Install HP Printer on Windows 11 Using HP Easy Start: Installing a printer can be overwhelming for people who are not so tech-savvy. But armed with the right tools, it’s a simple task that doesn’t demand any specialist skills. In this guide, we’ll show you the steps to install an HP OfficeJet 5740 series printer on Windows 11 with HP Easy Start, a free tool to help you get the printer set up. Whether you’re installing a new printer or configuring an existing one, this article will help you get your printer up and running with the latest drivers and software.
Read: HP Deskjet Printer WiFi Setup, Network Reset & Offline Fix Guide 2025
What is HP Easy Start?:
HP Easy Start is a freeware application available for download that automatically detects the device and selects the best installer application for you. It offers a one-stop solution to connecting your printer to your computer, be it via Wi-Fi or a USB connection, and makes sure your computer has the right software to get the printing done. This utility is ideal for those who wish to have a plug-and-play subgroup without the effort of searching for drivers.
How to Install HP Printer on Windows 11 Using HP Easy Start
Step 1: Get HP Easy Start:
First things first, you will have to download the HP Easy Start software from the official HP website. Follow these steps:
- Open your preferred web browser.
- In the search bar, type “HP Easy Start” and click search or press Enter.
- Be sure to choose the link in HP’s official website so that you will never download the software on an unsafe website.
- HP Easy Start Page: Click on Download. Go to the HP Easy Start page.
- After download, open the installer and press Accept All in the next window to select the installation options.
Step 2: Connect Your Printer to Wi-Fi (If Necessary):
If your printer is new or is not associated with a Wi-Fi network, HP Easy Start will help you connect the printer to the network wirelessly:
- Once you open HP Easy Start, it will begin searching for printers. A new printer is usually in discovery mode, so the application is able to see it.
- If you see your printer in the list, select it and follow the prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
- If your printer is Wi-Fi capable (like the HP OfficeJet 5740 in this example), you will see its IP address on the printer’s front screen or by printing out a network configuration report. Simply click Continue to proceed.
Step 3: Install Drivers and Software:
When your printer is found by HP Easy Start, the app finds the most recent driver for your printer and Windows 11. Here’s what to do next:
- Next window, click Accept All and then go.
- You’ll have the choice of signing in with an HP account or registering for one. This step is unnecessary, so don’t write it.
- You might also have the option to configure the Instant Ink account, HP’s alternative to ink subscription. If you don’t want to sign up, click Skip to proceed.
- Decide whether you want to update your firmware automatically or be alerted when updates are available. Choose Notify for this guide and click on Continue.
- HP Easy Start will locate and list the recommended software and drivers. You will want to choose the Full Software and Drivers option that comes with:
- HP Smart: Apps that you can use to print or scan with a mobile device.
- Dedicated printer drivers.
- Scanning software for easy personalization of your scanning settings.
- Press Continue to begin the download and installation.
Step 4: Complete the Installation:
After selecting the software package:
- Click on Next in the installation screen.
- Check the box in the bottom-left corner to agree to the terms and conditions, and click Accept.
- You may receive a request from HP through a pop-up to collect data. If you do not, choose No Thanks for both options.
- The installation will start now. This could take a few minutes so go grab a sandwich and let it do its thing.
- After installation is complete, pick your printer from the list (it should appear if it’s connected to your Wi-Fi) and click Next.
- If you intend to share the printer with other machines on the network, answer Yes when prompted.
Step 5: Explore the HP Printer Dashboard:
After the installation is over, there will be an icon on your desktop labeled for the HP OfficeJet printer. When you double-click on this icon, it will launch a GUI dashboard with various options:
- Ink Level Tracking: It’s simple to monitor how much ink is remaining for each color on your printer.
- Scan: Launch Scan from the dashboard to your computer.
- Fax Setting: Depending on your printer features, you can set and customize the fax settings.
- Troubleshooting Tools: It is available free from the HP website, this printer management software, HP Printer Assistant, helps you set up, manage, and troubleshoot your printer, and includes self-help options.
The dashboard is a friendly interface you can simply operate to adjust your 3d printer settings, and for easy and quick printing, a variety of sector options without the necessity of learning hard-core IT skills!
Tips for a Smooth Installation of HP Printer on Windows 11
- Use a Stable Internet Connection: A good Wi-Fi connection is an important element when downloading drivers and connecting the printer to the Network.
- Avoid Unofficial Sources: Only download HP Easy Start from HP’s website to avoid downloading shady software.
- Make Sure Your Printer Is in Discovery Mode: For new printers, the printer will need to be in discovery mode to pair with your computer.
- Keep Checking for Updates: Just because you’ve also opted for updates doesn’t mean you should rely on them; check back regularly for new drivers or supporting software that will help to finally leverage your printer.
Conclusion:
You don’t have to get too bogged down when it comes to setting up an HP printer on a Windows 11 computer. Using HP Easy Start, you can install the drivers and software as well as set up your printer to Wi-Fi and take advantage of various features through a dashboard. This guide has taken you from downloading the application through the printer.
No matter if you’re controlling print, scanning or checking ink levels, HP Easy Start will make sure you won’t have to bother about anything: you’ll be able to use the software easily and happily even if you are not an expert. Give it the ol’ college try, and you should have your HP OfficeJet 5740 or whatever HP printer in action in a jiff.