How to Install an HP DeskJet 2855e Printer: Complete Setup Guide for Windows and Mac

The HP DeskJet 2855e printer installation can be completed in three steps: setting up the printer, connecting the printer to your computer or Wi-Fi, and installing the HP software that connects the printer. This guide is for Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac, and also for no-wireless-supporters, who want to set it up via USB.

What You Need Before Installing the HP DeskJet 2855e

Please be sure you have:

• A computer with Windows 10, Windows 11 or an eligible macOS version.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection when setting up wirelessly
• A USB 2.0 cable (not included in the box) if connecting directly
• HP's HP Smart application

There's no need for a CD drive or special networking gear; the HP Smart app is responsible for setup on Windows and Mac.

Prepare the HP DeskJet 2855e for Installation

• Unbox the printer and strip away all tape or protective material, even in the ink cartridge section.
• Plug the power cable and the printer into the power outlet.
• Turn on the printer.
• When the printer beeps, install the ink cartridges.
• Feed white paper into the input tray.
• Do not skip the initial printer calibration process, let the printer finish it.

You can only install software once the printer is powered on and ready; early connections may cause the setup process to stall.

Installing HP DeskJet 2855e Printer on Windows

HP DeskJet 2855e printer installation on Windows is preferred using HP Smart app from Microsoft Store. Don't download drivers from third-party websites –

• The HP DeskJet 2855e printer is compatible with Windows 11
• Tap the Microsoft Store, type in "HP Smart", and click on the app.
• Connect your Windows 11 PC to the same wi-fi network you intend to use for the printer.
• Run HP Smart and choose the option "Add a new printer”.
• Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will locate the HP printer in the vicinity and guide you to connect the HP DeskJet 2855e to the Wi-Fi network.
• The app will complete the installation of the required printer software in the background after successfully connecting with the printer.
• To ensure the printer is detected by Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and ensure that the HP DeskJet 2855e is listed.

If HP Smart cannot find the printer, you can use “Add device” from the same menu to add the printer manually.

HP DeskJet 2855e Printer Installation on Windows 10

The HP DeskJet 2855e printer installation process in Windows 10 is more or less identical, except for some differences in the interface:

• Download and install HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store.
• Check to see if the PC and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Click on HP Smart, select Add a New Printer and proceed with the set up instructions.
• After installation, check the printer by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

If it doesn't appear in the list, click "Add a printer or scanner" and let Windows take a moment to find the printer on the network.

How to Install the HP DeskJet 2855e Printer on Mac

HP DeskJet 2855e printer installation Mac also involves HP Smart application:

• Install HP Smart from Mac App Store.
• Ensure that your Mac is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
• Press HP Smart and click Add a new printer, and then follow the instructions to connect the DeskJet 2855e to your network.
• If the printer does not show up automatically, go to the System Settings > Printers & Scanners screen, click the Add button and choose HP DeskJet 2855e from the list of devices.
• After adding, choose the printer and print a test page to check and ensure that everything is functioning.

If you add an HP printer to your Mac the first time, macOS may ask you to install extra software for the printer; wait until it's done before printing.

How to Set Up the HP DeskJet 2855e Using a USB Cable

If you prefer to not use wireless at all, USB is a good option:

• Turn the printer on.
• Plug in a USB 2.0 cable from the printer to the computer.
• Wait for Windows or macOS to recognize the new device.
• When asked, install the HP Smart app and/or complete the software installation on your computer.
• Choose HP DeskJet 2855e from the list of printers on your computer.
• Be sure to print out a test page to verify connection.

HP DeskJet 2855e USB installation procedure for both Windows and Mac operating systems, with the exception of the location to check the printer list — the procedure is almost the same for both systems.

How to Install HP DeskJet 2855e Printer Software

The HP DeskJet 2855e printer software installation process takes place in the HP Smart app, which serves more functions than installing drivers. It is able to detect the printer, guide you through the process of wireless setup and displays real time ink level and printer status. It is also where you can update the firmware and check for scanning updates. In most cases (unless you have a specific driver download requirement) you do not need to download a separate driver — HP Smart will install the necessary drivers as part of the installation process.

How to Confirm the HP DeskJet 2855e Is Installed Correctly

Once set, look through this checklist:

• The printer is listed in Windows' or macOS' printer list.
• It is not listed as "Offline" but it is either "Ready" or "Available".
• The proper printer (not a duplicate or generic printer) is set as the default (if you want to),
• A test page prints without errors
• If you are using wireless connection, the printer and computer are on the same network.

Common HP DeskJet 2855e Installation Problems and Solutions

Printer not detected. Check if the printer is on and, if it is wireless, if it is connected to the Wi-Fi. This problem is typically solved by rebooting both machines.

The printer won't connect to Wi-Fi. Double-check you're using the correct network. Turn the router and printer back on and set up the wireless connection again using HP Smart.

USB printer not recognized. Ensure that the cable is fully plugged in at both ends then use a different USB port. If it fails to react, re-install HP Smart.

Printer appears offline. Check if it's on the same network as your computer, removing it and adding it again if it does not update.

Installation software can't find the printer. Restart HP Smart and confirm the printer is fully powered on before trying again, rather than using an unofficial workaround.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Installation

• Installing drivers from non-HP sources, such as third-party websites. Installing drivers from sources other than HP Smart application (such as third parties).
• Installing Software: Plug in USB cable before software asks for it.
• Avoiding the initial printer setup (e.g., unpackaging, inserting cartridges, etc.)
• Connecting the printer and computer to different wi-fi networks.
• After closing the HP Smart app, trying to re-open it in the middle of the setup process
• Having a combination of installers running at once (usb and wireless)

Conclusion

Setting up the HP DeskJet 2855e comes down to three steps: prepare the printer, connect it via Wi-Fi or USB, and let the HP Smart app handle software installation. Whether you're on Windows 11, Windows 10, or Mac, the process is nearly identical. If something doesn't work on the first try, restarting the printer and re-running HP Smart resolves most issues quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How to install the HP DeskJet 2855e printer?

Ans: Turn on the printer, download the HP Smart application to the computer and follow its instructions to establish the wireless or USB link to the printer.

Q2: Can I install the HP DeskJet 2855e without Wi-Fi?

Ans: Yes. Use a HP USB 2.0 cable to connect directly to your computer.

Q3: How to connect HP DeskJet 2855e with Windows 11?

Ans: Download HP Smart from the Microsoft Store, and install it after to add the printer and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.

Q4: How do I connect the HP DeskJet 2855e to a Mac?

Ans: Download HP Smart from the Mac App Store, then follow these steps to add the printer in HP Smart, and confirm that it shows in System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Q5: Why is my HP DeskJet 2855e not being detected?

Ans: This typically means that the printer is off, it is not connected to the Wi-Fi network, or it is connected to a Wi-Fi network other than your computer.

Q6: Do I need HP software to install the printer?

Ans: The HP Smart app is recommended as it will install drivers for you as well as set it up wirelessly.