Is there a Universal Print Driver for Windows 11 for HP Deskjet 4158e multi-function printer?

[MikeL53]

I had tried MANY times to get the printer drivers to download for an HP Deskjet 4158e mulit-function printer, but although windows knows the correct driver, it says either the driver is unavailable or it can not be found.  Both various HP  and Microsoft customer service personnel say to go to the other to have them fix either the problem with the OS or the problem with the HP Smart program to download the driver.  Is there a generic HP print driver for an inkjet printer around that can be downloaded outside the HP Smart program? - The HP Smart Driver is 4100 Series PCL-3 driver.  I have a HP Pavilion Desktop computer running Windows 11, and keep it updated.

[Raj2111]

Hi @MikeL53 

Using non-HP cartridges in your HP Envy 7900e can sometimes lead to compatibility issues, especially with color cartridges. Here are a few steps you can try to bypass the error and get your printer working:

1. Reset the Printer

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Wait for about 5 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. This can sometimes clear temporary errors.

2. Reinstall the Color Cartridge

1. Remove the color cartridge and check for any protective tape that might still be on the contacts or the cartridge itself.
2. Clean the contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer using a lint-free cloth.
3. Reinsert the cartridge, ensuring it clicks securely into place.

3. Use Printer Settings

Sometimes, you can adjust printer settings to allow non-HP cartridges:

1. Open the HP Smart app or go to the Control Panel on your PC.
2. Navigate to Printers and select your HP Envy 7900e.
3. Look for any settings related to cartridge compatibility or “use non-HP cartridges” and select that option if available.

4. Update Printer Firmware

Make sure your printer's firmware is updated. HP sometimes releases updates that improve compatibility with third-party products:

• You can check for updates via the HP Smart app or the HP support website.

[MikeL53]

By the way, my multi-function printer is the HP Deskjet 4158e.  The ink cartridges are both original HP cartridges, 67XL, for tri-color and black. The printer has the latest firmware update, according to what the website tells me when I click on update.  The PC is also updated.  The problem according to HP is that the OS is blocking download of the printer driver, and according to Microsoft, the HP Smart app has to be fixed.  That is why I was wondering if anyone knew of a workaround to get a functional HP driver.  This is what pops up when I try to manually get the HP Printer Driver to download:

[ferRX]

Hi @MikeL53 

Try to install the next driver:

>> Deskjet 4158e - Full feature driver - Windows

Also you can try with the next generic driver:

>> https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software13/printers/COL93199/win-x64-pcl3-drv.exe

* Click YES   to say thank you, 

* Click Accepted Solution when question is answered.

Best regards,

ferRX.

[Repairatrooper]

If the suggestion by @ferRX does not resolve the issue I suggest you try an unsanctioned option. HP's latest Universal driver is called HP Smart Universal Printer Driver and is designed to replace virtually all other drivers. It offers support for PCL5/6 PCL3 and other formats. Your printer is not listed but I have used the driver successfully with a few older or non-listed printers and it costs nothing other than your time to try it. https://support.hp.com/ca-en/help/smartupd

[MikeL53]

Fe RX, I tried your two suggestions, but neither worked.  The Easy Start is a method I tried many times, and the other download does not seem to have worked.  Thank you for the suggestions.  It appears that the OS just does not recognize the driver, assuming it is downloaded.

[ferRX]

Hi @MikeL53 

Maybe there is some failure in Windows system for installing drivers.

You could try to install a manual driver with the steps from next video:

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWARLO4RNhs&ab_channel=MDTechVideos

* Click YES   to say thank you, 

* Click Accepted Solution when question is answered.

Best regards,

ferRX.

[MikeL53]

FerRx - This almost worked.  The message after the driver is downloaded is that the digital signature is missing or done incorrectly, so it doesn't work.

Getting closer to solving this. I do appreciate your help.

[ferRX]

Hi @MikeL53 

Try the steps from the next video tutorial:

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2-wZDux8L4&ab_channel=MDTechVideos

* Click YES   to say thank you, 

* Click Accepted Solution when question is answered.

Best regards,

ferRX.

[MikeL53]

Another disappointment - the U Tube video says that Local Group Policy editor is only available for Windows 10 and 11 Pro.  I have Windows 11 Home. I tried to find it anyhow, but it is not a part of Windows 11 Home.