I have a new computer so it does not have the printer software on it. How do I get the software?

[Sally1402]

I have an HP Officejet Pro 8600

[BeemerBiker]

If English is not your native language or if you wish to get additional information not covered below, then use the HP and Microsoft support assistants. The latest HPSA supports 36 languages and can be downloaded here. Microsoft's AI assistant is in the latest Windows 10 and 11 releases and there are instructions here on how to enable the AI. Microsoft's AI assistant (Copilot) has a microphone button and supports natural language processing.

You may need to reset your printer.

Disconnecting the USB or ethernet cable may still leave the printer in the wired mode. Connecting an ethernet cable may still leave the printer in Wi-Fi mode. The Wi-Fi reset is used to put Wi-Fi printers into setup mode. Some printers have a semi-reset, a full reset and a factory reset. Please refer to the user manual to find the difference. Some resets are simple and others require a video to understand. Factory resets cannot be revealed in this forum. To do a factory reset of your printer, you must contact HP.

Click here for world-wide contact info

Wi-Fi reset instructions and videos (if any) are shown below. Generally you have 2 hours to connect your printer after performing the Wi-Fi reset. Note that a reset video may show a slightly different model than yours.

The steps below are Wi-Fi only and do not perform a factory reset.
Microsoft's Copilot may provide alternate solutions.

1. Go to the printer control panel
2. Touch right arrow
3. Touch Setup
4. Touch Network
5. Touch Restore Network Defaults, then select Yes
6. Wait for message stating network defaults have been restored

Wi-Fi connection

Ideally, your Wi-Fi printer should connect to the modem or router. If your network has multiple boosters / repeaters, it is possible the printer may connect randomly to any of the units. The modem needs to provide the same IP address on every connection. This rarely happens with random connects. An alternate Wi-Fi connection is Wi-Fi direct. Your laptop or smartphone prints directly to the printer and does not go through the modem.

This video shows how to connect to the router: 8600
A simple connection to the modem can be done by using the WPS pushbutton method. This is explained on page 226 in this User Manual.

Software

HP updates software periodically. Downloads shown below may be old. You should always visit the Software and Download page to look for new releases. You may need to select an operating system (OS) first. If windows 11 is missing then use 10. You can go as far back as Windows 7, 64bit to get missing drivers. After selecting the OS click the blue Open all button to view all downloads.

Full function printer drivers can be downloaded here: 8600 N911n 8600 not the pro
You can find all of the software here: 8600 all. You should select the OS and then look for the phrase "Open All" and click that. Drivers from Windows 7 and up are usually compatible with the latest Windows OS.

Documents

All documents are available at the below HP site. The user and reference manuals show how to get status reports and analyze error indicators on printer that have no control panel.

All HP manuals are here: 8600 all

Support Videos - Parts - Disassembly

HP has a YouTube site and there are a number of video in English and other languages. Typically unboxing, clearing paper jams, and cartridge problems. You may also find instructional disassembly videos from other users.

Parts, if any available, can be found here 8600. Use your serial number for more extensive information.
Printer problems could be cleared by one or more of these HP YouTube videos 8600

Printer Reference

One or more printer reference is listed below. Typically your printer may be part of a series and use the same software and manual. The exact spec may be different.

Specifications for your system: 8600 + N911 8600 N911a

Let me know if you have a flex system (WiFi boosters or repeaters) as the setup is much more complicated when using the router type of connection.

[LGHY]

These videos show you how to install your printer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ineW2PaMPkU