Follow these steps for a clean reinstall of your HP printer software and drivers. This works for most HP printers on Windows (and is similar for Mac with minor differences). Use a computer connected to the internet.
Turn on the printer and make sure it is idle.
If the printer is connected via USB, disconnect the USB cable from the computer (and preferably from the printer). The installer will prompt you to reconnect it later.
For wireless printers, ensure the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network (or prepare to set it up during installation).
Close any open HP apps or printer-related programs.
A clean uninstall prevents conflicts with old or corrupted drivers.
Search for and open Add or remove programs (or Apps & features / Installed apps).
Find entries related to your HP printer (e.g., your printer model name, HP Smart, HP Printer Assistant, or HP software packages).
Select each one and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Also check for and uninstall any leftover HP entries.
(Optional but recommended for stubborn issues)
Press `Windows + R`, type `control printers`, and press Enter. Right-click your printer and select Remove device.
Press `Windows + R`, type `printui /s /t2`, and press Enter. In the Drivers tab, remove any related HP drivers (choose “Remove driver and driver package” if available).
Restart your computer.
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer, then delete related HP apps from the Applications folder if present. Restart the Mac.
Open a web browser and go to 123.hp.com/setup.
Enter your exact printer model number (found on the front, top, or label of the printer) if prompted, or let the site detect it.
Click Download (this usually downloads HP Easy Start or the recommended software package).
Locate the downloaded file (typically in your Downloads folder) and run it.
On Windows, click Run or Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
Prefer running as administrator if available.
Follow the on-screen instructions in HP Easy Start or the installer:
Accept the license agreement.
Select your connection type (Wireless, USB, or Ethernet).
When prompted, choose Full Software and Drivers (recommended for complete features including scanning, if available). Avoid basic drivers unless you only need printing.
Connect the USB cable only when the installer specifically asks you to.
Complete the network setup if using Wi-Fi (the tool will guide you).
Wait for the installation to finish. Do not interrupt the process.
Restart your computer and turn the printer off and on again if prompted.
Open Printers & scanners (Windows) or Printers & Scanners (Mac) and confirm your HP printer appears.
Set it as the default printer if desired.
Print a test page.
Open the HP Smart app (or HP app) if installed and check that the printer is listed and online.
Test scanning (if your printer supports it) and other features.
Always use the official 123.hp.com site or HP Support downloads page for the most compatible and up-to-date drivers.
Temporarily disable antivirus software if the installer is blocked.
Make sure Windows (or macOS) is up to date before installing.
If the printer still does not work, try removing it again from Printers & scanners and re-adding it, or run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool (available from HP Support).
For Windows built-in drivers only (basic printing), you can add the printer via Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device, but full software from 123.hp.com/setup is preferred for full functionality.
This process resolves most common driver issues such as printing failures after OS updates, corrupted drivers, or incomplete setups. If problems persist, note your exact printer model and operating system version and visit the HP Support site for model-specific help.