Hp officejet pro 8120e win 11 "unavailable driver" support hung up when i wouldn't install non- hp p

[rafdo]

No driver after 2 days downloading, installing & following all instructions w hp and win 11. I'm late 70s not IT but use scanners daily with windows laptop that has patients medical records. Phone support with heavy fast talking accent talked faster asking nicely to slow down. He quickly said hp didnt have a good driver. Wanted me to install a non- hp program as only solution. Google said it was known for hacking id theft. Can't remember name, sorry. Cs hung up as soon as I said no because of security and ask for option. Hp sent 2 different emails saying cases were closed.  Have wasted 2 days not finding a driver after returing 2 othe epson and hp all in ones. Install every driver, webpack, hp smart & ran every windows printer driver locate program. My win 11 pro connects to hp2120e with wireless and ethernet. Device manager recognizes hp unit but under driver says not available. Have basically tried every internet suggestion

 Hp real person cs help is not available, no email. Hope this community help works. Im ready to return the unit and give up but that will delay several people medical care.

[Dragon-Fur]

@rafdo 

Welcome to the HP Community --

HP Support does not free-post chat or phone numbers on the Internet.

The fast-talker was just another of the many, many Scammers out there prowling for victims.

Good that you hung up right away.

Good Job -- Not everyone escapes the snares.

OK -- There is a full driver printer software package for your printer and Windows 11.

The "unavailable driver" message can show up in a couple of places, and yes -- during or after installing the software is one of these.

Suggested:

Check that Settings > Windows Updates is not "Pending" updates.

If you install any updates, afterwards to Restart the computer and log in.

Next,

Uninstall exiting full driver from Programs and Features

Restart your computer and log in

Next,

(Re)install the full driver

Restart the computer and log in

Next,

Check that Printer Properties > Tab Advanced - Driver is set to HP driver (and not an IPP / Microsoft driver).

Adjust if necessary...

Details / Examples

Dragon Note

If you wish to do so -- or are more comfortable using the method, installed printer software can be uninstalled from Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

Regardless of how you uninstall the software, Restart the computer afterwards.

Reminder: 

The full driver is listed as the printer model and NOT as "HP Smart" -- different animals.

General Example - Installed Apps - Full Driver Printer Software

Settings_Apps_Installed_Apps_Printer_Software_1

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Parts of the Printer Software

HP Scan is part of the full driver printer software.

and

HP Scan should be included when you install the full driver printer software.

There is no sign-in required to use the full driver printer software.

HP Smart requires sign-in but does not include the HP Scan software.

HP Smart does include / support Print and Scan features, plus Share, Save, Save to Cloud, and Mobile Fax.

---------------------------------------------------------

Printer Software - Full Driver

Web Pack Installation - Web Page - Full Driver Printer Software

 HP OfficeJet Pro 8120 series EasyStart Printer Setup Software - Offline Use Only 

Download, Save, and Install.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

---------------------------------------------------------

               Installed Software

Containers, Shortcuts on the Desktop

            What about HP Scan?

Once installed, the full driver printer software will have added one of two "container" shortcuts on the Desktop:

• Printer Assistant - named for the printer model

OR

On newer printers and when the new full driver printer software no longer supports the Printer Assistant:

• Scan Assistant - named for itself

Example - Various Printer related Shortcut icons on the Desktop

Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_11

Next,

The full driver printer software, once installed, will have added a shortcut icon for HP Scan. 

The shortcut for HP Scan that is part of the full driver might be named for the printer model.

Separately -- Supported on this printer and Windows 11

Installation of the HP Universal Scan Software adds an "HP Scan" self-named shortcut icon to the Desktop.

NOTE

If you have installed the full driver printer software, you do not need to install HP Universal Scan -- the version of HP Scan that installs with the software for this printer is a functional match to the HP Universal Software.

That said, if you can't stand it, the system will tolerate installing both the full driver and the HP Universal Scan software.

HP Universal Scan Software

Printer Model and Operating System version Dependent >>

When the software is installed, HP Universal Scan Software adds a self-named HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Note

Where supported, HPUSS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature / full solution printer software.

Open website  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software 

If needful, choose a different OS > Open all

Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack 

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

General Example - HP Universal Scan / New Format HP Scan

HP_Universal_Scan_PDF_More_Destination_1

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

Example - Installed Apps / Software - Shortcut icons on the Desktop

Printer Assistant OR Scan Assistant shortcuts (printer model dependent)

HP Scan shortcuts

Location of Apps / full driver (when installed)

Manage Scan to Computer

HP_Printer_Assistant_HP_Scan_Assistant_5

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

Printer Properties

 Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

Right-Click on your Printer > Printer Properties > Tab Advanced

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer >

Printer Properties > Tab Advanced

Driver = HP Driver (and not IPP / Microsoft driver)

Optional

Keep printed documents

Printing Defaults

Printer_Properties_Reprint_8

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

Default Printer - Windows

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

Default_Printer_Check_and_Manage_3

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

Message Content References

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 User Guide - HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e - HP OfficeJet Pro 8130e Series

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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: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e All-in-One Printer Series  

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"