Linux Mint and HPLIP compatibility with HP Envy 4526 printer

[JukkaL]

I'm considering to replace Windows 10 with Linux Mint on my HP ProBook 650 G1 laptop, which is connected via Wi-Fi to HP ENVY 4526 printer.  Does HPLIP currently support this printer and if not, is it possible to add support for it?

[Osgood4]

The supported printers page at https://developers.hp.com/hp-linux-imaging-and-printing/supported_devices/index  doesn't list the HP Envy 4526  explicitly, but I expect it's included as one of the HP Envy 4520 All-in-one Printer Series, which is listed and requires HPLIP version 3.15.11 or later, so I expect you'll be OK. The Ubuntu repositories that Linux Mint uses are up to 3.21.12.

I've used HPLIP with 3 different HP printers, with very little problem. It just works. The only possible glitch is that it doesn't report ink levels. I don't know if you can see them on Windows. The lack of a Linux version of the HP Smart app was perhaps a deficiency when trying to diagnose a printer hardware problem, but HPLIP is good.

As an off-topic aside, I see your HP ProBook 650 is from 2009. Recent versions of Linux Mint are messier to boot from an MBR rather than a UEFI partition, but it's doable. Have a look at https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=403496 .

[JukkaL]

Thanks for your information. Yes, HP Envy 4520 All-in-one Printer Series is listed with HPLIP version 3.15.11 but not shown e.g. with version 3.26.4. Does HP list only new supported printers on the list or Is it possible to check supported printers by given HPLIP version?  Anyway, I think the printer issue should not be the problem. 

As an off-topic aside, I asked advice according to my laptop's BIOS version for Google AI and got the following:

Your specific BIOS version (Hewlett-Packard L77 Ver. 01.46) supports both UEFI and MBR (Legacy) boot systems. To install Linux Mint on your HP ProBook 650 G1, you should set your BIOS to UEFI Native mode and format your USB installation drive using the GPT partition style.

Modern Linux distributions natively favor modern UEFI over old Legacy systems. Setting it up correctly from the start prevents common installation boot failures.

1. Prepare Your USB Flash Drive

When using an application like Rufus to burn the Linux Mint ISO file onto your USB drive, use these exact configurations:

• Partition scheme: Select GPT (do not select MBR).
• Target system: Select UEFI (non CSM).

2. Configure Your HP BIOS Settings

Before plugging in your installer, power on your laptop, tap F10 repeatedly to enter the HP BIOS Setup Utility, and make the following adjustments:

• Enable UEFI: Navigate to Advanced > Boot Options and change the boot mode setting to UEFI Native (Without CSM). (Turning off CSM prevents the laptop from accidentally trying to boot the USB in old MBR mode).
• Disable Secure Boot: Go to the Security tab. Look for Secure Boot Configuration and set it to Disable. While modern Linux Mint officially supports Secure Boot, early 2018-era HP firmware frequently blocks third-party Linux certificates. Disabling it avoids unnecessary startup lockouts.
• Save and Exit: Press F10, select yes to save changes, and let the computer reboot.

3. Booting Into the Installer

1. Shut down the laptop completely.
2. Insert your newly created Linux Mint USB drive into a USB slot.
3. Turn the laptop on and immediately press the F9 key repeatedly.
4. The HP Boot Menu will display. Select your USB drive under the UEFI Boot Devices list.
5. Select "Start Linux Mint" from the introductory GRUB screen to test the live environment and proceed with your disk installation.

I know that AI can make mistakes, however I'm eager to hear any comments to instructions given above.

[Osgood4]

https://developers.hp.com/hp-linux-imaging-and-printing/supported_devices/index doesn't list a maximum HPLIP version for any printer, so I think you'll be OK.

On the side issue, my BIOS (Hewlett-Packard v: 68CDD Ver. F.07 date: 04/28/2010) only has experimental support for UEFI, so I didn't want to trust it. If you can use UEFI, go for it.

[JukkaL]

Silly me, I didn't first realized the word min. above HPLIP version. 

About the side isue,  I try to first find out that experimental UEFI support really works before installing Linux.