LPTENUM\HEWLETT-PACKARDHP_LAE556 matches a device manufactured by Hewlett Packard (HP). More than 82% of the updates matching this device are sourced directly from the manufacturer website. These updates are highly rated (4.5 out of 5 stars) with over 29,738 downloads. The DriverGuide download archive is scanned regularly using the latest anti-virus and anti-malware software.
To install or update your driver automatically, click the green button next to your selected driver. To see more information on a particular driver and to download it, click the Download Driver button.
Once you download your new driver, then you need to install it. To install a driver in Windows, you will need to use a built-in utility called Device Manager. It allows you to see all of the devices recognized by your system, and the drivers associated with them.
Visit our Driver Support Page for helpful step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.
If you are having trouble finding the right driver, stop searching and fix driver problems faster with the Automatic Driver Update Utility. Many computer problems are caused by missing or outdated device drivers, especially in Windows 11. If your system is running slow, or keeps crashing or hanging, there is a good chance that updating your drivers will fix the problem. Automatic updates could save you hours of time.
A device Hardware ID (HWID) is a set of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies any device. For example, different models of Motherboards, Graphics Cards, Printers and Network Interface Cards would have their own unique Hardware ID.
The general format for a Hardware ID is <Bus Type>\<Vendor ID>&<Device ID>&<Additional IDs>.
The Vendor ID takes the form "VEN_XXXX" where XXXX is a 4 digit code unique to the manufacturer.
The Device ID format is "DEV_YYYY" where YYYY is a 4 digit code unique to that manufacturer's device.
Hardware IDs are useful because they help identify the manufacturer and model of every hardware device inside, or attached to, your computer.
Each Hardware ID is assigned to a particular device by the device manufacturer. Windows operating systems such as Windows 11 use the Hardware ID to match to a specific INF file. INF files are used to install the correct device drivers - that's the software that lets your computer communicate with the device in the most efficient manner.
While a particular device driver is associated with specific Hardware ID, that driver may be compatible with other devices as well. In that case, the INF file would identify one or more Hardware IDs as an exact match, and provide a list of Compatible Hardware IDs for that driver. In many cases, the Compatible Hardware IDs will look similar, with the identifier having only minor variations, particularly in the Device ID portion.
Using a dedicated driver update tool instead of relying on automatic device driver updates can offer several significant advantages, especially in terms of system stability, security, and performance. Here are some key points to consider:
More Control Over Driver Updates
Automatic updates, whether from Windows Update or other system tools, may install drivers that aren't the best match for your specific hardware or may cause compatibility issues. A driver update tool allows you to manually select which drivers to install, ensuring that only the most appropriate and tested versions are used for your system.
Access to the Latest Drivers
Driver update tools often maintain a database of the latest drivers directly from hardware manufacturers, including beta or specialized versions that may not be available through automatic updates. This means you can stay on the cutting edge with driver versions that enhance performance or add features specific to your hardware.
Driver Rollback Capability
If an update causes issues, most driver update tools allow you to easily roll back to a previous version. This is particularly useful for resolving problems like crashes, slowdowns, or incompatibilities that might arise from automatic updates that install untested or unsuitable drivers.
Avoiding Bloatware or Unwanted Software
Some automatic updates, especially from manufacturers' websites, may come bundled with unnecessary software or "bloatware." A driver update tool typically focuses solely on drivers, keeping your system cleaner and avoiding extra applications that can take up space or slow down your system.
Efficiency and Time-Saving
Manual updates can be time-consuming, especially when you're unsure which drivers need attention. Driver update tools scan your system, identify outdated drivers, and provide one-click updates, saving you time and effort in managing your system's drivers.
Enhanced Compatibility and Stability
Driver update tools typically offer more in-depth checks for system compatibility and conflicts, ensuring that updates won't disrupt the overall functionality of your hardware. Automatic updates might overlook some nuances or fail to properly assess compatibility across a wide variety of devices, which could lead to issues like device malfunctions or crashes.
Backup and Restore Features
Many driver update tools come with a built-in backup feature, allowing you to create restore points before making changes. If something goes wrong, you can easily restore your system to its previous state without the hassle of troubleshooting or reinstallation.
Regular and Scheduled Scans
Instead of relying on the occasional automatic update that might miss important patches, driver update tools offer regular and scheduled scans to ensure your system is always up-to-date with the latest driver versions for all your devices.
By opting for a dedicated driver update tool, you can ensure a more stable, secure, and optimized computing experience compared to relying on automatic updates that may not always meet your needs.