Can't install new Officejet Pro 7740 on Windows 11 pro

[Jer-Dur77]

Have purchased a new Office jet pro 7740 and can't get it installed on Windows 11 Pro. when running through the install drivers it just comes up with Driver is unavailable

[Dragon-Fur]

@Jer-Dur77 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

The connection type can impact whether the driver can be installed.

Whether the system is set up to detect and automatically configure devices can impact installation of this type.

Setting up everything "just right" can still result in failure if one little thing is not "just so".

It is supposed to be easy.

Printer software installation generally works.

What if it does not work?

Following is a lot of information.

If you find it overwhelming, please ignore any piece or all of what is suggested.

If you opt to ignore "all of it",

Do this Instead: 

Download and run the Print and Scan Doctor - this simple approach sometimes does the trick quite nicely.

Website:  HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows

The long way 'round...

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Preparation / Considerations

Do / Don't do / Read...

Change the printer connection type to TCP/IP > Video:  Create & Use TCP IP port

Assign the printer its own IP address on your network > Wireless Printing Center – Static IP Address

Make sure the printer software is not "partly installed", that is, after a standard "uninstall" to remove the old / existing printer software, check and remove pieces of software left over from a previous installation attempt.  See Section (below)  Check and Remove Section

Switch OFF Automatic setup of network connected devices > See Section (below) More than “Basic” Installation

If you normally connect the printer to your network using Ethernet, consider unplugging the printer from Ethernet and using Wireless to connect the printer and then install the printer software.  Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

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Printer Software

Printer Software Installation Package - Download and Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

Consider using some or all of the steps in this procedure when there are problems reinstalling the software.

Start - “All the bits”

Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

Restart the computer and sign  in

Reminder: 

Windows > Uninstall HP printer software > Restart.

Next,

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Check > If the printer is found, Right-Click and Remove the printer

If you have to "remove" the printer, next:  Restart the computer and sign in

NOTE:  If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and sign in

Check and Remove Section

Reminders

• After all checks > If any changes are made > Restart the computer and log in
• Can't stand it?  Do the first one and ignore the others - see how it goes

Check / Remove - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

(Top Ribbon) Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Select each unwanted entry > Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Check / Remove – Printer folder/files in C:\ ProgramData

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\ProgramData > Open folder Hewlett Packard

Delete any Printer related folders / files

Check / Remove - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Check / Remove  - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account

Clear HP / files in Temp folder

Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (Ignore files that cannot be removed)

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

Manual Queue Reset

Optional – Add this procedure only if there are continuing issues…

Windows 10 / Windows 11

Windows Start > Search for “Services”

Optionally Right-Click and Pin to Start / Taskbar > Open Services App

Windows 10

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services

Next,

Scroll down, find, Right-Click, and Stop Print Spooler Service

Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)

Navigate to the folder and Delete any files found in folder C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Start Print Spooler Service

End Check and Remove Section

After all checks are completed > Restart the computer and log in

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Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers. 

 If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

• Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
• 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”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

“Not installing” and  “What If?”

More than “Basic” Installation -- Optional -- Read  / Consider -Try / Ignore  --

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• Control Panel > icon view >  Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings > UNCHECK (clear box) next to Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices > Save Changes.

Next

• Windows 10 > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners
• Windows 11 > Settings > Devices & Bluetooth > Devices and Printers
• If printer is listed > Remove

Next

• Right-Click Windows Start > Device Manager > As / If available:  Expand category Imaging Devices > Remove / Uninstall any all listing(s) for your printer

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Next,

• “Firmware Update” Question > If you wish control over when the printer firmware is updated – AND if the installation provides you a choice in the matter – Select Auto Update OR Notify as wanted > Apply

Next,

• Repeat / Retry the Automatic or Manual Setup (cancel and retry) if necessary.

(Still) Stubborn – Will not Install – Installation hung, spinning, Lost in the Abyss

• Answer questions according to your connection type (for example, Wired (Ethernet), Wireless).
• Automatic Setup Option – marked as “Recommended” – but might fail:  If you choose Automatic Setup > (Then) If Device fails to connect within (about 60 seconds) and continues to “spin” > Cancel” > Repeat that  you mean to do so > Let the program recover > Select Manual Setup > Enter Printer IP address or other means to help the device be found on the network.
• Manual Setup Option – This option, too, might fail if the printer cannot be “found”.  Tap the printer display panel to be sure the printer is “on” – if the printer lacks a display, tap the printer Information button – At the installation menu, Cancel the endless search for the device > Repeat the connection type (Wired / Wireless) setup.
• Repeat the Automatic or Manual Setup (cancel and retry) if necessary.

One final hurdle (obstacle)

• If, toward the end of the installation, the “Install the latest Easy Start software” menu pops up > “X” out of the menu / Window > Confirm that you wish to “Exit Device Service Setup” > Close

Optional  - General Good Practice

Open Printing Preferences > Select / set shortcut to “Everyday Printing” > OK to save / exit

NOTES

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

References / Resources

There are parts to the Printer Software:

• HP Smart application - supports printing and scanning PDF and Photos / Images.  HP Smart is supported in many regions and on many newer networked printers - The app is available from the  Microsoft Store .  HP Smart requires that you sign in using your HP Account credentials.  HP Smart benefits when the full driver printer software is also installed. 

• HP Smart Printing – “Smart Printing” is a selection in the printer list when choosing the printer to be used for the current job setup.  For example, the interface is available as an enhanced menu in More Settings

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in programs (for example, Word), and access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver printer software includes 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.

When installed,

HP Smart is listed in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

HP Smart is never listed in Programs and Features

When installed,

The Full Driver printer software is listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

And

The Full Driver printer software can also show up in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_6

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 OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer series 

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