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×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- Cannot reinstall HP m148 on Windows 11

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10-25-2022 02:48 PM
My m148 lost connection on my home network. Printing to the printer queue resulted in no printer queue entries. But no errors during printing.
I went into Devices and Printers and next to the m148 it says "Driver unavailable". I tried uninstalling the printer but it would not uninstall.
I rebooted and tried again - could not remove.
I downloaded the latest scan and print doctor, latest drivers, latest HP Smart. Tried reinstalling the drivers - got an error that it cannot install the drivers.
Tried HP Smart - it fails and says to install the printer from Windows.
Removed it finally, rebooted. But when I try to reinstall (it finds the printer fine),, after a few minutes it says "Driver unavailable".
Tried removing all programs staring with "HP" and robooting. Same proglem. Printer is recognized, but HP Smart fails and installing it via Windows ends up with "Driver Unavailable".
I'm stuck, and can't contact support via phone - website won't let me because warranty is expired.
Anyone know how to clear everything and start over?
10-25-2022 03:30 PM
Welcome to the HP Community Forum.
Suggestions...
Restart everything, including the router that controls your network.
If the printer is accepted on the network...
- Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
- Restart the computer and sign in.
- Add the steps described in the "Check and Remove" section (included later in this message) to remove any extra pieces of printer software still lurking in the computer.
- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.
- Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software
Details / How-to / Examples
Use or Ignore based on your situation.
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>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software
The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.
The driver includes HP Scan – HP Scan supports scanning / saving / printing your scan content.
Preparation
If you have not done so,
In addition to the HP Smart application,
Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.
HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.
Make sure your VPN is switched Off when installing the HP Smart application or the printer software.
Printer Software Check - Is the full driver printer software installed?
Notes
When the full driver printer software is installed,
Find the printer software listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.
The installation of the full printer software adds shortcut icons to the Desktop.
- The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools
- HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.
- Where supported, when installed as part of the HP Smart application, HP Smart Printing is a modern style print driver that supports printing for Images and Documents.
Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_9
Next...
If… Installed Software is out of date or is not working
NOTE: If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected, remove and reload the software.
NOTE: Windows 11
Windows Start > Search for Control Panel and open
Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
Restart the computer and log in
What if?
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 log 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 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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Printer Software - Installation
Note: There are two methods to install the Full Feature / Full Solution Software.
Easy Start Software to Install HP Smart and / or the Full Feature / Full Driver Software
- Open Home Page - HP Easy Start >> Click to open Category Software and Drivers
- Download and Save the current version of the Easy Start Software installation package to install your print software
Easy Start can be used to install your printer software and / or the HP Smart application.
If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the Easy Start installation procedure.
OR
Printer Software - Install using the Full Webpack installation package.
Webpack installation package for this printer - Download and Save
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw Printer Full Software Solution
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).
Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2
- 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”
===========================================================
NOTES
Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”
Windows 11
Settings > System > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners
Scroll down > Switch OFF Let Windows manage my default printer
Scroll up > Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Set as Default
Windows 10
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
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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
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10-28-2022 09:24 PM
Thank you for the comprehensive list. As mentioned, I got stuck when the drivers would not uninstall. I was going to start down the path of using tools like Revo and checking the registry, but I tried something else. I really hate the bloated printer software that HP almost insists upon to use their printers. So I went into Windows and added the printer manually after first downloading the "Generic PCL6" drivers (I forget the actual file name/description, but it's on the list of driver files when you get to that list on the website.)
These drivers installed just fine. And the printer works fine and the scanner software works.
I was very frustrated that a phone number for support was not available because my printer was more than a year old - not even on a paid basis.
I've been using HP products ever since my first HP LaserJet I. This M148 replaced a 27-year-old Laserjet 4050. But it will be my last HP printer.