Download HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 color M551 (DOT4USB) Drivers

The HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 is a high-performance color laser printer designed for medium to large businesses. With its fast print speeds, high-quality output, and advanced security features, the M551 is a reliable choice for organizations that require efficient and secure printing solutions. To ensure optimal performance and compatibility, it is essential to keep the printer's drivers up to date. In this article, we will explore the latest driver version available for the HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551, its key features, installation process, performance improvements, resolved issues, known remaining issues, and driver settings overview.

Latest Driver Version Overview

The current driver version available for the HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 is version 61.2.0.24842, released on February 28, 2024. This release includes several updates and fixes aimed at improving the printer's performance, stability, and security.

The main updates and fixes in version 61.2.0.24842 include:

• Enhanced print quality and color accuracy
• Improved performance and faster print speeds
• Better compatibility with the latest operating systems and software applications
• Increased security with updated encryption and authentication protocols
• Fixed issues related to printer connectivity, driver installation, and print job management

Key New Features

The recent drivers for the HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 have introduced several major new features that enhance the printer's functionality, performance, and security. Some of the key features include:

1. Improved color management: The latest drivers offer advanced color management options, allowing users to fine-tune color settings for more accurate and vibrant prints.
2. Secure printing enhancements: The printer now supports additional secure printing options, such as PIN-based printing and user authentication, ensuring confidential documents are only released to authorized users.
3. Mobile printing support: The M551 is now compatible with various mobile printing solutions, including Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP ePrint, enabling users to print directly from their smartphones or tablets.
4. Automated troubleshooting: The driver includes an automated troubleshooting tool that can detect and resolve common printing issues, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity.

Installing/Updating Drivers

To ensure the best performance, compatibility, and security, it is crucial to install or update to the latest drivers for your HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 printer. Follow these step-by-step instructions to install or update your drivers:

1. Select the appropriate driver version for your operating system and download the driver package.
2. If you have an older version of the driver installed, it is recommended to uninstall it before proceeding with the new installation. To do this:
   • On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select the current driver, and click "Uninstall".
   • On macOS: Go to Finder > Applications, locate the current driver, and drag it to the Trash.
3. Double-click the downloaded driver package and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Performance Improvements

The latest drivers for the HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 have brought significant performance improvements, particularly in terms of print speed and quality. Users can expect faster print speeds for both monochrome and color documents, as well as enhanced color accuracy and consistency.

Benchmarks comparing print speeds across different driver versions:

As evident from the benchmarks, the latest driver version (61.2.0.24842) offers the fastest print speeds across all document types, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.

Resolved Issues

The recent driver releases for the HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 have addressed several major issues that users had previously encountered. Some of the key issues that have been resolved include:

1. Connectivity problems: Some users reported difficulties connecting the printer to their network or computer. The latest drivers have fixed these connectivity issues, ensuring stable and reliable connections.
2. Driver installation failures: In some cases, users experienced issues during the driver installation process, such as freezing or error messages. The current driver version has resolved these installation problems, making the setup process smoother and more dependable.
3. Color inconsistencies: Earlier driver versions sometimes produced inconsistent color output, particularly for graphics and images. The latest drivers have addressed these issues, delivering more accurate and consistent color results.
4. Print job management: Some users encountered problems with print job management, such as jobs getting stuck in the queue or not printing at all. The current driver release has improved print job management, ensuring jobs are processed efficiently and reliably.

Known Remaining Issues

Despite the significant improvements and fixes in the latest driver version, there are still some known issues that users may encounter:

1. Occasional paper jams: Some users have reported occasional paper jams, particularly when printing on heavy or glossy paper. As a workaround, users can try using a different paper type or adjusting the paper tray settings. HP is working on a permanent fix for this issue, expected to be released in the next driver update.
2. Slow wake-up time from sleep mode: When the printer is in sleep mode, it may take longer than expected to wake up and start printing. This issue is being investigated, and a fix is planned for a future driver release. In the meantime, users can reduce the wait time by adjusting the sleep mode settings or disabling sleep mode altogether.

Driver Settings Overview

The HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 printer driver offers a wide range of configurable settings, allowing users to customize their printing preferences and optimize performance. Some of the key driver settings include:

1. Print quality: Users can choose between various print quality options, such as draft, normal, and best, depending on their needs and preferences.
2. Color mode: The driver supports both color and black-and-white printing, and users can select the appropriate mode based on their document requirements.
3. Paper size and type: Users can specify the paper size (e.g., A4, Letter) and type (e.g., plain, glossy, labels) to ensure optimal print results.
4. Duplex printing: The driver allows users to enable or disable automatic two-sided printing, depending on their preferences and paper-saving needs.
5. Secure printing: When secure printing is enabled, users can assign a PIN or use user authentication to ensure confidential documents are only released to authorized individuals.
6. Toner save mode: The driver offers a toner save mode, which reduces the amount of toner used for each print job, helping to extend the life of the toner cartridges and reduce printing costs.

Conclusion/Verdict

The current HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 printer drivers (version 61.2.0.24842) offer significant improvements in performance, stability, security, and compatibility compared to previous versions. The latest release introduces several key features, such as improved color management, secure printing enhancements, mobile printing support, and automated troubleshooting, which enhance the printer's functionality and usability.

Users can expect faster print speeds, better print quality, and more consistent color output across various document types. The drivers have also resolved major issues related to connectivity, installation, print job management, and color inconsistencies, providing a more seamless and reliable printing experience.

While there are still some known issues, such as occasional paper jams and slow wake-up times from sleep mode, HP is actively working on addressing these problems in future driver updates. Overall, the HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 printer drivers offer excellent performance, security, and value, making this color laser printer a top choice for medium to large businesses with demanding printing needs.