Printer Installation Issues

[NA129]

Trying to install printer on computer - downloaded HP Smart but when trying to install the printer, after a few minutes of trying it says there was an error and to install manually. When I then go to my 'Printers & Scanners' on my computer, it installs the printer but then says 'Driver is unavailable'.

Additional notes:

-We actually have 3 PC Printers, I get the same result on all 3

-Other people in the office are able to use the printers without issue

-My computer software is fully up to date

-These printers used to work with my computer but stopped working at some point

[Max3Aj]

Hi @NA129, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 printer is not installing correctly on your Windows 11 PC, even though others in your office can use it without issues. Since it used to work before and suddenly stopped, the problem is likely related to a corrupted driver, Windows update conflict, or a permission issue.

Steps to Fix the "Driver is Unavailable" Issue:

1. Completely Remove HP Printer Drivers and Reinstall

Uninstall the Printer:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Select the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 and click Remove device.

Remove Old HP Drivers:

• Press Win + R, type printui /s /t2, and hit Enter.
• In the Print Server Properties window, find any driver related to HP OfficeJet Pro 8025.
• Select it and click Remove → Choose Remove driver and driver package.

Delete HP Registry Keys (Optional but Recommended)

• Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Drivers
• Look for any HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 entries and delete them.
• Also, check: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\HP
• Delete any folders related to your printer.

Restart the PC.

2. Install the Printer Manually with Fresh Drivers

1. Download the latest full driver package from the HP support website.
2. Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to reinstall the printer.
3. If the installation still fails, try adding the printer manually:
   • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Click Add device > The printer that I want isn't listed.
   • Choose Add a printer using TCP/IP address and enter the printer's IP (found in printer settings under "Network").
   • Follow the steps to install the printer.

3. Check Windows Update & HP Smart App

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
• If you're using HP Smart, uninstall and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

4. Verify Windows Print Spooler Service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.
3. Double-click it and set Startup type to Automatic.

5. Test the Printer on Another User Account

• Create a new local user account:
  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account.
  • Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information → Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Log into the new account and try installing the printer.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support