HP MFP M29w Unable to install Printer (Win 11 24H2) - Driver is unavailable

[RangerZ]

SUMMARY
I am trying to install the "HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28wM29wM30wM31w Printer Basic Software Solution" and the installer fails. I have also attempted to install this through the Bluetooth and Printers in Settings, but get a "Driver is unavailable" message. This is on a new clean Win 11 24H2 Pro with WSD disabled.

DETAILS

I am setting up some new PCs (Win 11 24H2) in a small office that has 2 HP multi-function printers. The printers are an MFP M283fdw and a MFP M29w. Scanning is generally done with other hardware.

I always try to set printers up using Hostname for resiliency, or IP. I do not care to update these EVER, nor do I wish to have all the "AUTO" stuff running and have disable WSD. HP Smart is not installed.

I was able to setup the M283fdw using the Universal PCL6 Print Drivers (Add a device => using the Hostname). The "HP Universal Scan - Basic Feature Software and Driver" installer wanted the IP address. The "HP Universal Fax Driver for Windows" took the HostName.

For yuks, I installed the same Universal Print Driver for the M29w, as we really do not need the scanner. FWIW, I already knew that the scan driver used above works with the M29w as i mistakenly selected it when setting up the M283fdw. The process reported "You have successfully added [your printer]" but it did not print a test page or print from a document. Disappointed, but not totally shocked, I ran the installer for the "HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28wM29wM30wM31w Printer Basic Software Solution" package. I attempted to install this 3 times, once with the HostName and twice with the IP. This always found the device, but failed multiple times. The failed installs did litter the desktop with the related Icons for scanning and supplies.

After this I also attempted to install it using the item discovered by Windows in Bluetooth and Printers. This failed with a message "Driver is unavailable" (interesting text??). This may have been there for the other installs, but I was focused on the big blatant dialog boxes (with no exit button).

I use Macrium Reflect to make incremental images for this specific reason, so the 3rd attempt was on a freshly restored image and a new download of the installer from HP

Regretfully I did not spend any time attempting to debug the Universal Driver, including it's properties in Bluetooth and Printers or in Device manager. Not clear if there was even an error. I should have at least tried to update the driver??

I have another computer in the office, that's basically stock config and also has HP Smart running. It found and installed the printer immediately, so I know the network and printer are OK.

I would like to think the software package above contains not only the (un-needed) tools, but the driver. As the device was discovered It's not a wireless issue.

Again, other than stopping WSD ([-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors\WSD Port]), and stopping Windows from managing my printers, I have done nothing else that I am aware of.

Hopefully not to long for you all to read.

Thank you

RangerZ

[zoey7886]

@RangerZ, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w Driver Issues on Windows 11 24H2! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

The problem you're experiencing with the "Driver is unavailable" message when trying to install the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w on Windows 11 version 24H2 could be attributed to several factors including compatibility, software updates, and Windows settings.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

Update Drivers: Ensure you are using the latest drivers specifically compatible with Windows 11 24H2. It’s possible that the driver you are attempting to install does not support this version. Visit the HP official website for driver downloads: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w Drivers.

Enable WSD: Although you have mentioned that WSD is disabled, enabling it might help in establishing proper communication with the printer.

Use Microsoft IPP Class Driver: As a workaround, you can use the Microsoft IPP Class driver included in Windows 11.

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers and Scanners.
• Click Add Device, select the printer, and follow the on-screen instructions to install it using IPP drivers.

Check Windows Updates: Sometimes a Windows update might affect driver installation. Ensure your Windows 11 is up-to-date by navigating to Settings > Windows Update.

Reinstall the Basic Software:

• Remove any existing printer entries from Printers and Scanners.
• Manually install the printer using the step-by-step installation guide from HP, ensuring every previous driver or software version is uninstalled first.

Consider System Restore: If it was previously working, restoring your system to a point before the issue started might resolve the conflict.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,