The HP LaserJet 1320 is an older monochrome laser printer, but it still works well with Windows 10. HP doesn’t offer a full software package for it on Windows 10; instead, Windows includes a compatible driver you can install through the Add Printer wizard. This guide covers USB and network connections, choosing the right driver, and fixing common problems.
Quick Answer
Connect the printer and turn it on. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner. If it isn’t found, click The printer that I want isn’t listed, choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, select the port, click Windows Update to refresh the list, and choose HP > HP LaserJet 1320 (PCL 5 or PCL 6).
Step 1: Connect the Printer
- USB: connect a USB-B to USB-A cable (the square printer end). Most modern PCs don’t have a parallel (LPT) port, so use USB.
- Network (1320n and 1320tn models): connect the printer to your router with an Ethernet cable. Print a configuration page (hold the Go button for about 5 seconds) to find its IP address.
Step 2: Let Windows Try Automatically
- Turn on the printer.
- Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add a printer or scanner. If the printer appears, select it and click Add device.
Windows often installs the driver automatically for USB connections.
Step 3: Add It Manually (If Not Found)
- Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
- For USB, choose Use an existing port and select the USB001 (Virtual printer port for USB) port. For network, choose Create a new port > Standard TCP/IP Port and enter the printer’s IP address.
- On the driver screen, click Windows Update and wait a few minutes while the list refreshes.
- Select HP on the left and HP LaserJet 1320 PCL 5 (or PCL 6) on the right. Click Next.
- Name the printer, choose whether to share it, and click Print a test page.
Which Driver: PCL 5 or PCL 6?
Both work. PCL 5 is the most compatible and reliable for older printers; PCL 6 can be faster with complex documents. If one prints garbled pages, try the other. HP’s Universal Print Driver is another option for some older LaserJet models.
Troubleshooting
- Printer not detected over USB: try another cable and port, avoid USB hubs, and restart the printer and PC.
- Garbled or random characters: switch between the PCL 5 and PCL 6 drivers.
- Jobs stuck in the queue: restart the Print Spooler service in services.msc, then clear the queue.
- Printer offline (network): make sure the printer’s IP address hasn’t changed; set a reserved IP in your router.
- Double-sided printing: the 1320 supports automatic duplex. In the printer’s Printer properties > Device Settings, make sure the duplex unit is set to Installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an HP download for Windows 10?
HP’s support site points Windows 10 users to the driver built into Windows (via Windows Update) for this model. Check HP’s page for any current options.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Generally yes, using the same Add Printer steps, though very old printers may lose driver support in future updates.
Can I scan with the LaserJet 1320?
No. It’s a print-only model.
Summary
- Connect by USB or Ethernet and turn the printer on.
- Try Add a printer or scanner in Settings.
- If not found, add it manually and choose Windows Update for the driver list.
- Select HP LaserJet 1320 PCL 5 (or PCL 6) and print a test page.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.