Installing HP 1020 Drivers on macOS

Updated 12/27/2022 – Way back in 2005, I bought an HP 1020 LaserJet printer. It’s a solid, dependable printer that’s been my family’s printing workhorse for over 17 years. The only problem is that while the printer works great with Windows computers, it’s always been challenging to install on macOS computers.

The key problem is that HP released two printers in the 1020s line – the HP 1020, which I bought, and the HP 1022. The 1020 never had printer drivers for macOS … but the 1022 did.  Over the years I’ve jumped through various hoops to keep the printer working with my family’s Macs, up to and including installing open-source printer drivers.

Thankfully, the process is straightforward on modern Macs (e.g. those running Ventura 13.0 or higher).

  1. Download the macOS driver for the LaserJet 1022 printer from HP’s website.
  2. This saves a file called “HewlettPackardPrinterDrivers.dmg” do your downloads folder.
  3. Double-click on the file, which opens a window with a “HewlettPackardPrinterDrivers.pkg” file in it. Double-click the file, which runs the installer.
  4. Connect your printer to your Mac using a USB cable.
  5. Go to System Settings on your Mac (Apple Menu > System Settings)
  6. Choose “Printers and Scanners” from the left-hand navigation bar.
  7. A window for managing your devices appears, listing all your installed printers and scanners.
  8. Click the [Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax] button.
  9. The HP 1020 should be listed as a printer. Select it.
  10. Choose the “software” dropdown and do a search for “HP 1022”.
  11. HP 1022 appears as an option; select it and click ok.

Your printer should be ready to print; I recommend printing a test page to verify everything is working.

Note: HP has a Mac OS app called “HP Smart”, which in theory can be used to setup, configure, and control printers and scanners. It may work fine for modern devices but it failed to detect and install anything for my ancient LaserJet 1020.

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