# 1-866-203-7571 I need to download HP drivers without using HP Smart

If you own an HP printer, you might have noticed that the HP Smart app is often the default method for downloading and installing drivers. While HP Smart offers convenience, it’s not always the best solution for every user. Some people prefer to **directly download and install HP drivers without using HP Smart**—either due to compatibility issues, privacy concerns, internet limitations, or simply because they want more control over the installation process.

In this guide, you will learn:

* Why you might want to avoid HP Smart for driver installation.
* How to find the right HP drivers for your printer model.
* Step-by-step instructions for downloading HP drivers from HP’s website and alternative sources.
* Manual installation methods for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
* Troubleshooting tips for driver installation problems.
* How to get **live expert help in the USA by calling 1-866-203-7571**.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to download and install HP printer drivers without relying on HP Smart.

## **1. Why Avoid HP Smart?**

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” The HP Smart app isn’t bad—many users find it useful—but there are some reasons you might want to avoid it:

### **1.1 Limited Offline Functionality**

HP Smart requires an internet connection for many functions, including driver downloads. If your internet is slow or unreliable, downloading directly from HP’s support page can be more efficient.

### **1.2 Privacy Concerns**

Some users are uncomfortable with the amount of data the HP Smart app collects, including printer usage statistics, connected network details, and more.

### **1.3 Bloatware and Unnecessary Features**

HP Smart includes scanning tools, supply ordering options, and cloud printing features you might never use. If you just want the driver and nothing else, manual installation is faster.

### **1.4 Compatibility Issues**

Older printers may not work well with HP Smart, especially if they are out of production. Direct driver downloads often include legacy drivers that the app does not.

### **1.5 Business & Enterprise Needs**

IT administrators often prefer direct driver installation to control network printer configurations without app interference.

## **2. Finding Your HP Printer Model**

Before downloading drivers, you must correctly identify your printer model. This is crucial because installing the wrong driver can cause printing errors or even damage your operating system.

### **2.1 Check the Printer’s Front Panel**

Most HP printers display the model name right on the front casing (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro M404n or HP DeskJet 2700 series).

### **2.2 Look on the Back or Bottom**

There’s usually a label with the **model number** and **serial number**. HP often uses prefixes like:

* DeskJet
* LaserJet
* OfficeJet
* ENVY
* DesignJet
* PageWide

### **2.3 Use the Printer’s Menu**

Some HP printers have a touchscreen that can print a configuration page, showing the exact model and firmware version.

## **3. Downloading HP Drivers Without HP Smart (Windows & macOS)**

Here’s the step-by-step process for downloading HP printer drivers directly from HP’s official support page without using HP Smart.

### **3.1 Step-by-Step: Download HP Drivers from the Official Website**

#### **Step 1: Go to HP’s Official Support Website**

* Open your preferred web browser.
* Type: [https://support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com) and press Enter.

#### **Step 2: Select “Printers”**

On the HP Support home page, choose “Printers” as your product category.

#### **Step 3: Enter Your Printer Model**

Type your printer model (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro M15w) in the search box and click **Submit**.

#### **Step 4: Choose Your Operating System**

The website should auto-detect your OS, but you can change it manually if needed (Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS Sonoma, Ventura, etc.).

#### **Step 5: Locate the “Driver-Product Installation Software” Section**

Look for options like:

* Full Feature Software and Drivers
* Basic Drivers
* Firmware
* Utility-Diagnostic Tools

#### **Step 6: Download the Driver**

Click **Download** next to the driver package you want.

* **Full Feature Software**: Includes drivers + extra utilities.
* **Basic Driver**: Only the essentials, no bloatware.

#### **Step 7: Install the Driver**

Once downloaded, open the file and follow the on-screen installation prompts.

### **3.2 Alternative: Microsoft Update Catalog (Windows Only)**

If HP’s website is not accessible, you can use Microsoft’s driver repository.

1. Visit [https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/).
2. Search for your printer model.
3. Download the `.cab` file containing the driver.
4. Manually install via Device Manager.

### **3.3 Installing on macOS Without HP Smart**

For macOS:

1. Download the driver from HP’s site.
2. Open the `.dmg` file.
3. Drag the driver package into Applications and run the installer.
4. Add the printer via **System Settings → Printers & Scanners**.

## **4. Manual Driver Installation via Device Manager (Windows)**

Sometimes Windows might install a generic driver, but you can replace it with HP’s official driver without HP Smart.

### **Steps:**

1. Press **Windows + X** → choose **Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers**.
3. Right-click your HP printer → choose **Update driver**.
4. Select **Browse my computer for drivers**.
5. Navigate to the folder where you downloaded HP’s driver files.
6. Complete installation.

## **5. Downloading HP Universal Print Driver (UPD)**

The HP Universal Print Driver is ideal if:

* You have multiple HP printers.
* You want one driver for many models.
* You want more control over installation.

### **5.1 How to Download UPD**

1. Go to HP’s UPD page: [https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers](https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers)
2. Search “HP Universal Print Driver.”
3. Download **PCL6** or **PostScript** versions depending on your needs.

## **6. Installing HP Drivers on Linux Without HP Smart**

For Linux systems, HP provides the **HPLIP** (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) driver.

### **Steps:**

1. Visit [https://developers.hp.com/hp-linux-imaging-and-printing](https://developers.hp.com/hp-linux-imaging-and-printing).
2. Download the correct package for your distro (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian).
3. Install using terminal commands:

   cd ~/Downloads
   sh hplip-x.x.x.run

4. Follow the on-screen prompts.

## **7. Troubleshooting Common Driver Installation Problems**

Even if you avoid HP Smart, driver installations can sometimes fail. Here’s how to handle common issues.

### **7.1 Driver Won’t Install**

* Check if you downloaded the correct OS version.
* Disable antivirus temporarily (it might block installer files).

### **7.2 Printer Not Detected**

* Connect via USB for first-time setup.
* Ensure printer firmware is updated.

### **7.3 Print Jobs Stuck**

* Restart the **Print Spooler** service in Windows.
* Remove and re-add the printer.

### **7.4 HP Website Not Loading**

* Use a VPN if you face regional restrictions.
* Try Microsoft Update Catalog.

## **8. Benefits of Installing Drivers Without HP Smart**

* **Faster Installation**: No extra apps or cloud setup.
* **More Control**: Choose exactly which features to install.
* **Better Privacy**: Less data sharing with HP.
* **Offline Capability**: You can install drivers even without internet (if downloaded beforehand).

## **9. When to Call Expert Support**

If the steps above feel too technical, or you encounter errors you can’t resolve, you can get live help.

**USA Toll-Free Support:**
📞 **1-866-203-7571**
Available for:

* Step-by-step driver installation assistance.
* Troubleshooting connectivity issues.
* Guidance on selecting the correct driver for your printer model.

## **Conclusion**

Downloading HP printer drivers without using HP Smart gives you **more control, faster setup, and better compatibility**—especially for older devices or business environments. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, HP’s official support page, the Universal Print Driver, or manual installation methods can help you get your printer running quickly.

If you want expert help **right now**, call the **HP Printer Driver Support line for USA users at 1-866-203-7571** and speak to a technician who can guide you through the process step-by-step.