HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e driver is unavailable

[NeoBrJo]

I've done everything in all of the posts I've read on here; tried to print via wifi direct using a laptop and am stuck with "driver is unavailable." I uninstalled/reinstalled the software package from everything to the basic USB connection software to the full software suite. This would be a lot easier if I could just get the driver and driver alone, without all the added bloatware. I've also tried using the "Smart"app to install everything, but no matter what I do, I still end up with the "driver is unavailable" after I find the wi-fi direct printer on "add print or scanner" I'm able to only print via wi-fi direct using an iPhone. I've also tried to use the wi-fi connection option to connect to the "network" created by the printer, but that doesn't work either. Please help.

[Dragon-Fur]

@NeoBrJo 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

After you've tried "everything", it is increasingly difficult to suggest anything that might be useful.

I can offer the following for a recent, supported version of Windows.

I have included the essentials later in this message to (again) uninstall the software, check and remove left-over pieces of the software, and try again...

What else?

I would guess that if the printer will not connect, even using Wi-Fi Direct, that there are connection issues that are impinging on the ability of the printer to stay properly connected.  This problem might surface as an "Offline" issue.

Reference: 

Restart Everything, including the router that controls your network

Next,

Known solutions, presented in the order to be completed / considered

  HP printer is offline or not responding - Windows / Mac  

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Printer Software

The general solution:

• Restart everything, including the router that controls your network
• Uninstall the full driver printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• For "Driver Unavailable" >> Check and Remove any remaining pieces of printer software from the file system.  Scroll to References / Resources (below):  Complete the steps in the example > "Check and Remove", then come back...
• If changes are made, Restart the computer and log in
• Install a new copy of the full driver printer software
• Restart the computer and log in

For this printer...

When ready to install the full driver printer software...

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Method - Use the Easy Start Software to Install HP Smart and / or the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

Easy Start Installation Package - Information and Download / Save

• 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 or the HP Smart application.

If the HP Smart Application is (already) Uninstalled, Use Easy Start OR Get a new copy of the application from the Microsoft Store

If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the Easy Start installation procedure.

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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.

Continuing

• 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 Web Pack 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

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Windows 11

Settings > 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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References / Resources

"Check and Remove" - Capture and Remove left over pieces of printer software after the software is uninstalled

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General Example - Full Feature Software - Installed - Windows

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General Example - Parts to the Printer Software - Windows

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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

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e All-in-One Printer 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community:

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[NeoBrJo]

I've yet to attempt the thorough run-through you have; I appreciate the info regardless of success.

I did have another question though. I don't have a wireless/wired connection to link the printer to; is this a "must-have" for the wi-fi direct to work? All older printers with wi-fi direct are able to just generate their own wi-fi signal and our laptops are able to successfully print. It seems if it would just let me install the driver for the wi-fi direct version of the printer, I'd be good to go. Not sure if that's why there needs to be an internet connection or not. Just FYI, with that being said, I did download the newest firmware to the printer using the Wi-Fi connection in a different building.

Thanks again for your help with this!

[Dragon-Fur]

@NeoBrJo 

You are welcome.

True, if the printer Wi-Fi Direct connection can be made to work, this solves the wireless connection break between the printer and the host computer.  Wi-Fi Direct, as described in your printer's user manual, is not full service wireless -- that said, if that is what you use and you understand the methodology, Wi-Fi Direct might suffice for your needs.

Yes, but...

I cannot verify whether Easy Start Software installation (for the full driver) works as expected in a Wi-Fi Direct setup.

Full Wireless >> Caveat:  IF you enabled the HP+ service package available on this printer, you must maintain a true Wireless connection and you must have the printer continually connected to the Internet.  If you don't know what this is, it is unlikely you enabled HP+ and you can ignore the advice.

Perhaps the simple "Restart everything" starting point will get things to a point where they are familiar and you can proceed as you have done in the past.

The driver is not a "Wi-Fi Direct" version -- the driver is installed in the environment available to it.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community:

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[NeoBrJo]

Thanks again for the help; I've tried the run-through three times with no luck. I've also tried both 20H2 and 21H2 versions of Windows. Secondly, I've tried connecting the printer to a wireless network and connecting the laptop to the same network. I even did a complete reinstall of all drivers thinking there may have been some kind of issue with the wireless card drivers. 

I was able to successfully connect a Dell 5420; however, simply by connecting to the wi-fi direct without any issues. I have no clue why the 5420s are able to connect, but the Rugged 5420s and E7450s are unable to connect. Is it possible there are some wireless adapter cards don't support wi-fi direct? Or atleast don't support the method needed to receive the driver via wi-fi direct. The 5420 that successfully connected seems to have downloaded the necessary driver on its own without having to install any of the HP suite/software.

I'll let everyone know once I figure this issue out (if I ever do).