Independent brand guide

HP Printers: An Independent Owner’s Guide

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HP makes a wide range of home and office printers, from compact inkjets to workgroup laser printers. This page explains the main product families, the official software you are likely to come across, and where to find genuine drivers and manuals, so you can use our general guides with your HP printer more confidently.

The Printing Max is an independent educational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or authorised by HP, and we do not provide HP support. HP and its product names are trademarks of their respective owner and are used here only to identify the products this page is about.

Types of HP printers

  • DeskJet and ENVY inkjets

    Home inkjet printers, many of them all-in-ones that also scan and copy. They use replaceable ink cartridges, and on many models the printhead is built into the cartridge.

  • OfficeJet inkjets

    Inkjet all-in-ones aimed at home offices and small businesses. Many models add features such as an automatic document feeder or fax.

  • Smart Tank

    Inkjet printers with refillable ink tanks that you top up from bottles rather than replacing cartridges.

  • LaserJet

    Laser printers and multifunction printers that use toner cartridges. They range from small single-user models to larger office machines.

Official apps and utilities

  • HP Smart app

    HP’s companion app for setting up, printing, scanning and checking the status of many HP printers. It is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android from official app stores.

  • HP Print and Scan Doctor

    A free Windows troubleshooting utility from HP for diagnosing common printing, scanning and connection problems.

  • Embedded web server

    Many networked HP printers have a built-in settings page you can open by typing the printer’s IP address into a web browser on the same network.

  • A note on software

    App and utility availability and names change over time, and not every printer supports every tool. Check HP’s official website for what applies to your model.

Official HP support, drivers and manuals

For drivers, firmware, manuals, warranty questions and hardware faults, go to the manufacturer directly: HP Customer Support . HP’s official support site. Enter your model or serial number to find drivers, manuals and firmware.

The Printing Max has no connection with HP and cannot access your device, account or warranty.

Tips for HP owners

  • Find your exact model. The full model name and number are usually on a label on the front, top or back of the printer, or on the box. Similar-sounding models can need different drivers and cartridges.

  • Download only from official sources. Get drivers and software from HP’s official website or your device’s official app store. Avoid third-party “driver download” sites.

  • Maintenance tools. On many HP models, printhead cleaning and alignment are found in the printer’s control panel (often under a Tools, Printer Maintenance or similar menu) or in the HP Smart app.

  • Firmware updates. HP printers may receive firmware updates through the printer itself, HP Smart or HP’s support site. Read what an update changes before installing it, and do not turn the printer off while it updates.

Guides that apply to HP printers

Frequently asked questions

Is The Printing Max part of HP?

No. The Printing Max is an independent educational website. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by HP and cannot access your HP account, warranty or devices.

Where should I download HP printer drivers?

From HP’s official support website or, for the HP Smart app, from your device’s official app store. Many printers also work with the drivers built into Windows and macOS.

Do I have to use the HP Smart app?

It depends on the model and what you want to do. Many HP printers can print using the operating system’s built-in printing, but some setup and maintenance features are provided through HP’s app. Check your printer’s manual.