
When it comes to connecting a printer to a laptop, HP stands out for its convenience and user-friendly interface. However, connecting an HP printer to a laptop is a simple and easy task.
In this article, we will walk you through three easy methods that will let you know how to connect HP printer to laptop correctly. Let’s get straight to them!
1. Connecting HP Printer To Laptop Through A Wired USB Cable
Generally, HP printers come with a USB cable that’s compatible with your laptop. With this cable, you establish a direct and steady link between your printer and laptop.
Here’s how you can connect HP laptop to printer:
- The first step is to use this cable to hook up your laptop and printer. Windows will notify you about the new device detection and initiate a driver download.
- If a notification pops up, simply follow the on-screen prompts.
- If not, open the ‘Devices’ under Windows settings and click on the ‘Printers & scanners’ tab.
- Then, select ‘Add a printer or scanner.’
- When you see your printer’s name, just click on it and follow the guidance on the screen. With these steps, your HP printer will be prepared to sync with your laptop.
2. Connecting HP Printer To Laptop Through A Wireless Network

To connect via a wireless network, your printer and laptop need to be on the same Wi-Fi. Here’s the step-by-step process for how to connect HP printer to laptop:
- Explore the Wireless Settings or Network options on your printer’s control panel.
- Here, you’ll need to pick the option called ‘Wireless Setup Wizard.’
- Find your Wi-Fi network, input the password, and your printer will link to the network.
- On your laptop, ensure it connects to the same Wi-Fi network, and under Windows settings, click on ‘Devices.’
- Next, jump to the ‘Printers & scanners’ option and press on ‘Add a printer or scanner.’
- Once your printer’s name appears, click on it, and the rest of the configuration is automated.
3. Connecting HP Printer Without The Internet Using Handheld Devices

When you do not have internet access and want to print from mobile devices, HP printers come into play as they feature Wi-Fi Direct and HP Wireless Direct. These connections allow your printer and devices to connect directly, bypassing the need for a router. Here’s how:
- On your printer’s control panel, look for the Wi-Fi Direct option, turn it ON, or simply tap the HP Wireless Direct icon to activate the connection.
- Don’t forget to get the security password displayed on the control panel.
- To connect, treat Wi-Fi Direct or Wireless Direct like any other wireless network you would join.
- Enter the provided password and select ‘Join.’
- Now, you can print files from your mobile devices directly to the printer.
How To Get A More Secure Connection
- Always keep your printer driver up-to-date for smooth functioning.
- Use automatic driver updates for convenience and error-free installation.
- Ensure the correct Wi-Fi network and password while setting up wireless connections.
- Maintain a distance between your printer and Wi-Fi router for optimal wireless performance.
- If the printer driver is not working correctly, reinstalling it could be the right idea.
Conclusion
So, setting up your HP printer with your laptop doesn’t have to be a challenging task at all. Whether through a wired USB connection, a wireless network, or without internet via handheld devices, you have the tools to get your HP printer up and running smoothly. Don’t forget to keep your printer drivers updated and check the connections regularly. With this easy-to-follow guide, you can easily get through the process – “how to connect HP printer to laptop”.
FAQs
All you need to do is try using the “Add Printers & Scanners” under your device settings. If the printer still doesn’t appear, use the troubleshooter to locate linked printers.
You can try a direct USB cable connection or enable automatic device installations in your settings.
If your printer is not printing over a network, ensure that your printer is connected and linked to the correct Wi-Fi network.
Check the printer for paper, ink, and clear any stuck print jobs. If these aren’t issues, check the printer’s drivers.
It’s a feature that lets your printer act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. It’s useful when there’s no internet available.
In this case, download drivers from the HP support website and install them. If problems persist, contact HP support.
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