I can not get my Smart Tank to work on USB connection

[NotSoSmartTank]

I have  a home garden office where the computer is connected to the router via an ethernet cable. The printer is connected to the computer with a USB cable. My smart tank has always worked fine with this setup, on windows 10, but recently I bought a new computer with Windows 11. When I first connected the printer with the USC connection, it actually continued working with no problem. 

However, after about a week, it crashed halfway through a print job. I am not sure quite what happened, and it was a few days ago, but since then I have tried everything that I have been able to find online, including uninstalling and reinstalling the printer, attempting to use HP  Smart (which seems to only work for when both the computer and printer are on the same wifi). I also tried 123.hp. It basically always ends up in the same place, saying the driver is unavailable. Could it be possible that they simply forgot to create a driver for USB connection compatible with Windows 11? But then, why did the printer work for a few days and then crash? Also, oddly, the scanner function seems to still work.

Any help at all would be most appreciated as I Have been going round in circles for two days with this! 

I suppose there should also be a bluetooth connection available locally without using the wifi but it really ought to not be this complicated to connect a printer with a USC cable

Thanks!

[NotSoSmartTank]

Update: I was just able to print from a laptop using the USB cable. The laptop was not linked to the ethernet cable. Not sure if this information will help with the mystery of what is going on with the other computer. Perhaps it was a windows update or something like that?

[NotSoSmartTank]

Just to be clear I am still hoping to get advice on how to fix the USB connection on my desktop computer.

[Deep_World]

Hi  @NotSoSmartTank,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I hear your Concern, and I completely understand how confusing it can be when something that worked smoothly suddenly stops. Thank you for sharing all the details  that helps narrow things down. Since your scanner still works, it suggests the USB connection itself is fine, but the print driver may not be loading correctly in Windows 11. 

Let’s walk through a few troubleshooting steps together. 

Could you also confirm the exact Smart Tank model number (e.g., Smart Tank 500, 700, etc.)? 

1.Check Windows Updates

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates

Install any pending updates

Restart your computer after updates

2.Remove Old Printer Drivers

Corrupted drivers can block new installations.

Press Win + R → type printui /s → OK

Go to the Drivers tab

Remove any HP Smart Tank drivers listed

Restart your PC before reinstalling

3.Install Latest HP Driver

HP provides updated drivers for Windows 11.

Visit support.hp.com → enter your Smart Tank model

Download the Full Feature Software and Driver

Run the installer with the printer disconnected

Connect the USB cable only when prompted

4.Check Device Manager

Ensures Windows recognizes the printer correctly.

Right-click Start → Device Manager → Printers

Look for your Smart Tank printer

If it shows a yellow warning, right-click → Update driver

Choose Search automatically for drivers

5.Test with HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP’s diagnostic tool can automatically fix common issues.

Download from support.hp.com → HP Smart App

Run the tool with your printer connected

Follow on-screen instructions to repair driver or connection issues

These steps usually resolve USB driver issues on Windows 11. Since your laptop prints fine, the printer hardware and cable are not the problem  it’s very likely a driver conflict on the desktop. 

I hope this helps. 

[NotSoSmartTank]

Thanks

I found all that advice before, and tried everything, except that when I run printui/exe I don't get anything with any tabs in it. But I basically tried all the things you suggest.

I ended up getting a wifi access point for my office, and running HP Smart> this actually worked and I thought everything was fine. However, when I go to print something today, it is back to not working.

It is a HP Smart Tank 5105

[Deep_World]

Hi @NotSoSmartTank,
 

Thanks for your response.  I understand how  it must be to have your HP Smart Tank 5105 work one day and then stop the next. 
Kindly try the below steps : 

1.Verify Wi-Fi Connection

Your printer must stay connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer or mobile device.

On the printer, press and hold the Wireless button until the light blinks

Check that the wireless light is solid blue (indicating a stable connection)

Ensure your PC/phone is on the same Wi-Fi network

2.Run HP Smart Diagnostics

HP Smart can automatically detect and fix common connectivity issues.

Open HP Smart → Printer Settings → Advanced Settings → Run Diagnostics

Follow the prompts to repair wireless connection

Re-add the printer if prompted

3. Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause intermittent connectivity issues.

HP Smart → Printer Settings → Advanced Settings → Firmware Update

Ensure the printer is connected to Wi-Fi

Run the update and restart the printer afterwards

I recommend uninstalling and reinstalling the HP Smart app, then re-adding the printer. This refreshes the connection profile. If the problem persists, it may be worth checking whether your Wi-Fi access point is set to auto-switch bands (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz), as some printer only supports 2.4 GHz.

I hope this helps.