Problem getting my Dell Vostro with Windows 11 to connect with my HP Envy 5540 printer.

[Silverwolf1]

Recently my Dell Vostro has suddenly stopped communicating with my HP Envy 5540 printer.  Every time I reinstall the printer, I either can't keep the laptop recognizing that the printer is online (which it is...connected to a common home network) or I get a message that the driver is unavailable.  I've tried all of the prescribed remedies with no success.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Silverwolf1 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Perhaps the source of the problem is a network issue -- a poor, outdated, old router or a misconfiguration of a decent router can cause the types of issues you describe.  

and / or

If you are running a Dual Band network, be aware that the printer supports 2.4GHz (only).

Check the "Offline" condition solutions (Section 2 below)

If the software installation is complaining "Driver Unavailable" when you try to reinstall the software, add the steps in "Check and Remove" when you uninstall the existing printer software.

Three Sections + References / Resources

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1) Dual Band Network

Printer Specifications for HP ENVY 5540, DeskJet 5570 Printers

Section Connectivity

Select a printer model to review information about the supported methods for connecting the printer to your computer, mobile device, or network and the network protocol specifications.

HP ENVY 5540 All-in-One printers

The following list of methods for connecting the printer to your computer, mobile device, or network are for the HP ENVY 5540, 5541, 5543, 5544, 5547, 5548, and 5646 printers.

Connection method	Requirement
Wired (Ethernet)	n/a
Wireless	802.11 b/g/n – 2.4 GHz networks only
USB	Hi-speed 2.0 USB
Wi-Fi Direct	Wireless network
HP Smart app	n/a
Near field communication (NFC)	n/a

Reminders 

Some printers, particularly older models, only support 2.4GHz

Some printers support both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or cannot connect to your 5GHz frequency, try 2.4GHz.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency (5GHz and 2.4GHz).

and

 Connect the printer to the SSID network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Dual Band Network / considerations

Easy to read articles on the subject of different Wireless standards

Wi-Fi 1 - 7

 SignalBoosters - What are IEEE 802.11 Standards? : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax

 SignalBoosters - The 802.11ac WiFi Standard Explained

And

 Lifewire - 802.11 Standards Explained: 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n, 802.11a

802.11 Frequency

Standard Band

11a 5 GHz

11b 2.4 GHz

11g 2.4 GHz

11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

11ac 5 GHz

 How to Change Wi-Fi Channels on Your Router

=============================================

EWS > HP Document / How-to

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Open your favorite browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wired (802.3) > IPv4 Configuration

Open your favorite browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > IPv4 Configuration

As Available:

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > Advanced

Network Interface on / off, Network SSID name, Security Settings, Passphrase / Password

Select and connect to the correct SSID / network name for the bandwidth you are using.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

2) Offline Condition

Although the printer appears to be switched on, it does not communicate with other devices on your network.

Consider >> Restart All

Restart Everything, including the router that controls your network

Next,

Offline - Known solutions, presented in the order to be completed / considered

  HP printer is offline or not responding - Windows / Mac  

Section “Advanced Troubleshooting” > Solutions specific to Windows / MacOS / HP Smart (Printer Unavailable)

AND

Troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection to an HP printer 

 HP Printers - Using a Wireless Network Test Report

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

3) Remove / Install the full driver printer software

If not done by this point...

Restart everything, including the router that controls you network.

Can't stand it?  At least restart the printer and the computer and any device you can stand to be without for a short time.

Next,

Run Windows Updates  --  If any updates are installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Next,

Printer - Full Feature Software - Install

If you have not done so, consider

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  Printer Assistant and HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

What if?

If you are having trouble using or installing the software, for example, everything goes along swimmingly and suddenly you see "Driver Unavailable" or other odd installation problems, Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section when uninstalling the printer software.

Check_and_Remove_Section_4

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download  <<<

HP ENVY 5540 series Full Feature Software and Drivers 

Installation

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

====================================

The installation of the full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

>>> Open the Printer Assistant > tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

References / Resources 

User Guide

Starting on Page 58 - Chapter 7 - Connect Your Printer

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

Open

HP ENVY 5540 All-in-One Printer series 

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