New printer allows admin-users to print, but not non-admin users

[SWE-CH]

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw is connected to an HP desktop (running Windows 11 Pro, 25H2, OS Build 26200.8875) via Ethernet. HP does not provide an installer/driver for 25H2 so I installed the printer on using the Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device.

I can print fine with my user (have admin permissions). Another user (without admin permissions) on the same(!) computer can select the printer in a print dialogue window and click "Print". The job becomes visible in the printer queue, but it never prints.

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the printer several times, shut the printer and computer off several times, cleared the C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS folder, but all to no avail.

My suspicion is that it has something to do with permissions, but I may be off in left field.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@SWE-CH 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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@SWE-CH wrote:

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw is connected to an HP desktop (running Windows 11 Pro, 25H2, OS Build 26200.8875) via Ethernet. HP does not provide an installer/driver for 25H2 so I installed the printer on using the Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device.

I can print fine with my user (have admin permissions). Another user (without admin permissions) on the same(!) computer can select the printer in a print dialogue window and click "Print". The job becomes visible in the printer queue, but it never prints.

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the printer several times, shut the printer and computer off several times, cleared the C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS folder, but all to no avail.

My suspicion is that it has something to do with permissions, but I may be off in left field.

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Personally, I wish HP would not place versions within versions when offering printer software.

Set category Software & Drivers to Windows / Windows 11 (no H* version)

There are a choices for the full driver, this printer, and Windows 11.

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-- Windows -- Printer Software - Full Driver

HP "recommends" the EasyStart wrapper marked as "Internet connection required for driver installation" because every so often new printer models are added and the wrapper presumably stays updated. 

 The wrapper is generic -- executing the wrapper initiates a search for the software package for your printer model.

Generally works as intended --

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software (Internet connection required for driver installation)

Next,

The EasyStart full driver package -- sometimes called "Offline Only" -- is also a wrapper but is built for your particular printer series.  Hence the larger size of the installation package.

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw-3303fdw and 3388fdw Driver Installation Software – Includes Print,...

Generally works as intended.

Use whichever installation package you can get to work.

(Forgive any implied snark -- I'm not a fan of EasyStart.)

Regardless,

Somewhere in the installation process, I believe there is a simple question about whether you want the software installed for everyone on the system who has an account or whether you want the software installed "just for you".  Select the "install for everyone" option (wording varies).

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-- Windows -- Printing Preferences

If you can get it installed, the full driver is the best option in that the full driver provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences.

For general printing, start with selecting the Shortcut for "General Everyday Printing". 

This is not an "every job" shortcut but it can be a good starting place and is usually better than starting with any form of "Factory" shortcut.

Next,

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-- Windows -- Printer Properties

Installing the full driver adds the "HP" driver selection to Printer Properties list of drivers.  This is important because IPP / Microsoft drivers do not always support what is needed for particular job types (color, duplex).

-- What else? --

Examples

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HP Smart Universal Printing Driver

This driver includes an "easy to use" dialog and even includes a couple of extra settings (Watermarks, Scale options)

-- Note --

Intelligent printer drivers do not include "scan" software -- There are other ways to scan (for example HP App and Windows Scan).  

HP Smart Universal Printing Driver for Windows V4 (64-bit)

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HP Universal Scan Software

The full driver includes HP Scan.

HP Universal Scan is essentially the same software as HP Scan -- same format and settings.

HP Universal Scan Software used to be a slightly different animal from the HP Scan software included in the full driver.  Now, not-so-much.

If the full driver installation is stubborn, hangs, wanders away before completing, perhaps try installing the Universal Scan Software.

If the full driver is installed, installing the Universal Scan Software might go through the whole installation process and then indicate the software is installed.  Not harmful from what I've found, just redundant.

HP Universal Scan - Full Feature Software and Driver

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Message Content References

-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --

                                            ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

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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

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HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw

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[SWE-CH]

Thanks for the extensive and well-informed suggestions!