Envy Inspire 7220e and Windows 8.1

[neo3]

Hello, I have a problem with instalation of my new printer HP Envy Inspire 7220e, OS is Windows 8.1. This OS is not supported. Is there a some solution, please? I have not WiFi, I want to print with classic connection - notebook - cable - printer. Thanks. Marian.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @neo3 

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

Hello Marian, and thank you for sharing the details — you're absolutely right, Windows 8.1 is no longer officially supported for many newer HP printers, including the HP ENVY Inspire 7220e. 

But don’t worry — there are still a few practical options to help you get basic printing functionality working over a USB cable, even without Wi-Fi.

Solutions to Try

Option 1: Use Windows Built-in Driver (Basic Printing)

Windows may have a basic built-in driver that can handle simple printing tasks.

Steps:

Connect the printer to your notebook using a USB cable.

Turn on the printer.

Wait a few moments — Windows may automatically install a basic driver.

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers to check if your printer appears.

Try printing a test page.

If Windows doesn’t find a driver, try installing a compatible one manually (see Option 2).

Option 2: Manually Add a Compatible Printer Driver

You can install a similar driver for another HP model that works with Windows 8.1 and supports basic printing.

Steps:

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer.

Select “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.

Choose “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings”.

Select the correct USB port (usually USB001).

Choose HP on the left, then try one of the following from the right:

HP DeskJet 9800

HP ENVY 4500 series

HP DeskJet 1110 series

Complete the wizard and try printing a test page.

⚠️ This will not support scanning or advanced features — only basic printing.

Option 3: Install on Another Supported System

If available, you could install the printer on a Windows 10/11 device, then:

Share the printer over USB (locally) or network.

Print from your Windows 8.1 device via shared access.

Option 4: Use HP Universal Print Driver (Limited Support)

HP’s Universal Print Driver (UPD) may offer compatibility, although support is mostly for LaserJet models.

HP Universal Print Driver for Windows

Try the PCL6 version and install manually as a local printer.

Let me know which option you'd like to try first, and I can guide you step-by-step. You're definitely not out of options — it just takes a workaround to keep older systems printing reliably.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[neo3]

Thank You so much for your help. I have not this printer already, but I bought HP Smart Tank 580 yesterday. I hade the same problem with instalation. I used your solution (Option 2) and I choosed different type of printer (HP Smart Tank Plus 650 series). The instalation was successful. Many thanks!  Marian

[Hawks_Eye]

@neo3 

You're very welcome, Marian — I'm glad to hear that the solution worked for your new HP Smart Tank 580 as well, even though it's a different model!

Choosing a similar printer driver (like the Smart Tank Plus 650 series) is often a great workaround for compatibility issues, especially on older operating systems like Windows 8.1, which may not officially support newer hardware.

If you run into any more questions or issues — printer-related or otherwise — feel free to reach out. Happy printing! 😊

Best regards,
Hawks_Eye