How do you install an HP laser printer?
Before you get started
The setup takes about 30 minutes. What do you need?
- An HP laser printer
- A stack of A4 paper
- A computer or laptop
- Optionally a USB-B cable
Note: we use the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdw for this article. The installation process for other HP laser printers is nearly identical. If you do encounter differences during the setup, check the manual of your printer.
Prepare the printer
Step 1. Unpack the printer and remove all stickers and orange adhesive tape. Step 2. Open the paper tray. In the case of the M477fdw, it's located at the front of the printer, at the bottom, and the tray has a 2 on it. Load the tray with paper and carefully push in the holders on the sides until they clamp the paper. Close the tray. Step 3. Plug in the power cable at the back of the printer. You don't have to install toner cartridges with an HP laser printer, as they're pre-installed by default.
Step 1: select language and country
If you switch on the printer, it automatically starts to initialize. Select the language you want to use and the country the printer is located in. Choose self-managed if you want the standard settings or IT managed if an IT expert is going to adjust the settings. For general use, we recommend self-management.
The printer is switched on on, but it's not yet connected to a computer. We'll explain how to connect the printer in the following steps. First, choose how you want to connect the printer. Do you prefer to connect the printer:
- wirelessly via WiFi? Read step 2.1.
- via a network cable? Read step 2.2.
- via a USB cable? Read step 2.3
Step 2: choose a connection method
Step 2.1: Connect to WiFi
Tap the network symbol. On the M477fdw, it's located in the top right corner of the screen. Tap the WiFi icon and go to the settings. Go to the wireless settings wizard and choose the WiFi network you want to connect to. Enter a password if necessary and your printer is now connected.
Want to test if it worked? Go back to the WiFi menu. It'll indicate WiFi on. You can also recognize a successful connection by the IP address and connection bars at the top of the screen. Go on to step 3.
Step 2.2: connect via a network cable
Do you want a stable connection and you don't mind running a cable from your printer to your router? Connect the printer with a network cable. Once you've connected the printer via a cable, you can use it wirelessly.
Make sure you have an Ethernet cable. Plug one end into the printer and the other end into your router. Click on the network symbol in the control panel of your printer. Does it show your IP address? Your printer is connected. Don't see it? Wait a bit longer or enter your IP address manually. Go on to step 3.
Step 2.3: connect via a USB cable
If you prefer to connect the printer directly to your PC or laptop without using the internet, use a USB cable. It's very easy. Plug the standard, flat USB connector (USB-A) into your laptop or PC and plug the square USB connector (USB-B) into your printer.
Do you have a Windows device? Download the software, as explained in step 3, before connecting the USB cable. Do you have an Apple device? Do it the other way around: connect the USB cable first and go to step 3.
Step 3: download the required software
Your printer is now connected. It's time to install the right software on your PC or laptop. Go to 123.hp.com, enter the type number of your printer, and click next. On the following page, you can download the HP Smart app. Download and install the software and go through the steps of the installation process.
Step 4: select the paper tray
For printers with multiple paper trays, it's important you select the right tray.
- Go to Settings > Paper Settings on the control panel of the printer.
- Choose Tray 1 > Paper Size. Select the desired paper size. Repeat this for other trays if necessary.
On the computer
- Open the document you want to print.
- Type in the right key combination to open the print preferences. For Windows, it's Crtl + P. For macOS, it's Command + P.
- Choose the paper size that corresponds to the desired tray.
