Adding an HP printer to your laptop is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
### **Method 1: Connect via USB Cable (Wired)**
1. **Turn on the Printer**
– Plug in the printer and turn it on.
– Connect the printer to your laptop using a **USB cable**.
2. **Install the Printer Driver**
– Windows should automatically detect the printer and install basic drivers.
– If not, download the latest driver from [HP Support](https://support.hp.com) (enter your printer model).
– Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. **Set as Default (Optional)**
– Go to **Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners**.
– Select your HP printer and click **”Manage” > “Set as default”**.
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### **Method 2: Connect via Wi-Fi (Wireless)**
#### **Option A: Using HP Smart App (Recommended)**
1. **Download HP Smart**
– Install the **HP Smart** app from [Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com) or [HP’s website](https://www.hp.com/smart).
2. **Set Up the Printer**
– Open the app and sign in (or create an HP account).
– Click **”Add Printer”** and follow the prompts.
– The app will guide you through Wi-Fi setup (select your network and enter the password).
3. **Complete Installation**
– Once connected, the printer will appear in your laptop’s **Devices** list.
#### **Option B: Using WPS (If Supported)**
1. **Enable WPS on Your Router**
– Press the **WPS button** on your router.
2. **Activate WPS on the Printer**
– Within 2 minutes, press and hold the **Wi-Fi/WPS button** on the printer until it connects.
3. **Install Drivers**
– Download drivers from [HP Support](https://support.hp.com) if needed.
#### **Option C: Manual Wi-Fi Setup**
1. **Connect Printer to Network**
– On the printer’s control panel, go to **Wireless Settings > Wi-Fi Setup Wizard**.
– Select your network and enter the password.
2. **Add Printer on Laptop**
– Go to **Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer**.
– Select your HP printer from the list.
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### **Method 3: Connect via Ethernet (Wired Network)**
1. **Connect Printer to Router**
– Plug an **Ethernet cable** from the printer to your router.
2. **Install Drivers**
– Download drivers from [HP Support](https://support.hp.com) and follow the setup.
3. **Add Printer on Laptop**
– Go to **Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer**.
– Select the network printer.
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### **Troubleshooting Tips**
– **Printer Not Detected?** Restart both the printer and laptop.
– **Driver Issues?** Uninstall and reinstall from HP’s official site.
– **Wi-Fi Problems?** Move the printer closer to the router.
Let me know if you need help with a specific model! 🖨️💻