I have two Windows 11 systems and two HP printers: a DeskJet 4929 at home connected over Wi-Fi, and a DeskJet 4826 at my clinic connected by USB. Both systems are fully updated.
The problems started after HP Smart was replaced in the Microsoft Store by the newer HP app. The clinic computer detects the USB printer, but Windows reports that the driver is unavailable. The HP app eventually gives the same message, while HP Easy Start fails to detect the printer. Although the printer appears in Windows as the default device, print jobs fail.
I then found that HP Smart no longer opened on my home laptop either. After installing the new HP app, the wireless printer also stopped accepting print jobs. Removing and reinstalling it several times made no difference; Windows finds the printer, but reports that no driver is available. HP's website mainly offers scanning software for the home printer, and Easy Start redirects back to the HP app before failing.
I have already tried reinstalling the printers and HP software. This feels like a Windows 11 or HP software issue, since these printers worked previously and have worked more easily on Linux. Has anyone found a reliable way to restore printing without relying on the HP app?
3 Answers
Try installing the specific DeskJet 4826 driver directly from HP instead of letting the app manage the setup. Also check Add or Remove Programs and delete leftover HP components before reinstalling. A clean removal can help when the old HP Smart installation and the newer app conflict.
There was a firmware update available for the DeskJet 4929, so updating the printer may be worth trying before replacing anything. However, the firmware tool may only enable the update when it can properly communicate with the printer over the expected connection.
I downloaded the firmware updater, but it shows the printer as unavailable and keeps the printer selection and update button disabled.
You generally shouldn't need HP Smart or the HP app just to print. Remove every HP printer from Windows Settings and the classic Control Panel, then uninstall the related HP software. In Device Manager, remove the printer and its driver package as well. Restart the computer, reconnect the printer, and add it again through Windows' printer settings. Windows Update should install a basic print driver, including for network printers.
I already removed the printers, drivers, and HP software, but the same driver-unavailable message still appears afterward.