This guide is for Star Labs laptops running Zorin OS. The steps and menu names may differ in other Linux distributions.
Most HP printers can be set up without downloading a separate driver because Zorin OS includes HPLIP, HP’s Linux printing and scanning software.
1. Connect the printer
For a USB printer:
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Turn on the printer.
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Connect it to your laptop using its USB cable.
For a network or Wi-Fi printer:
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Turn on the printer.
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Make sure the printer and your laptop are connected to the same network.
2. Check whether the printer is detected automatically
Open Zorin Menu → Settings → Printers
If your printer is already listed, select it and print a test page to confirm that it is working.
3. Add the printer manually
If the printer does not appear automatically:
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Open Zorin Menu → Settings.
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Select Printers from the sidebar.
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Select Add a Printer.
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Wait a few seconds while Zorin OS searches for available printers.
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Select your printer and follow the on-screen instructions.
If a network printer is not detected automatically, you may need to enter its IP address. This can usually be found in the printer’s network settings.
Once the printer has been added, print a test page to check that it is working correctly.
4. Install the HPLIP Toolbox
If the printer still cannot be added, install HP’s graphical setup tool.
Open Zorin Menu → Utilities → Terminal, or press Ctrl + Alt + T.
Enter the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install hplip-gui
Press Enter and type your password when prompted. Your password will not appear on the screen while you type it, which is normal.
Once the installation has finished:
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Open the Zorin Menu.
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Go to System Tools → HPLIP Toolbox.
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Open the Device menu.
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Select Setup Device.
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Choose the appropriate connection type and follow the on-screen instructions.
After completing the setup, return to Settings → Printers and print a test page.
5. Check whether your printer is supported
If setup still fails, check whether your exact printer model is supported by HPLIP:
Check HP’s list of supported printers
Some HP printers require a minimum HPLIP version or an additional HP plug-in. HP’s compatibility list shows the requirements for each supported model.
If the printer still does not work
Restart the printer and your laptop, then try adding the printer again.
If the problem continues, consult the following guidance:
Some printers require additional HP software or have model-specific setup requirements. For further help with printer compatibility or printer-specific features, contact HP Support.