Printer installation and use

[Name65]

I bought this printer 1 1/2 years ago and haven’t been able to get it to work. Wireless connection is not necessary and complicating the use of the printer, I think. Is it possible to get a cable between a newer laptop and the printer so I dont have connection problems? We live in rural area with limited internet access and have limited interest or knowledge of computers. How may I print with this new printer that has not been installed on the laptop please?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Name65 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how discouraging it must feel to have a printer sitting unused for over a year and a half, especially when wireless setup feels complicated and internet access is limited. You’ve already shown patience, and it’s good that you’re looking for a straightforward way to connect and print. Let’s go step by step to make this simple and practical.

 

Step 1: Check Printer Ports

Most HP printers include a USB Type‑B port (square‑shaped) at the back. This allows a direct wired connection to a laptop.

• You will need a USB Type‑B to USB Type‑A cable (often called a “USB printer cable”).
• If your newer laptop only has USB‑C ports, you can use a USB‑C to USB‑A adapter with the same cable.

 

Step 2: Connect Printer to Laptop

1. Plug the square end of the cable into the printer’s USB port.
2. Plug the flat end into your laptop’s USB port (or adapter if needed).
3. Power on the printer.

 

Step 3: Install Drivers

1. Go to HP Printer Software and Drivers.
2. Enter your printer model in the search box.
3. Select Windows 11 (or your laptop’s operating system).
4. Download and install the Full Feature Software and Drivers package.
5. Follow the on‑screen instructions to complete installation.

 

Step 4: Add Printer in Windows

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Select Add device.
4. Your printer should appear automatically via the USB connection.
5. Click Add device to finish setup.

 

Step 5: Test Printing

1. Open any document.
2. Select File > Print.
3. Choose your printer from the list.
4. Print a test page to confirm everything is working.

 

Step 6: Use HP App for Maintenance

Even without wireless, you can still use the HP App for ink monitoring and troubleshooting.
 

By following these steps, you’ll be able to print directly with a cable connection, avoiding the need for wireless setup. This approach is reliable and well‑suited for limited internet environments.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye