HP Lasterjet M426f fdw printer installation error.

[RR1008Runner]

I have Windows 11 system, new install. And I have HP Laserjet M426f fdw printer. I downloaded the latest print driver from HP Support site. 

My installation fails after running for about 20 min. with an " Error" " An install operation took too long to execute. This is a fatal error preventing product use. Please restart your computer, and run this installer again. ....  " 

I have done this multiple time with same outcome (error).  Any help will be appreciated. Thank You!

[Pisces_Orca]

Hello
(You need to re-match or install the latest version of .NET Framework on your computer.)
If only one printer is installed on the computer, please open the folder C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3, delete all files in the 3 folder, restart the computer, and reinstall the printer driver for testing.
If the issue persists, please clear the temporary folder (temp) on your computer, close/uninstall the antivirus software on your computer, and then reinstall the full version of the printer driver for testing.
Thank you

[RR1008Runner]

I have tried your suggestions, however, the issue remains. I am able to install LaserJst 4001 drivers without an issue. However, LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw does not work. The setup starts, goes on for 15+ min., gets to 99% and the error.

Any help would be appricated. Thank You!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @RR1008Runner 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand that the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw software installation consistently reaches about 99% and then displays the "An install operation took too long to execute" error, even after you have already tried the previous recommendations. 

I also appreciate the time you have spent testing the installation multiple times and confirming that another HP printer (LaserJet 4001) installs successfully on the same Windows 11 system. That helps narrow the focus to the M426fdw software installation path.

Based on the information provided, please try the following steps:

Remove the existing M426fdw software package completely.

• Disconnect the printer from the computer and network temporarily.

• Open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

• Remove all entries related to:

• HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw
• HP Printer Software
• HP Universal Scan Software (if present)

Use Windows to clear the print queue and driver package.

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

• If the M426fdw appears, remove the printer.

• Open Print Server Properties:

• Press Windows + R
• Type: printui /s /t2
• Press Enter

Verify that the Print Spooler service is running.

• Press Windows + R.

• Type services.msc and press Enter.

• Locate Print Spooler.

• Ensure the service status is Running.

• If it is running, restart the service once.

Download and install the Full Feature Software package again.

• Download the latest Full Feature Software and Drivers package for the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw from the HP Support page.

• Save the package locally, such as in the Downloads folder.

• Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.

Temporarily perform the installation using a USB connection.

• If the current installation is attempting network discovery, connect the printer directly using a USB cable.

• Complete the software installation first.

• After installation is successful, switch the printer back to the desired network connection.

Install using the HP App.

• Remove any incomplete M426fdw installation attempts.

• Install the HP App from Microsoft Store.

• Open HP App and add the printer.

• Allow HP App to download and configure the required print and scan components automatically.

Check Windows optional updates.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates.

• Install any available printer, framework, or device-related updates.

• Restart the system and retry the installation.

Since the installation consistently stops at 99%, one additional point to check is whether the setup creates a temporary HP installation folder and then stalls while configuring scan services. Installing first through a direct USB connection and then configuring the network connection afterward often helps isolate that stage of the setup.

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye