How to Install HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw Printer Driver?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw is a reliable, high-quality color laser printer designed for small offices and home users who need vibrant prints and wireless flexibility. It offers features like automatic duplex printing, wireless connectivity, and support for mobile printing. However, to take full advantage of these features, you must install the correct printer driver.

A printer driver is essential software that enables communication between your computer and the printer. Without it, your operating system won’t know how to interact with your printer correctly, and many features may not function. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of installing the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw printer driver on both Windows and macOS systems. We'll also cover setup tips, connection options, and troubleshooting.

Why You Need the Right Driver

The printer driver ensures your computer sends the right instructions to the printer. Installing the full-feature driver allows you to:

• Access advanced printer settings
  
  

• Use duplex printing and toner management features
  
  

• Enable mobile and wireless printing options
  
  

• Perform firmware updates and maintenance tasks
  
  

Using an outdated or generic driver might limit the printer’s capabilities and lead to errors or connectivity problems.

What You Need Before Installation

Before installing the driver, make sure you have the following ready:

• Your HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw printer turned on and properly set up
  
  

• A computer with Windows or macOS
  
  

• A stable internet connection to download the latest driver software
  
  

• Your Wi-Fi network credentials (if connecting wirelessly)
  
  

• A USB cable (if using USB installation)
  
  

Make sure the printer is loaded with paper and toner and that there are no error messages on the control panel.

Installing the Driver on Windows

Step 1: Download the Driver

Go to the official HP support site and search for your printer model. Choose your operating system version (e.g., Windows 10 or 11) and download the full-feature driver software. This package includes all tools needed for printing and maintenance.

Step 2: Start the Installation

Locate the downloaded file in your computer’s Downloads folder and double-click to begin installation. The HP installer will launch and guide you through the process.

Step 3: Accept Terms and Choose Installation Type

• Accept the license agreement.
  
  

• Choose “Typical” installation for most users. This option installs all necessary software components automatically.
  
  

Step 4: Select Connection Type

You’ll be prompted to select how you want to connect your printer:

• Wireless (Wi-Fi): Make sure your printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. The setup wizard will detect it.
  
  

• USB: Connect the USB cable to the printer and the computer only when prompted.
  
  

• Wired Ethernet: Connect the printer directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.
  
  

Step 5: Complete Setup

After the installer detects the printer, it will install drivers and configure the printer. You may be asked to print a test page. Once completed, your printer will be ready to use.

Installing the Driver on macOS

Step 1: Connect Your Printer

Ensure your printer is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or plugged in via USB.

Step 2: Add Printer in System Preferences

• Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
  
  

• Click the Add (+) button
  
  

• Your printer should appear in the list of available devices
  
  

If the printer is detected, macOS may install the required driver automatically. If not, you can manually download the driver from the HP website.

Step 3: Manual Driver Installation (if needed)

Download the appropriate macOS driver for the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw. Follow the instructions in the downloaded installer. After installation, return to Printers & Scanners and add your printer again if needed.

Wireless Setup Using Printer Control Panel

If you're setting up the printer wirelessly:

1. On the printer's touchscreen, go to Network Settings.
   
   

2. Choose Wireless Setup Wizard.
   
   

3. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
   
   

4. Once connected, proceed with the driver installation on your computer.
   
   

Ensure both printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for successful installation.

Mobile Printing and HP Smart App

Once the driver is installed, you can use mobile printing features like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print (on supported devices), and the HP Smart App. The HP Smart App can help with:

• Remote printing
  
  

• Scanning directly from your phone
  
  

• Monitoring toner levels
  
  

• Receiving firmware updates
  
  

Although optional, installing the HP Smart App can enhance your printing experience, especially if you use mobile devices frequently.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you face any issues during installation:

• Printer Not Detected: Check that the printer is turned on and properly connected. Restart both the printer and computer.
  
  

• Driver Installation Fails: Close other programs and retry. Run the installer as an administrator.
  
  

• Printer Offline: Ensure the printer is connected to the correct network. Reboot router and printer.
  
  

• Missing Features: Reinstall using the full-feature driver package rather than the basic one.
  
  

Driver Maintenance and Updates

Regularly check for updates to ensure your printer continues working optimally. New driver versions can improve performance, fix bugs, and support new operating system updates.

You can manually check for updates by revisiting the driver page for your printer or enable automatic updates during installation.

Conclusion

Installing the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw printer driver is a straightforward process that ensures your printer delivers high-quality results while offering its full range of features. Whether you use Windows or macOS, following the proper installation steps allows for easy setup and reliable operation. Choose the correct connection method (USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet) based on your needs, and always install the full-feature driver for the best experience. With proper driver installation and regular updates, your HP printer will provide dependable, professional-quality prints for years to come.