The HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) is an essential printing solution for HP printer users. It enables straightforward printing from any device to network HP printers without needing model-specific drivers. UPD simplifies driver management and enhances printing flexibility.
Current UPD Version
The latest HP UPD version is UPD v7.1.0.25570, released on Jun 12, 2023. This new driver upgrade provides valuable improvements and capabilities.
Key Updates in UPD v7.1.0.25570
The major highlights of UPD v7.1.0.25570 are:
- Enhanced security via support for TLS 1.2 protocol
- Expanded HP FutureSmart 4 firmware support
- Compatibility with Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022
- Faster processing of complex print jobs
- Various bug fixes for stability and reliability
This driver update aims to deliver optimal compatibility across operating systems while providing faster, higher quality printing.
Major New Features
Here are some of the most significant new features and enhancements in recent UPD releases:
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Windows 11 Support - UPD is fully compatible with Microsoft's newest OS Windows 11, ensuring seamless printing from this platform.
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Advanced Color Access - Allows more precise control over color settings like brightness, contrast, saturation, and color tone.
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Faster Print Performance - Leverages multi-threading to dramatically accelerate printing of complex documents with graphics, images, etc.
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Enhanced Security - Supports latest TLS 1.2 encryption protocol for securely sending print jobs over networks.
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Expanded Printer Support - Adds compatibility for over 200 newer HP printer models and various new print technologies.
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Mobile Printing Options - Provides additional mobile printing capabilities for new HP ePrint enabled printers.
Installation and Updating
Installing or updating to the latest HP UPD is straightforward:
Download
- Download the newest HP UPD
- Select the appropriate UPD module for your printer series (LaserJet, OfficeJet, etc).
Installation
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install UPD.
- Restart computer after installation.
- UPD will automatically replace/update any existing HP printer drivers.
Uninstall Considerations
- UPD can be installed directly over previous UPD versions like v7.1.0.25520.
- Uninstall old model-specific HP drivers if present before installing UPD.
- UPD will automatically supersede any printer-model specific drivers.
The latest UPD provides noticeable boosts in printing speeds and quality:
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Faster Processing - Multithreading support enables much quicker printing of complex documents.
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Enhanced Rendering - Improved print processor accuracy results in sharper, higher quality output.
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Productivity Boost - Combination of faster processing and better rendering reduces overall print times, increasing productivity.
For example, printing a 15-page mixed text/graphics document is nearly 40% faster with UPD v7.1.0.25570 versus 5.9.0 on an HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw.
Resolved Issues
Recent UPD updates have fixed many common printing problems:
- Fixed print failures when printing over low bandwidth networks
- Addressed occasional printer disconnects from print queue
- Resolved WinSock connection issues blocking USB printing
- Corrected inconsistencies in color matching for image prints
- Fixed inverted/reversed page order printing errors
- Improved UPD stability across multiple OS platforms and usage scenarios
These fixes and upgrades result in a much more seamless, trouble-free printing experience.
Known Issues
While recent drivers have addressed many problems, some known issues remain:
- Slow printing over wireless in some rare cases
- Long print queues fail to print on older printers
- Intermittent spooler crashes on Server 2022 need workaround
- Color calibration needs adjustment on certain printers
Most of these remaining bugs have planned fixes in upcoming releases.
Key Print Driver Settings
UPD provides many configuration options to customize and optimize printing:
Print Quality
- Economy, Standard, Professional (higher dpi)
- Custom quality levels up to 1200 dpi
Page Layout
- Portrait/Landscape
- Multiple pages per sheet
- Booklet layout
- Poster printing
Color Options
- Black & White, Color, Auto
- Advanced color settings (brightness, saturation, tones)
Special Print Modes
- Draft, Fast, Optimized, etc.
- Scale to fit, Watermarks
Document Options
- Paper size, tray selection
- 2-sided printing
- Binding and finishing
Conclusion
The latest HP Universal Print Driver provides an exceptional printing experience. With its extensive OS support, abundant features, resolved issues, and performance gains, UPD v7.1.0.25570 is a valuable update for any HP printer user. This advanced print driver technology lowers management burden while delivering speed, quality and reliability across the widest variety of devices.