To install an HP printer on Windows 11, connect it by USB or to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC, then open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. Windows usually finds the printer and installs a driver automatically. For scanning, ink levels and Wi-Fi setup, install HP’s HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store, or download the full driver from HP’s official support site.
Quick Answer
Connect the printer (USB or Wi-Fi) > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device > select the printer > Add device.
Method 1: Windows Settings
- Turn on the printer and connect it by USB, or connect it to your Wi-Fi using its control panel.
- On the PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device and wait for the printer to appear.
- Click Add device next to it. Windows installs the driver.
- Print a test page: click the printer > Printer properties > Print Test Page.
Method 2: HP Smart App
- Install HP Smart from the Microsoft Store.
- Open it and choose Add Printer (or the + icon).
- Follow the prompts to connect a new printer to Wi-Fi or add one already on the network.
Method 3: Full Driver From HP
Download the driver for your exact model from HP’s official support website, run it and follow the setup. Use this when you need all features, such as scanning to a folder, and Windows’ basic driver doesn’t provide them.
Connection Types
| Connection | Setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USB | Plug in; Windows adds it | Simplest |
| Wi-Fi | Join the printer to Wi-Fi, then Add device | PC and printer must be on the same network |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Connect to the printer’s own network | No router needed |
| Ethernet | Cable to the router, then Add device | Reliable in offices |
Troubleshooting
- Printer not found: Restart the printer and router, check both are on the same network (not a guest network), then click Add manually and enter its IP address.
- Driver problems: See installing a printer driver in Windows 11.
- Other brands: See adding any printer in Windows 11.
- Too many printers listed: See renaming a printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need HP Smart?
Not to print. It adds scanning, ink levels and setup help.
Can I use an old HP printer?
Often yes, with Windows’ built-in driver. Some very old models may not have Windows 11 drivers.
Is HP+ required?
Only for printers set up with HP+; most printers work without it.
Summary
- Connect the printer by USB or Wi-Fi.
- Open Printers & scanners and click Add device.
- Install HP Smart for extra features.
- Download HP’s full driver if needed.
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.