To update the firmware on an HP LaserJet, go to hp.com/go/support, choose Software and Drivers > Printer, find your model, and download the file in the Firmware section. Run it on your computer, select your printer, and click Update. Many network-connected LaserJet Pro printers can also update themselves from the control panel.
HP releases firmware updates to fix known issues and add features, and it occasionally warns customers about critical security updates for specific LaserJet models. The exact steps depend on your printer family, so this guide covers HP’s main methods, based on HP’s articles on updating LaserJet Pro firmware, updating older LaserJet business printers and updating through the Embedded Web Server.
Before You Update
- Don’t interrupt it. HP warns not to power cycle the printer or restart the computer during a firmware update, because it can leave the printer unstable or unusable.
- Get the printer ready. Clear any error messages and make sure the printer is in a Ready state, not in sleep or power save mode.
- Allow enough time. HP says an update can take 10 to 30 minutes or more, depending on the computer, the connection and any pending print jobs.
- Note your settings. Some updates reset menu settings to new defaults, so write down anything you’ve changed. HP lists affected settings in each update’s Readme file.
- Check your current version. Print a configuration page or printer status page from the control panel’s Reports menu to see the installed firmware version.
Method 1: Update From the Printer Control Panel
On many network-connected HP LaserJet Pro printers, the printer can download and install updates itself. The printer must be connected to a wired or wireless network with internet access. On touchscreen models, HP’s steps go through the Setup menu to Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer, where you can tap Check for Printer Updates Now. On the same menu you can allow updates and choose Install Automatically (Recommended).
The menu names vary by control panel type, so check HP’s LaserJet Pro article for your exact panel.
Method 2: Use the HP Printer Update Utility
HP says this is the only option for printers connected by USB, and it also works for network printers. You need the printer driver installed first. For one older model, see our guide to the HP LaserJet P2055dn driver.
- Go to hp.com/go/support, click Software and Drivers, then Printer.
- Type your printer name in the search field and select it.
- In the Firmware section, find the firmware update file, click Download, and save it.
- On a Windows PC, double-click the downloaded .exe file. The utility opens and looks for printers connected by USB or network.
- Select your printer and click Update.
Result: The printer’s control panel shows the update progress, then the printer restarts to a Ready state on its own. Print another configuration page to confirm the new firmware version.
Method 3: Update Through the Embedded Web Server
Many HP business and Enterprise printers have an Embedded Web Server (EWS) you can open in a browser:
- Type the printer’s IP address into your browser’s address bar. You can find it on the configuration page.
- Select the General tab, then Firmware Upgrade, and select Browse.
- Choose the firmware file (a .bdl file you extracted from HP’s download), then select Install.
- When the confirmation page appears, select Restart Now.
HP warns not to close the browser window until the EWS shows the confirmation page. Some models can also update from a USB flash drive through the printer’s Device Maintenance menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my LaserJet needs an update?
Compare the version on your configuration page with the latest one in the Firmware section for your model on HP’s support site. Printers set to install updates automatically will stay current on their own.
Can I update firmware on a Mac?
HP’s utility steps above are for Windows. Check your model’s download page for Mac options, or use the control panel or EWS method if your printer supports it.
What if my printer has an older model number?
HP has a separate article for older LaserJet business printers, and some very old models may not have newer firmware. If an older LaserJet prints an extra page of text after every job, that is a driver setting rather than a firmware fault, and you can stop the HP LaserJet from printing status notification pages. For the CP1215, see how to get the HP Color LaserJet CP1215 driver.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read hundreds of millions of times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.