HP Easy Start Installation hangs!?

[HellEraser]

I am trying to install HP Easy Start, but the installation is hanging "Checking Your Software Needs" - what gives, Windows 11 machine, HP4700 printer...

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @HellEraser 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

If your installation of HP Easy Start is hanging at the "Checking Your Software Needs" step on a Windows 11 machine for your HP 4700 printer, you can follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

 

Steps to Resolve Installation Issues:

End the HP Easy Start Task:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Locate HP Easy Start in the list of running processes.
• Right-click and select End Task.

Restart Your Computer:

• Sometimes a simple restart can resolve hanging issues.

Check for Windows Updates:

• Ensure that your Windows 11 machine is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.
• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Download the Latest Version of HP Easy Start:

• Make sure you have the latest version of HP Easy Start by downloading it from the HP Support website.

Install as Administrator:

• Right-click on the HP Easy Start installer and select Run as administrator.

Disable Security Software Temporarily:

• Sometimes security software can interfere with the installation process. Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software and try running the installer again.

Check for Network Issues:

• Ensure that your network connection is stable and that there are no firewall or proxy settings blocking the installation.

 

Alternate Installation Method:

If HP Easy Start continues to hang, you can manually download and install the driver and software package for your HP 4700 printer:

Visit the HP Support Website:

• Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads.

Enter Your Printer Model:

• Enter HP 4700 and select it from the list.

Select Your Operating System:

• Ensure that Windows 11 is selected.

Download the Full Feature Software and Driver:

• Look for the Full Feature Software and Driver package and download it.

Install the Software:

• Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[HellEraser]

Nope, my C4700 was wrorking, now it's not working under Windows 11, and I can get download support

[Hawks_Eye]

@HellEraser,

Thanks for the update—and I hear your frustration. The HP Photosmart C4700 series is an older model, and unfortunately, HP Easy Start is not fully compatible with it on Windows 11, which is likely why the installer hangs at “Checking Your Software Needs”.

Here’s what you can do instead:

🛠 Alternative Installation Method for HP C4700 on Windows 11

 

1. Use Windows Built-in Driver

1. Connect your printer via USB.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click Add device and wait—Windows should detect the printer and install a basic driver automatically.

 

2. Use Windows Update to Install Legacy Driver

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click the printer (if listed under “Other devices”) → Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers or Browse > Let me pick > Windows Update.
4. Wait for the list to populate and select HP Photosmart C4700 series.

3. Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool

• In the HP Smart app, click Printer Settings > Diagnose & Fix.
• Let it run a scan—it will automatically fix common connection issues.
  You can also access this tool on HP’s support page if needed.

If you still want to use HP Easy Start, you could try running it in Windows 7 compatibility mode, but success is hit-or-miss with legacy printers.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye