Help. Connect HP8610 to Windows 11

[STBernard]

I have a new XPS Dell computer with Windows 11. I am trying to connect my HP OfficeJet Pro 8610. The computer says that the printer is offline. I have the original driver disc, but am not sure if it is even running. I am a troglodyte when it comes to this new operating system. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@STBernard 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

The "Offline" condition does have to be resolved, of course.

The original printer software disk won't install the right software -- just too old and not for Windows 11.

I've added the "extra steps" because you mentioned you were trying to install from that disk -- IF there is something tangled as a result of that attempt, the extra "Check and Remove" bits might help clear any remaining installation problems.

READ first, then do...

Start here --

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  

Next,

When the printer is accepted on the network...

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.
• If you see "Driver Unavailable" during installation, Start over:  Uninstall the printer software > Restart the computer and log in >>> Add the steps described in the "Check and Remove" section (included later in this message) to remove any extra pieces of printer software still lurking in the computer.
• If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.
• Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software

There are two methods to install the full driver printer software (described later in this message):

Easy Start

Webpack

For your older printer, use the Webpack / Full Feature Software installation package - 2nd method

Full Feature Software / Printer Installation Package / Download and Save

HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series / HP OfficeJet 8600 Series Printer Full Feature So... 

Details / How-to / Examples

Read, Use or Ignore the following based on your situation.

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>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

The driver includes HP Scan – HP Scan supports scanning / saving / printing your scan content.

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Make sure your VPN is switched Off when installing the HP Smart application or the printer software.

Printer Software Check - Is the full driver printer software installed?

Notes

When the full driver printer software is installed,

Find the printer software listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the full printer software adds shortcut icons to the Desktop.

• The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools
• HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.
• Where supported, when installed as part of the HP Smart application, HP Smart Printing is a modern style print driver that supports printing for Images and Documents.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_9

Next...

If… Installed  Software is out of date or is not working

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected, remove and reload the software.

NOTE:  Windows 11

Windows Start > Search for Control Panel and open

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

What if?

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and log in

==============================================================

Check and Remove Section

Check_and_Remove_Section_1

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Printer Software - Installation

Note:  There are two methods to install the Full Feature / Full Solution Software.

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

• 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 and / or the HP Smart application.

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

OR

Printer Software - Install using the Full Webpack installation package.

Full Feature Software / Printer Installation Package / Download and Save

HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series / HP OfficeJet 8600 Series Printer Full Feature So... 

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.

• 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 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”

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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

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 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series 

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