HP Deskjet 2050 won't work in Big Sur - Printer trying to damage my Mac?

[z4m]

Pfff... where do I even start. Believe me, I've done my research...

• I know the official issue that is going on related to the revoked certificate from Apple and HP and I'm aware of this KB: https://support.hp.com/ca-en/document/c06960563  However that is useless for me as there are no new drivers for my printer since Mountain Lion, that's about 6 years. Naturally, the existing driver on their website won't even install on my Mac. https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/selfservice/closure/hp-deskjet-2050-all-in-one-printer-series-j...
• I've tried all the below workarounds but none of them seems to be working for me:
• Uninstall and then reinstall HP drivers. 

• 1. Delete the /Library/Printers/hp folder

  2. Delete Printer from System Preferences > Printers and Scanners

  3. Install HewlettPackardPrinterDrivers.dmg from Apple

  4. Add printer back in System Preferences > Printers and Scanners by hitting the + button. You should see your printer listed under USB (But that's not the case it just offers a generic driver and prompts that I'm missing the printer drivers) 

• Earlier I used to install by plug and play and Mac OS used to prompt to Let macOS install the correct driver for me. Also no luck, nothing is prompting anymore.

• HP Easy Start – I tried getting them from here and no luck: https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/printers

• HP Easy Admin – I also tried this tool. There is no recent driver there.
• The printer is old so there's no Airprint option from my side.

At this point, I'm so frustrated. I just bought 3 cartridges that are going to be a waste of money unless I figure out some way to fix this... So I'm humbling myself to the masters of this community, please let me know what else I'm missing. Heck, I've been even considering installing a virtual machine with Windows 7 to install it 😞 (Not ideal).

I know plenty of people here take from their personal time just to help out without receiving anything from HP so to you all my respect and thanks for reading me this far.

Z4M

[The_Fossette]

@z4m

I reviewed your post and I understand that the printer is not working on the latest Mac operating system.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

As you have rightly mentioned, there are no drivers from HP for the Mac OS version 11. However, Gutenprint (formerly called Gimp-Print) provides open-source basic print drivers for many printers that would otherwise not be supported in Mac OS X. To see if your printer is supported, go to Gutenprint drivers for more information.

NOTE: Gutenprint drivers are not supported by HP or Apple.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

P.S: Welcome to the HP Support Community 😊

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

Stay Home – Stay Safe

[ShlomiL · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Let's try installing below drivers:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software12/HP_Quick_Start/osx/Installations/Essentials/ASU/HewlettPac...

Download the file to your Mac, right-click (Or CTRL + Left Click) and select Open, then complete the installation wizard.

Power on the printer and ensure it is connected, then open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and press the plus sign.

Select your printer, then select the printer model within the Use drop-down menu and press the Add button, then try printing.

Shlomi

[z4m]

Thank you Shlomi!
The shared driver worked perfectly! the printer was identified and all functions including scanning and printer supplies levels are back to the normality. I do appreciate the time you took to help me fix my issue!

[z4m]

Hi HP, 
Thanks for trying! Unfortunately, the "Gutenprint" 3rd party driver that you recommended didn't work out for me as the basic functions as Scanner and check supplies levels weren't working at all. Again, thanks for trying!

[Debsz]

This is the only solution that worked. Thank you so much ShlomiL. Very much appreciated 👍👍👍👍

[Faanp2000]

Hello Shlomil

I get the following message when trying to install the drivers from the link provided.  Can you perhaps assist?

Many thanks!

“HewlettPackardPrinterDrivers.pkg” can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.

[mieszek]

Thank You Shlomi.My HP DeskJet 2050 working crazy again. Greting from Poland