Can’t download smart ap

[Louis2024]

Printer has E blinking. Is a New printer set-up but smart app won’t download. Spent hours and hours!! Haven’t used printer for months because this issue. Printer was only 2 months old but got a new windows install. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Louis2024 

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

I’m really sorry you’ve been stuck with this for so long. When you’re excited to use a printer and the setup keeps slipping through your fingers, it can feel exhausting. Thank you for the time and patience you’ve already put in. 

Let’s walk through this together in a calm, steady way and get that E‑blinking issue and the HP App situation sorted.

Below is a clean, Windows‑only path you can follow. I’ll keep everything sensory, clear, and professional.

 

Step 1: Understand the “E” Blinking on the Printer

An E blinking usually means the printer is waiting for setup or is stuck in an error state.
Before anything else, let’s bring the printer back to a fresh, steady starting point.

Reset the printer

1. Keep the printer powered on.
2. Disconnect the power cable from the back of the printer.
3. Wait 20–30 seconds.
4. Plug the cable back in and let the printer settle until the lights stop dancing.

If the E continues blinking, move to the next step.

 

Step 2: Put the Printer Into Setup Mode Again

If the printer hasn’t been used for months, it may have exited setup mode.

To re‑enter setup mode

1. Press and hold Cancel (X) and Wireless buttons together for about 5 seconds.
2. The Wireless light should start pulsing, and the E should stop blinking.
3. This means the printer is now broadcasting its setup signal again.

 

Step 3: Fix the HP App Download Issue on Windows

Since you mentioned a new Windows installation, the system may be blocking the app or missing a component.

Try these steps

1. Open Microsoft Store on your PC.
2. In the top right, click Library.
3. Select Get updates and let everything refresh.
4. Search for HP App and try installing it again.
5. If it refuses to download, do this:
   • Open Settings
   • Go to Apps
   • Select Advanced app settings
   • Make sure Choose where to get apps is set to Anywhere
   • Restart the PC and try again

If the app still won’t download, continue below.

 

Step 4: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes the Store gets stuck and needs a gentle nudge.

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type wsreset -i
3. Press Enter
4. A blank window will appear and close on its own
5. Try downloading the HP App again

 

Step 5: Connect the Printer Without the App 

This helps confirm the printer itself is healthy.

1. On your PC, open Settings
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices
3. Select Printers & scanners
4. Choose Add device
5. If your printer appears, add it
6. Once added, try printing a simple test page

If this works, the printer hardware is fine and we only need to fix the app installation.

 

Step 6: Reinstall Windows Printer Components

If Windows is missing a service, the HP App may fail to install.

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Apps
3. Select Optional features
4. Scroll down and ensure Microsoft Print to PDF and Internet Printing Client are installed
5. If not, install them and restart the PC
6. Try installing the HP App again

 

Step 7: Confirm Network Conditions

The HP App needs a smooth network to detect a printer in setup mode.

Check these:

• PC and printer must be on the same Wi‑Fi network
• Network should be 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz
• VPN should be off
• Firewall should not be blocking Microsoft Store

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye