the drivers for all the hardware devices connected to your computer, including your printer. You can use this tool to check for and update your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer driver.

Steps to Update the Driver Using Device Manager:

Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager from the menu. This will open the Device Manager window, where you can manage all of your device drivers.
Locate Your Printer: In the Device Manager window, expand the Printers section. Find and right-click on your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer.
Select "Update Driver": From the right-click menu, select Update Driver. This will prompt Windows to search for available updates for your printer driver.
Search Automatically for Updates: In the pop-up window, select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search online for the latest driver for your printer.
Install the Update: If a newer version of the driver is found, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to finalize the update.
Test the Printer: Once your computer restarts, print a document or perform other tasks to ensure that your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 is working with the updated driver.

Method 4: Using HP Smart (Windows and macOS)

HP Smart is an application for both Windows and macOS that simplifies the process of managing your printer, scanning documents, checking ink levels, and updating the printer driver.

Steps to Update the Printer Driver Using HP Smart:

Download and Install HP Smart: If you don’t already have the HP Smart app installed, go to the Microsoft Store (for Windows) or the Mac App Store (for macOS) and download the HP Smart app.
Launch HP Smart: Open the HP Smart app on your computer.
Connect to Your Printer: If your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer is not already connected, follow the on-screen instructions in the app to connect it to your computer via Wi-Fi or USB.
Check for Driver Updates: In HP Smart, navigate to the Printer Settings section. You will find an option to Check for Updates. The app will search for any available updates for your printer driver.
Install the Update: If a driver update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
Restart Your Computer: After installation, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is properly integrated into your system.
Test the Printer: Once your computer has restarted, print a test page or document to ensure that the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer is functioning properly.

Method 5: Using Apple Software Update (macOS Only)

If you're using a Mac, the macOS Software Update tool can also check for printer driver updates.

Steps to Update Printer Driver Using Apple Software Update:

Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen, then select System Preferences.
Go to Software Update: In the System Preferences window, click on Software Update.
Install the Update: If there’s an update for the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer driver, it will be listed here. Click the Update Now button to install the update.
Restart Your Mac: After the installation is complete, restart your Mac to ensure that the updated driver is properly integrated.
Test the Printer: After your Mac restarts, try printing a document to confirm that the printer is functioning correctly with the updated driver.

Troubleshooting Driver Update Issues

If you encounter issues during the driver update process, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Driver Installation Fails:
Ensure that the printer is properly connected to the computer, either via USB or Wi-Fi.
Restart your computer and attempt the update again.
Printer Not Responding After Update:
Check that the printer is powered on and properly connected to your computer or network.
Reinstall the driver manually using the steps outlined above.
Print Jobs Stuck in Queue:
Clear the print queue by canceling all pending print jobs. You can do this from the Devices and Printers menu on Windows or the Printers & Scanners section on macOS.
Restart the printer and your computer.
Print Quality Issues:
Run a printhead cleaning cycle or printer calibration through the printer’s settings.

Conclusion

Keeping your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer driver up to date is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, fixing bugs, improving print quality, and ensuring compatibility with new software updates. By using the methods described above—manual updates, HP Support Assistant, Device Manager, HP Smart, or Apple Software Update—you can ensure that your printer continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.

If you follow these steps regularly, you’ll get the most out of your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 printer and avoid many common printing problems. Whether you're printing documents at home or running a small office, having an up-to-date driver ensures that your printer works at its best.