How to Connect an HP Printer Using a USB Connection in Windows 10 or 11
This video shows the different ways you can connect your HP printer
to your Windows 10 or 11 computer using a USB connection.
Depending on your printer model, you can use the HP Smart app,
use HP Easy Start, or use the Windows built-in drivers to connect your printer to your computer.
First, verify that you have a USB printer cable, and that the computer and printer are both turned on.
Note: Some of the screens in this video might appear differently for you
depending on your specific device and printer.
If you have already connected the printer USB cable to your computer,
disconnect it, and then remove the printer from your computer.
To remove the printer from your computer,
search for and open Printers & scanners, and then select the name of your printer from the list.
Click Remove or Remove device, and then click Yes.
Restart your computer to finish removing the printer.
Open a browser, go to 123.hp.com, and type your printer model in the search box.
Then, press the Enter key.
Review the recommended setup option for your HP printer model and operating system.
One of the following options will display:
HP Smart installs the app so you can print, scan and copy files, print remotely, sign up for Instant Ink, and more.
HP Easy Start is an automated download and installation application for HP printers.
Once installed you can choose from either Full Software and Drivers or Basic Drivers.
Set up a USB connection with the HP Smart app.
From the results page on 123.hp.com, click Install HP Smart.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the HP Smart app on your computer.
After HP Smart is installed, open the app.
HP Smart discovery will only detect printers with a USB cable connected,
printers in "setup mode," or network connected printers.
Follow the guided installation to set up your printer with a USB connection.
If the setup doesn't begin automatically, or you get a "printer not found" message,
click the Plus sign to manually add your printer.
Set up a USB connection with HP Easy Start using Full Feature or Basic Drivers
From the results page on 123.hp.com, click Install HP Easy Start.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install HP Easy Start on your computer.
When the Welcome to HP Easy Start screen opens, click Continue.
Follow the additional prompts until you reach the "find printer" screen.
HP Easy Start will search for printers on your wireless network first.
If a Printer found screen displays, select My Printer is Not Shown, and then click Continue.
If a "Printer not found - let's try something else!" screen displays, click Continue.
When prompted, select the USB cable option, and then click Continue.
Connect the USB cable to your printer and to your computer.
Wait until the computer discovers the printer.
The Printer found screen displays. Click Continue.
Follow the prompts until you get to the Choose your software and driver screen.
From here you can select Full Software and Drivers or Basic Drivers.
Selecting Full Software and Drivers installs software for all features available on the printer, such as scan or fax.
Or Selecting Basic Drivers installs the drivers for printing only.
After making your selection, click Continue.
Wait while the software downloads.
Follow the remaining on-screen prompts to finish setting up your printer.
Set up a USB connection using the Windows built-in driver
Connect the USB cable to your printer and to your computer.
Windows automatically installs and adds your printer to provide basic printing functionality.
If a Found new hardware message displays, follow any prompts to install the driver.
Send a print job to confirm if the connection has been successful.
Click the Playlists tab in YouTube to find HP videos in other languages.
And search our channel to find official HP Support videos.