HP LaserJet 1018 Driver: The Complete Download and Install Guide

The HP LaserJet 1018 driver is essential software that allows your computer to communicate with your reliable HP LaserJet 1018 monochrome printer. While this printer is known for its durability, many users encounter significant problems when trying to find and install the HP LaserJet 1018 driver on modern operating systems like Windows 11, often seeing a “Driver is unavailable” error.

This comprehensive guide provides the official methods for downloading the HP LaserJet 1018 driver, along with expert workarounds for Windows 11 and Linux-based systems like the Raspberry Pi, ensuring you can keep your printer running perfectly.

Why You Must Use the Official HP LaserJet 1018 Driver Source

Before downloading, it’s critical to understand that the HP LaserJet 1018 driver is proprietary software owned by HP. This means it is protected by copyright, and downloading it from unofficial, third-party websites is risky. These sites may bundle the driver with malware or other unwanted programs.   

The only safe and legal source for the HP LaserJet 1018 driver is the official HP Support website.

How to Download and Install the HP LaserJet 1018 Driver (Standard Method)

This method works for officially supported operating systems, such as Windows 10 (64-bit).

1. Navigate to HP Support: Open your web browser and go to the official HP Software and Drivers download page.
2. Identify Your Product: In the search bar, type HP LaserJet 1018 and select your printer from the results.
3. Select Your OS: The website may detect your operating system. If not, select it manually from the dropdown menu.
4. Download the Driver: Find the “Driver-Product Installation Software” section and click “Download”.
5. Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, double-click the file.
6. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the process.
7. Connect When Prompted: Do not connect the USB cable from your printer to the computer until the installation software specifically tells you to do so. Connecting it too early can cause the installation to fail.   

The HP LaserJet 1018 Driver for Windows 11: 3 Workaround Methods

HP does not provide an official HP LaserJet 1018 driver for Windows 11. If you’ve upgraded, you must use a workaround.

Method 1: Using the Windows Built-in Driver

Windows 11 can sometimes install the printer using a generic or built-in driver.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add device. Wait for Windows to search.
3. If it doesn’t find the printer, click Add manually.
4. Select “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.”
5. Choose “Use an existing port” (usually USB001 or DOT4_001 if it appears).
6. Click Windows Update to refresh the list of manufacturers. This may take several minutes.
7. From the manufacturer list, select HP.
8. From the printer list, find a compatible generic driver. Many users report success with HP LaserJet 3055 PCL5 or Deskjet 990c drivers.
9. Follow the prompts to finish the installation.

Method 2: Windows 10 Driver in Compatibility Mode

You can force the Windows 10 HP LaserJet 1018 driver to install on Windows 11.

1. Download the Windows 10 (64-bit) driver from the HP website as described in the standard method.   
2. Right-click the downloaded setup file and select Properties.
3. Click the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select Windows 10.   
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Run the installation file as administrator.

Method 3: Fixing “Driver is unavailable”

If your printer shows as “UNSPECIFIED” or “Driver is unavailable,” you can manually point Windows to the correct driver.

1. Follow the steps to download and extract the driver files (if possible) from the HP website.
2. Go to Device Manager.
3. Find your printer. It may be under “Other devices” with a yellow exclamation mark.   
4. Right-click the printer and select Update driver.
5. Choose “Browse my computer for drivers” and point it to the folder where you extracted the driver files.

How to Install the HP LaserJet 1018 Driver on Linux (e.g., Raspberry Pi)

You can turn a Raspberry Pi into a print server for your HP 1018 using CUPS (Common Unix Printing Standard) and HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing).

1. Install CUPS and HPLIP: Open a terminal and run: sudo apt update sudo apt install cups hplip
2. Add User to Group: Add your user (e.g., ‘pi’) to the lpadmin group to manage the printer: sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin pi
3. Access CUPS: Open a browser on your Raspberry Pi and go to http://localhost:631.
4. Add Printer: Go to the “Administration” tab and click “Add Printer.” You will be prompted for your username and password.
5. Select Your Printer: CUPS should detect the “HP LaserJet 1018” connected via USB. Select it.
6. Select the Driver: HPLIP provides the HP LaserJet 1018 driver. However, this model requires a proprietary firmware file. You may need to run a command to fetch it: sudo getweb 1018 (as part of the foo2zjs driver package, which may be needed if HPLIP fails).
7. Once configured, you can share the printer on your network.

How to Update Your HP LaserJet 1018 Driver

For a legacy printer like the HP 1018, “updating” is less about getting new features and more about ensuring compatibility.

• Official Channel: The primary way to check for an updated HP LaserJet 1018 driver is to periodically visit the HP Support website.   
• Windows Update: Ensure your Windows operating system is always up to date. Sometimes, Microsoft pushes new or updated generic drivers through Windows Update that can resolve compatibility issues.

Driver Download List
HP LaserJet 1018 full feature driver for Windows XP (32 Bit). Download
HP LaserJet 1018 full feature driver for Windows XP (64 Bit)  Download
HP LaserJet 1018 basic installer driver for Windows Vista (32 Bit). Download
HP LaserJet 1018 basic installer driver for Windows Vista (64 Bit). Download
HP 1018 basic installer driver for Windows 7 (32-Bit). Download
HP 1018 basic installer driver for Windows 7 (64-Bit). Download
HP Laserjet 1018 basic inf driver for Windows 8 32 Bit. Download
HP Laserjet 1018 basic inf driver for Windows 8 64 Bit  Download
HP Laserjet 1018 basic inf driver for Windows 8.1 32 Bit  Download
HP Laserjet 1018 basic inf driver for Windows 8.1 64 Bit. Download
HP LaserJet 1018 basic inf driver for Windows 10 32 Bit. Download
HP LaserJet 1018 basic inf driver for Windows 10 64 Bit Download
HP LaserJet 1018 basic inf driver for Windows 11 64 Bit Download
HP LaserJet 1018 full feature driver for Server 2000, 2003, 2008 Download
HP 1018 Driver for Server 2008, 2012 (32bit)  Download
HP 1018 Driver for Server 2008, 2012 (64bit). Download
HP 1018 Driver for Server 2016, 2019, 2022 (32bit). Download
HP 1018 Driver for Server 2016, 2019, 2022 (64bit). Download
HP LaserJet 1018 printer driver for Apple Macintosh Mac OS X  Download