How to Connect HP ENVY Printer to Laptop via USB or Wi-Fi? (Easy Steps)

Connecting an HP ENVY Printer may seem tricky at first, but it is actually quite simple. You can connect your printer using either a USB cable or Wi-Fi, and both wired/wireless methods are easy to follow with the right steps. As an IT expert, I frequently help people resolve printer connectivity problems and guide them through the setup process. Here, I am going to share easy-to-follow instructions to help you connect your HP ENVY printer to a laptop quickly and ensure it is ready for printing without any issues.

Things to Check Before You Start

There are certain things you need to check before connecting the HP printer to the laptop. This is the checklist for connecting a printer to a laptop:

• Update your laptop (Windows or Mac).

• Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable.

• Check the USB cable for damage and use HP’s original cable.

Method 1: Connect Using a USB Cable

A USB connection is the primary method How to Connect an HP Printer to a laptop. As it’s a wired connection, there are no chances of network interruptions, unlike wireless connections. Follow these steps to connect a printer to a laptop via USB.

• Place the printer on a flat surface near a power switch.

• Connect the USB cable from the printer to the laptop.

• Turn on the printer, and the laptop will automatically install the drivers.

Note: In some cases, you may need to install the printer drivers manually via HP’s official website.

Method 2: Connect With a Wi-Fi Network

While connecting an HP printer to Wi-Fi, follow a few steps. It involves connecting the printer to a wireless network and adding it to the laptop. Here is how to do it.

Step 1: Connect HP ENVY to Wi-Fi

An HP ENVY printer should be connected to a Wi-Fi network to connect it to a laptop. Here are the steps to connect the printer to Wi-Fi:

• Turn on the printer from the main power switch, and press and hold the power button.

• Then, press the Wi-Fi button on the right side of the printer to turn the Wi-Fi on.

• Press the wireless button for 3 seconds. The printer flashes a purple light, showing it’s ready to connect.

Finally, the HP ENVY printer is ready to connect to a computer or mobile device. However, to connect it to a laptop, you need to install the HP Smart App.

Step 2: Connect Printer to Laptop via HP Smart App

An HP printer needs the HP Smart App to connect it to a laptop, which you can download via HP’s official website. Here are the steps involved:

1. Click the Start menu on the laptop’s screen, and search for Microsoft Store.

2. Then, open the Microsoft Store and search for the HP Smart App.

3. Select the HP Smart App from the list, and click the option to install it.

4. After that, click the (+) sign on the app to add the printer.

5. When the printer appears on the list, select it and let it connect. (Note: Provide the password for Wi-Fi when the screen asks.)

6. On the printer, press the wireless button. The Wi-Fi icon will flash solid blue, indicating a successful connection.

Finally, the 'HP ENVY Printer' is connected to Wi-Fi and ready to print.

Final Words

Connecting an HP ENVY printer to a laptop is simple. To connect the printer to Wi-Fi, press the wireless button. Then, install the HP Smart app on the laptop via HP’s official website. After that, you can add the printer to the app and complete the connection. Or, you can install the printer drivers directly from HP’s official website instead of using the HP Smart app.

    Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How to Add HP Printer to Laptop Without HP Smart App?

Use the following steps to add the printer without the app:

1. Click the Start menu on your PC and search for "Settings."

2. Select Bluetooth & Devices under Settings and select Printers & Scanners.

3. Click the Add Device option and then select your printer from the list.

Question

Which Connection is Better, USB or Wi-Fi?

Both USB and Wi-Fi connections are best for connecting an HP ENVY printer to a laptop. A USB connection is a wired method that helps in a hassle-free connection to a laptop. On the other hand, a Wi-Fi connection is a wireless connection method that provides a seamless printing experience. However, a USB connection doesn’t get interrupted, unlike a network connection. 

Question

Can I Connect HP ENVY Printer to a Laptop Without HP Smart App?

Yes, you can easily connect your printer to a laptop without an HP Smart app using the built-in printer drivers. You can install these drivers from HP’s official website at support.hp.com. Then, the printer can be added to the laptop through settings. 

Source: How to Connect HP ENVY Printer to Wi-Fi