HP LaserJet 1015 Printer Driver Missing? Try These Fixes

Jun. 12, 2025 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows Driver Solutions

hp-laserjet-1015-printer-driver-missing-fixes

Many users encounter issues where the HP LaserJet 1015 printer is not recognized or fails to print properly. Common error messages include "Driver is missing" or "No driver installed".

To help you quickly resolve these problems, this article outlines several practical and effective solutions to restore your printer's functionality with ease.

I. Why Does the Driver Go Missing?

Windows updates may override original drivers: Some system updates can reset or remove existing printer drivers.
System reinstallation may fail to auto-detect the printer: After a fresh OS installation, the printer may not be configured correctly.
Driver files may be deleted or corrupted: Antivirus software or accidental actions may remove essential driver files.
HP no longer provides some legacy drivers: As the HP LaserJet 1015 is an older model, HP has stopped updating drivers on certain support pages.

II. Solutions to Fix Missing HP LaserJet 1015 Printer Drivers

Method 1: Automatically Update Drivers with Driver Talent

If you're not comfortable manually downloading and installing drivers, using a driver management tool like Driver Talent can simplify the process. It automatically detects and updates outdated or missing drivers, saving you time and avoiding installation errors.

Download Driver Talent

Download the latest version of Driver Talent and install it. Launch the software and click "Scan" to detect driver issues.
In the scan results, locate the printer driver and click "Update".

driver-update

Once updated, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Method 2: Manually Install a Compatible Legacy Driver

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

Click "Add a printer" > "The printer that I want isn't listed".

add-a-device

Select "Add a local printer", and choose USB001 as the port.

In the brand list, choose HP, and on the right, select HP LaserJet 1015 (Class Driver) or a similar model like HP LaserJet 1020.

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

Note: This method uses Microsoft's built-in drivers and has a high success rate, especially on Windows 10.

Method 3: Use Windows Update to Install the Driver

Make sure the printer is connected via USB and powered on.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Click "Check for updates" and allow Windows to detect and install the recommended driver.

check-for-updates

After installation, restart your computer and test the printer.

Note: Because the HP LaserJet 1015 is an older model, it may not be included in the latest Windows updates. If this method doesn't work, proceed to the next one.

Method 4: Download Drivers from HP's Official Website (For Windows 7 and Earlier)

Visit the HP Support Website.

Click "Software and Drivers" > "Printer", and search for "HP LaserJet 1015".

Select your printer model.

Under the operating system dropdown, choose "Windows XP" or "Vista".

download-the-latest-driver

Download the "Universal Print Driver" or "PCL5 driver".

Right-click the installer, select "Run in Compatibility Mode", and choose Administrator privileges to install.

Tip: While HP no longer offers updated drivers for newer systems, older drivers may still work using compatibility mode.

III. Tips to Prevent Driver Issues

Regularly back up working driver versions.
Disable or delay Windows automatic updates to avoid unwanted driver overrides.
Create a system restore point before updating drivers.
Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation to avoid false detections.