To connect an **HP printer to an HP laptop**, you can use either a **wired USB connection** or a **wireless network connection**.
**Wired USB connection steps:**
1. Connect your printer and laptop with a USB cable (usually provided with the printer).
2. Windows should detect the printer and automatically download and install the necessary drivers.
3. If no notification appears, go to **Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners**, click **Add a printer or scanner**, select your printer from the list, and follow on-screen instructions[1][5].
**Wireless network connection steps:**
1. Ensure both printer and laptop are connected to the *same Wi-Fi network*.
2. On the printer, enable its Wi-Fi or Wireless Direct mode (sometimes by pressing a Wi-Fi button or through its control panel).
3. On the laptop, download and install the **HP Smart app** from the Microsoft Store.
4. Open HP Smart, click **Add Printer**, then select your printer from the list.
5. Follow the prompts within the app to complete wireless setup and driver installation[1][2][3][5].
For detailed guidance, the HP Smart app provides an easy and user-friendly way to set up either connection method.
If you encounter issues, ensure your printer is in pairing mode (e.g., hold down the Wi-Fi button on the printer until lights indicate ready) and that your laptop’s Wi-Fi is active[4]. You may also visit the HP support website for the latest drivers.
In brief, USB is fastest for simple plug-and-play, while Wi-Fi enables more flexible wireless printing once configured properly with HP Smart or Windows settings.