HP printers - Windows built-in driver fails to install

Set up a network printer in Windows without installing any additional drivers.

1. For Wi-Fi connections, make sure the printer and computer are near the router.

2. Turn on the printer, and then wait until the printer is idle and silent.

3. Check the printer network connection.

   • If the printer is connected, the Wireless light on the control panel is solid blue, or the Ethernet port light at the back of the printer is solid green with a blinking orange activity light.

   • If the printer is not connected, connect it, and then continue with these steps.

     • Most printers with a touchscreen display or menu: Open the Wireless or Setup menu, select Network setup or Settings, and then select Restore Network Settings.

     • Printers without a touchscreen display or menu: Go to Restore Wi-Fi setup mode on your HP printer to restore default settings by pressing the buttons on your printer.

4. In Windows, search for and open Add a printer or scanner.

5. Click Add a printer or scanner, and then wait for Windows to locate available printers.

   • If your printer is found, click it, and then click Add device to complete the driver installation.

   • If your printer is not found, continue with these steps.

6. In the Find a printer by other options window, select Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname, and then click Next.

7. Select Autodetect from the Device type drop-down.

8. Find your printer IP address.

   • HP Smart app: From the app home screen, click the image of your printer, and then click Network Information to find the IP address.

     

   • Printers with a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, open the Wireless Summary or Network Settings menu to find the IP address.

     

   • Printers without a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, press the Information button to print an Information Report, and then find the IP address on the printout. Printing reports from the control panel can vary by printer model.

     

9. Type the printer IP address, click Next, and then follow the instructions to install the driver for your printer model.

Set up a USB printer connection in Windows without installing any additional drivers.

1. Search Windows for and open Change device installation settings, and then make sure Yes (recommended) is selected.

   

2. Make sure an open USB port is available on your computer. Do not connect the printer to a USB hub or docking station as the printer might not receive enough power to operate properly.

3. Turn on the printer, and then connect the USB cable to the printer and to the computer port.

4. If a Found new hardware message displays, follow any prompts to install the printer.

   • If you can print, the driver installed successfully.

   • If you cannot print, continue with these steps to add the printer in Windows settings.

5. In Windows, search for and open Add a printer or scanner.

6. Click Add a printer or scanner, and then wait for Windows to locate available printers.

   • If your printer is found, click it, and then click Add device to complete the driver installation.

   • If your printer is not found, continue with these steps.

7. Click The printer that I want isn't listed.

   

8. In the Find a printer by other options window, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and then click Next.

9. In the Choose a printer port window, select Use an existing port, select USB001: (Virtual printer port for USB) from the drop-down menu, and then click Next.

10. Follow the instructions to install the driver for your printer model.