# 1-866-203-7571 How to update HP printer drivers on Windows 10

Updating your HP printer drivers is essential for keeping your printer working efficiently, preventing errors, and ensuring compatibility with your Windows 10 system. Printer drivers are like the translators between your computer and your printer—they tell the printer exactly how to execute the print commands your computer sends.

If your printer driver is outdated, missing, or corrupted, you might face problems such as:

* Printer not responding
* Slow printing speed
* Print jobs stuck in the queue
* Error messages like “Driver is unavailable” or “Printer not found”
* Poor print quality despite having enough ink or toner

In this **comprehensive guide**, you will learn **how to update HP printer drivers on Windows 10** step-by-step. Whether you prefer **automatic updates** using Windows tools, downloading drivers directly from HP’s website, or installing them manually, this guide has you covered.

For quick help, you can always **call HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** (toll-free for USA) for expert troubleshooting and driver installation assistance.

## **Why Updating HP Printer Drivers Is Important**

Before diving into the update methods, it’s crucial to understand why keeping your printer driver up to date matters.

1. **Improved Compatibility**
New driver versions are designed to work with the latest Windows 10 updates, ensuring smooth communication between the OS and the printer.

2. **Bug Fixes**
Driver updates often fix known printing errors, crashes, or software glitches.

3. **Enhanced Performance**
Updated drivers can make your printer respond faster and handle complex print jobs more efficiently.

4. **New Features**
HP sometimes introduces new printing modes, better ink management, or wireless printing improvements through driver updates.

5. **Security Updates**
Outdated drivers can have vulnerabilities. Updated drivers help protect your device from possible security threats.

## **Signs That Your HP Printer Driver Needs an Update**

Here are some clear indicators that your driver might be outdated:

* Your printer is working slowly or inconsistently.
* Windows 10 shows a “Driver is unavailable” message.
* The printer worked fine before a Windows update but now gives errors.
* You recently upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.
* Certain features (like duplex printing or color management) are missing.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, updating your driver is likely the solution.

## **Method 1: Update HP Printer Drivers Using Windows 10 Device Manager**

**Device Manager** is a built-in Windows tool that lets you manage and update hardware drivers.

**Steps:**

1. **Open Device Manager**

* Press **Windows Key + X** and select **Device Manager**.

2. **Find Your Printer**

* Expand the category **Printers** or **Print queues**.
* Locate your HP printer model in the list.

3. **Update the Driver**

* Right-click your HP printer and select **Update driver**.

4. **Choose Update Option**

* Select **Search automatically for updated driver software**.
* Windows will search online and install the latest driver if available.

5. **Restart Your Computer**

* Once the update finishes, restart your PC to ensure changes take effect.

**Note:** While Device Manager is convenient, it may not always find the very latest HP drivers. If you want the newest release, try **Method 2** below.

## **Method 2: Download and Install Drivers from HP’s Official Website**

HP’s support site always has the most recent drivers for your specific printer model.

**Steps:**

1. **Visit HP’s Official Website**

* Open your browser and go to:
[https://support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com)

2. **Enter Your Printer Model**

* Type your exact printer model (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro M404n) into the search bar and click **Submit**.

3. **Select Your Operating System**

* Ensure that “Windows 10” is selected. If not, choose it manually.

4. **Download the Driver**

* Under the **Driver-Product Installation Software** section, click **Download**.

5. **Install the Driver**

* Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.

6. **Restart Your System**

* Restart your PC for the installation to fully apply.

## **Method 3: Use HP Smart App for Driver Updates**

**HP Smart** is HP’s all-in-one application that helps you set up, manage, and update your printer.

**Steps:**

1. **Download HP Smart**

* Go to the Microsoft Store and search for **HP Smart**.
* Click **Get** to install the app.

2. **Add Your Printer**

* Open HP Smart and click **Add Printer**.
* Select your HP printer from the list.

3. **Update the Driver**

* HP Smart will automatically check for updates and prompt you if one is available.

## **Method 4: Install Drivers Manually Using a Downloaded File**

Sometimes, you may want to manually install a driver that you’ve already downloaded.

**Steps:**

1. **Download the Driver File**

* Follow **Method 2** to download the driver from HP’s website.

2. **Open Device Manager**

* Press **Windows Key + X** → **Device Manager**.

3. **Locate the Printer**

* Expand **Printers** or **Print queues**.

4. **Update Driver Manually**

* Right-click your printer → **Update driver** → **Browse my computer for driver software**.

5. **Select Driver Location**

* Choose the folder where the driver file is saved and click **Next**.

6. **Finish Installation**

* Follow the prompts, then restart your computer.

## **Method 5: Windows Update for Printer Drivers**

Windows Update can sometimes install the correct HP printer driver automatically.

**Steps:**

1. **Open Settings**

* Press **Windows Key + I** to open Settings.

2. **Go to Update & Security**

* Click **Windows Update**.

3. **Check for Updates**

* Click **Check for updates**.
* If Windows detects a printer driver update, it will install it.

## **Troubleshooting Driver Update Problems**

Even after updating, you might face issues. Here’s how to fix them:

* **Driver Conflicts**

* Uninstall the old driver before installing a new one.

* Go to **Control Panel** → **Programs and Features** → Uninstall HP printer software.

* **Printer Not Detected**

* Check USB cable or Wi-Fi connection.
* Restart both the printer and the PC.

* **Corrupted Driver Files**

* Delete the driver from Device Manager and reinstall from HP’s website.

## **HP Printer Driver Update FAQs**

**1. Can I use my HP printer without updating the driver?**
Yes, but performance may suffer, and you might miss out on new features.

**2. How often should I update my driver?**
Check for updates every 2–3 months or after major Windows updates.

**3. Is HP Smart the same as a driver?**
No. HP Smart is an app that manages your printer; the driver is separate software that enables communication with your PC.

**4. Does Windows 10 update HP printer drivers automatically?**
Sometimes, but it may not always install the latest version.

## **Get Professional Help – Call 1-866-203-7571 (USA Toll-Free)**

If you’re still having trouble updating your HP printer driver on Windows 10, don’t worry. HP printer experts are available to help you:

* Identify your exact printer model
* Download and install the correct driver
* Fix any errors caused by outdated or corrupt drivers
* Set up wireless printing and scanning

📞 **Call HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for step-by-step assistance.

## **Conclusion**

Updating your HP printer drivers on Windows 10 ensures smooth printing, better performance, and fewer errors. You can do it via **Device Manager**, **HP’s official website**, **HP Smart app**, or **Windows Update**. If you face issues, uninstall the old driver and reinstall the latest version.

Keeping your drivers up to date is just as important as maintaining your printer hardware. Regular updates help prevent frustrating printing errors and allow you to take advantage of the latest HP printing features.

For **fast, expert support**, call **1-866-203-7571** and get connected with a printer technician who can walk you through the process.