How to Find the Correct Driver for an HP Printer

By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)

Quick answer The correct driver for your HP printer is found on HP's official support website by entering your printer model number. You can download it directly from support.hp.com, then install it on your computer. If installation fails or your printer still doesn't work, an independent support specialist can help troubleshoot.

Finding the right driver for an HP printer can feel confusing when you don't know where to look. A printer driver is the software that lets your computer talk to your printer—without it, your printer won't print even if it's plugged in and turned on.

This guide shows you exactly how to find the correct driver for your HP printer on both Windows and Mac, and what to do if something goes wrong.

How to fix it — step by step

What Is a Printer Driver and Why You Need the Right One

A printer driver is a small software program that translates print jobs from your computer into instructions your printer understands. If you install the wrong driver—or the wrong version for your operating system—your printer won't respond to print commands, or it may print incorrectly.

HP makes many printer models, and each one needs a specific driver. Using the driver from a different HP model usually won't work. That's why finding the correct one matters.

Step 1: Find Your Exact Printer Model Number

Before you do anything, you need to know your exact printer model. This is usually printed on a label on the front, back, or bottom of the printer itself. It often looks like "HP OfficeJet Pro 8015" or "HP LaserJet M404n."

Write down the full model number. Don't guess or use a partial number—the correct driver for an HP printer depends on having the exact model.

Step 2: Go to HP's Official Support Website

Open a web browser and go to support.hp.com. This is HP's official support page and the only place you should download printer drivers.

Do not download drivers from third-party websites. These sites sometimes bundle malware or outdated software that can cause more problems than they solve.

Step 3: Search for Your Printer Model

On the HP support homepage, you'll see a search box. Type in your full printer model number and press Enter. HP will show you a page dedicated to your specific printer.

Click on the correct model from the search results to go to its support page.

Step 4: Find the Drivers Section

Once you're on your printer's support page, scroll down until you see a section labeled "Drivers," "Downloads," or "Software." Click on it.

HP will ask you to confirm your operating system. Select the correct one:

Windows: If you have Windows 11 or Windows 10, HP usually detects this automatically. If not, select it manually.
macOS: Select your macOS version (Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma). You can find your macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac."

Step 5: Download the Full Feature Driver

HP usually offers two types of drivers:

Full Feature Driver: This is the complete driver package. It includes printing, scanning, and all other printer functions. Download this one.
Basic Driver: This is a smaller version that only handles printing. Use it only if the full feature driver doesn't work on your computer.

Click the download button for the Full Feature Driver. The file will begin downloading to your computer.

Step 6: Install the Driver on Windows 11 or Windows 10

Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder. Look for a file with a name like "HP_OfficeJet_Pro_8015_Driver" and double-click it.

A setup wizard will open. Follow these steps:

Read and accept the license agreement.
Choose "Typical Installation" (the standard option) unless you have a specific reason to choose "Custom."
Click "Install" and let the process finish. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
When prompted, connect your HP printer to the computer using a USB cable, or make sure it's on the same Wi-Fi network.
Click "Finish." Windows may ask you to restart your computer.

After restart, your printer should appear in your computer's printer list and be ready to use.

Step 7: Install the Driver on macOS

Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the driver file. A macOS installer window will open.

Follow the prompts:

Read the installation information.
Click "Continue" and then "Agree" to accept the license.
Click "Install." You may be asked for your Mac password—enter it.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Click "Close" when done. You may need to restart your Mac.

After restart, your HP printer should appear in System Preferences under "Printers & Scanners."

What to Do If Installation Fails

Sometimes the driver won't install, or your printer still doesn't show up even after installation. Common reasons include:

Corrupt download: Delete the driver file and download it again from support.hp.com.
Outdated operating system: Make sure Windows or macOS is fully updated.
Printer connection issues: Restart both your printer and computer, then try installing again.
Wrong driver version: Double-check that you downloaded the driver for your exact model and operating system.

If you've tried these steps and your printer still isn't working, don't spend hours troubleshooting. An independent printer support specialist can diagnose and fix the problem remotely. Our team offers a flat $49 remote session, and if we can't help, it costs nothing. We're available 9 AM–9 PM EST.

Keep Your Driver Updated

HP releases driver updates occasionally to fix bugs and add features. Every few months, visit support.hp.com, search for your printer model, and check if a newer version is available. If there is, download and install it the same way you did the first time.

Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.

Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.

Book a $49 remote fix →

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get the driver for my HP printer?

Go to support.hp.com, enter your printer model number, and download the full feature driver from the Drivers section. Never download from third-party websites.

What if I don't know my printer model number?

Check the label on your printer's front, back, or bottom. It usually starts with "HP" followed by a series name and number, like "HP LaserJet Pro M404." If you can't find it, turn on the printer and print a configuration page (often done by pressing specific buttons—check your printer's manual).

Can I use the same driver on Windows and Mac?

No. Windows and macOS use different driver formats. You must download the driver for your specific operating system from support.hp.com.

What should I do if the driver won't install?

Restart your printer and computer, delete the driver file and download it again, and make sure Windows or macOS is fully updated. If it still fails, contact an independent support service—we offer a flat $49 remote session with no charge if we can't help.