# 1-866-203-7571 How to make a driver available for an HP printer?

Your HP printer is only as good as the driver that controls it. A printer driver acts as the translator between your computer’s operating system and your HP printer, ensuring that what you see on your screen is printed exactly as intended. Without the right driver, your printer may not function at all, or it may produce poor results.

Many HP printer owners encounter the frustrating issue of a “driver not available” error. This can happen for several reasons — outdated software, OS updates, corrupt files, or even incorrect installation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through **every possible way** to make a driver available for your HP printer, whether you are using **Windows**, **Mac**, or other operating systems. You’ll also find **step-by-step instructions**, **pro tips**, and **common mistake prevention tips**.

If at any point you find the process too technical or run into an unusual issue, you can call the **HP Printer Support Helpline (USA) at 1-866-203-7571** for real-time assistance.

## **Why is the HP Printer Driver Important?**

Before we jump into solutions, let’s clarify why the driver is critical:

* **Acts as a communication bridge** between your computer and printer.
* **Ensures compatibility** with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
* **Unlocks full printer functionality**, including scanning, duplex printing, and high-resolution output.
* **Improves performance** by optimizing print jobs.
* **Enables firmware updates** and troubleshooting tools.

## **Common Causes of “Driver Not Available” Errors**

1. **Operating System Update**

* After upgrading Windows (e.g., from Windows 10 to Windows 11) or macOS, old printer drivers may become incompatible.

2. **Corrupted Driver Files**

* Damaged system files or incomplete installations can make the driver unavailable.

3. **Incorrect Driver Installed**

* Installing a driver for a different HP printer model can cause conflicts.

4. **Missing HP Software Components**

* Certain printers require HP Smart or HP Easy Start software to install drivers automatically.

5. **USB or Network Issues**

* If your printer isn’t detected, the driver won’t be installed properly.

6. **Third-Party Security Software Blocking**

* Overprotective antivirus/firewall settings may stop driver downloads.

## **How to Check if Your HP Printer Driver is Available**

### **On Windows**

1. Press **Windows + R** to open the Run box.
2. Type **control printers** and hit Enter.
3. Find your HP printer in the list.
4. If it shows **Driver not available** or appears under **Unknown devices**, the driver needs to be installed or updated.

### **On macOS**

1. Click the **Apple menu** → **System Settings** → **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your HP printer.
3. If the printer shows “Driver not available” or is listed as **Generic**, you’ll need to install the HP driver.

## **Method 1: Use HP Smart or HP Easy Start (Automatic Installation)**

HP provides tools that automatically detect your printer and install the correct driver.

### **For Windows**

1. Go to the **Microsoft Store** and download **HP Smart**.
2. Open the app and sign in (or create an HP account).
3. Click **Add Printer**.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your printer via USB or Wi-Fi.
5. HP Smart will automatically download and install the correct driver.

### **For macOS**

1. Visit **support.hp.com**.
2. Download **HP Easy Start**.
3. Open the file and follow the guided setup.
4. Connect your printer.
5. Let the tool detect your printer and install the driver.

## **Method 2: Manually Download the HP Printer Driver from HP Support**

If automatic installation doesn’t work, you can manually download the driver.

### **Step-by-Step Guide**

1. Go to [HP Customer Support – Software and Driver Downloads](https://support.hp.com).
2. Enter your HP printer model (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro M404dn).
3. Select your **operating system**.
4. Download the **Full Feature Software and Driver** package.
5. Once downloaded, **right-click** the file and choose **Run as Administrator**.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.
7. Restart your computer.

## **Method 3: Install the Driver via Windows Update**

Windows can sometimes find and install the correct driver automatically.

1. Press **Windows + I** to open **Settings**.
2. Go to **Update & Security** → **Windows Update**.
3. Click **Check for updates**.
4. Look for **Optional updates** → **Driver updates**.
5. Select your HP printer driver and install it.
6. Restart your computer.

## **Method 4: Use Device Manager to Update the Driver**

1. Press **Windows + X** and select **Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers** or **Print queues**.
3. Right-click your HP printer → **Update driver**.
4. Choose **Search automatically for drivers**.
5. Let Windows find and install the correct driver.

## **Method 5: Use Built-in Mac Printer Driver**

macOS often has built-in drivers for many HP printers.

1. Remove your printer from **System Settings → Printers & Scanners**.
2. Click the **+** button to add a new printer.
3. Select your HP printer from the list.
4. macOS will automatically download and install the driver from Apple’s servers.

## **Method 6: Install HP Universal Print Driver (UPD)**

HP’s Universal Print Driver works with most HP printers and is useful in business environments.

1. Visit the [HP Universal Print Driver download page](https://support.hp.com).
2. Select the correct version (PCL6 or PostScript).
3. Download and install.
4. When adding your printer, select **Use the driver that came with this printer**.

## **Method 7: Fix Corrupt Driver Files**

If your driver is corrupted, uninstall it completely before reinstalling.

### **Windows**

1. Press **Windows + R**, type **appwiz.cpl**, and hit Enter.
2. Find your HP printer software and uninstall it.
3. Open **Device Manager** → right-click your printer → **Uninstall device**.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Reinstall the driver using Method 1 or 2.

### **Mac**

1. Go to **System Settings → Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your HP printer and click **–** to remove it.
3. Delete HP files from `/Library/Printers/hp`.
4. Reinstall using HP Easy Start.

## **Method 8: Resolve USB or Network Issues Before Driver Installation**

Sometimes the problem isn’t the driver but the connection.

* **For USB printers**: Use the original HP USB cable and connect directly to the PC (not through a hub).
* **For Wi-Fi printers**: Ensure the printer and PC are on the same network.
* Restart your router and printer.
* Run the **HP Print and Scan Doctor** tool (Windows).

## **Method 9: Disable Security Software Temporarily**

If antivirus software blocks the driver download:

1. Temporarily disable the antivirus.
2. Install the driver.
3. Re-enable the antivirus.

## **Method 10: Contact HP Printer Support**

If all else fails, professional help is available.

**HP Printer Helpline (USA)**:
📞 **1-866-203-7571**

When calling, have ready:

* Printer model number.
* Operating system version.
* Error messages you’ve seen.
* Type of connection (USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet).

## **Pro Tips for Avoiding Future Driver Issues**

* Keep your operating system updated.
* Download drivers only from the official HP website.
* Avoid third-party “driver updater” tools — they can install malware.
* Regularly check for HP firmware updates.
* Create a system restore point before major updates.

## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**

**Q1: Can I use my HP printer without installing a driver?**
A: Windows and macOS may install a basic driver automatically, but you’ll miss advanced features like duplex printing and high-resolution scanning.

**Q2: What’s the difference between a “Basic Driver” and “Full Feature Software”?**
A: Basic drivers only enable printing. Full Feature Software includes scanning tools, OCR, and HP utility programs.

**Q3: How often should I update my HP printer driver?**
A: At least twice a year, or immediately after a major OS update.

**Q4: Why does my driver disappear after a Windows update?**
A: Major updates sometimes remove incompatible drivers. Reinstall the latest version from HP’s website.

## **Conclusion**

Making a driver available for your HP printer doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use **HP Smart**, **manual downloads**, **Windows Update**, or **Mac built-in drivers**, there’s always a way to restore functionality.

If you follow the methods in this guide step-by-step, you’ll have your HP printer running smoothly again. But if technical terms or unexpected issues get in the way, you can **call HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for expert guidance.

Your printer is an essential tool — with the right driver, it will stay productive for years.