HP M255dw printer keeps getting error 79 error, and my solution is not great

[MarkJeffrey]

M255DW printer keeps saying error 79 and keeps trying to restart - over and over.  I've unplugged the printer - waited 60 seconds - many times - still doesn't work.

I have read previous posts that list the usual fixes (unplug, restart, update firmware, etc.) and the only fix that actually worked was to restart and revert back to factory settings.  However, once I do that and then try to update it to the latest drivers and firmware, the problem authomatically returns.  It's as if the latest update does not work with the latest macOS (26.5.2).

Not sure what to do in order to use the latest updates.  I've changed settings to not do any updates, but not sure about the stability going forward.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @MarkJeffrey,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for the detailed information. An Error 79 on the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw typically indicates that the printer is encountering a firmware, print-job processing, or internal system error. From what you've described, the fact that the printer works after a factory reset but the issue returns after updating firmware is an important clue.

Since you've already performed multiple power resets and confirmed that a factory reset temporarily restores functionality, I'd like to gather a little more information so we can better understand what's triggering the error:

• Is Error 79 displayed immediately after the firmware update completes, or only after the printer is reconnected to your Mac?
• Does the error occur when the printer is connected via Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB, or all connection methods?
• Is the printer currently connected to any other computers, mobile devices, or cloud printing services?
• Do you see the error even when the printer is powered on and disconnected from the network?
• Which firmware version is currently installed on the printer?
   

A few observations based on your findings:

• Since the printer can operate normally after a factory reset, a hardware failure is less likely.
• If the error consistently returns only after installing the latest firmware, the behavior could be related to the firmware itself or to a specific configuration that is restored after the update.
• For macOS Tahoe, HP no longer provides a traditional driver package for this printer model. HP recommends using the HP app and the built-in macOS printing framework rather than installing legacy printer drivers.
• If the printer remains stable with automatic updates disabled and the previous firmware intact, that information would be very helpful in isolating the cause.

Please let us know the answers to the questions above, along with the current firmware version shown on the printer's control panel (if accessible before the error occurs). That will help us determine whether we're dealing with a firmware-related issue, a specific configuration conflict, or another factor causing the Error 79 restart loop.

We look forward to your update.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[MarkJeffrey]

Thanks so much for the response.  Below are the answers to your questions related to my issue:

• Is Error 79 displayed immediately after the firmware update completes, or only after the printer is reconnected to your Mac?  "The Error 79 pops up after the firmware update is complete and it reboots the printer.  Once rebooted, the error message pops back up within 5 seconds, and (unless I unplug it) it will keep rebooting and keep giving the error message without connecting to the computer.

• Does the error occur when the printer is connected via Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB, or all connection methods?  "It is connected to wi-fi, and I have not tried a different connection option since Ive had the printer)

• Is the printer currently connected to any other computers, mobile devices, or cloud printing services?  "It is, in theory, a printer that is available to mobile devices as well, but I have not tried to use it in this manner for at least a year.  It is not used or connected to cloud printing services"

• Do you see the error even when the printer is powered on and disconnected from the network?  "I see the error, but I think the wi-fi connects automatically before the error message returns and the reboot repeat cycle continues over and over."

• Which firmware version is currently installed on the printer?  "Firmware version 2026-06-22"

I have turned off automatic updates and the printer has worked fine since then.  You mentioned that HP no longer provides a traditional driver package for this printer model, and to use the HP app and the built-in macOS printing framework rather than installing legacy printer drivers.  Can you help me with understanding the steps required for this?  Thanks.

Mark Alafita

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @MarkJeffrey,

Thank you for providing the additional details. The fact that the 79 Error appears immediately after the firmware update, followed by repeated restarts, while the printer remains stable when automatic updates are disabled, is an important detail.

Since the printer is currently working normally, I would leave automatic firmware updates turned off for now and avoid running the same firmware update again until the issue is resolved.

Set up the M255dw on your Mac
You do not need to search for an older HP driver package. You can use the HP app for printer setup and macOS's built-in printing support.

1. Install the latest HP app: HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site
2. Open the HP app and select Add Printer. 
3. Select your HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw when it appears. 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. 
5. Make sure the Mac and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. 

After setup, check Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners. The M255dw should appear there and can be used for normal printing.

If the printer is already listed
If the M255dw is already shown under Printers & Scanners, you can remove it and add it again:

1. Select the M255dw. 
2. Choose Remove Printer. 
3. Select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. 
4. Select the M255dw from the available printers. 
5. When available, select AirPrint as the printer software. 

AirPrint allows macOS to print without installing a traditional HP driver, provided the Mac and printer are on the same network.

If you cannot add the printer
If the printer does not appear, restart both the Mac and printer and make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Mac.

If necessary, you can also reset the macOS printing system: System Settings > Printers & Scanners

Control-click in the printer list and select Reset Printing System. After the reset, restart the Mac and add the M255dw again.

Since your printer is currently stable with automatic updates disabled, I would not change anything else on the printer at this point. The priority is to establish a reliable Mac connection without triggering the firmware update that causes the reboot cycle.

If you provide your Mac model and exact macOS version, I can narrow the setup steps to the options shown on your Mac.

[MarkJeffrey]

Thanks so much for the help.  My Mac model and OS version are:  2025 Mac Studio and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2.

I already use the HP app, and since everything so far is working so long as the firmware does not update, I wonder what will change/improve by removing the printer and adding it back on with the method you listed.  Let me know if you think I should still do it or keep it as is.  Thanks!

Mark Alafita

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @MarkJeffrey,

Thank you for confirming the Mac Studio and macOS version.
 

Since the M255dw is currently working normally and the 79 Error only occurs after the firmware update, I recommend leaving the current printer setup as it is.
 

There is no need to remove and add the printer again. Re-adding it would only refresh the printer connection on the Mac and would not resolve the firmware-related 79 Error.
 

For now:

• Keep the current HP app and printer setup.
• Keep automatic firmware updates disabled.
• Continue using the printer normally.
• Do not reinstall the firmware that is causing the reboot cycle.

If you later experience a printing or connection problem on the Mac, we can then work through removing and adding the printer using AirPrint.
 

At this stage, keeping the working configuration is the best option.