Printer doesn't work correctly since WIN 11 update

[yike-mike]

Printer lost ability to print color and 2-sided print since WIN 11 update.  I know I need to delete printer and drivers from system and then re-download them. 

I've done it in WIN 10,  but can't figure out how to do it in WIN 11.

Any suggestions? 

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@yike-mike 

Welcome to the HP Community.

Edits / Updates

Additional solution / information from the Windows Support Center

Known Issues and Fixes with Windows 11:

• Print/Scan does not work after upgrading to Windows 11

• Printer setup: Wi-fi setup using USB fails with the HP Smart app

True - the "upgrade" to Windows 11 likely knocked out your printer software.

Fortunately,

The Uninstall and software / application Installation process is the same for Windows 11 as in Windows 10.

One thing - I just went through this - right after I completed the upgrade, there was a Windows Update package needing to be installed for Windows 11.  Check your Windows Updates - no update?  Fine - Continue with the printer software and get back to Windows Updates later...

Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer Software

The Full Driver printer software resides in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Find, Click, and Uninstall the printer software.

Next

If not removing any other software or application, now is the time to Restart the computer and log in.

What if?

The printer software might also be listed in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Will uninstalling the full driver printer software in Apps and Features work to uninstall the full software? 

Likely yes, though the Programs and Features location should always work.

==============================================================================

HP Smart Windows Application

The HP Smart - Windows - application resides in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Scroll down, find, Click and Uninstall the application.

Next

If not removing any other software or application, now is the time to Restart the computer and log in.

==============================================================================

Next

You can install either the HP Smart Application first OR install the printer software first.

No wrong way - be sure to install both to have "full coverage" and access to your printer features.

In addition to installing the HP Smart - Windows - application,

If you have not done so,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

The full driver printer software supports printing and scanning for Office documents, PDF, and Photos (Images).

>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

Preparation - Install Full Driver Printer Software

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_4

Next...

Printer software not installed - OR - (still) installed but not working?

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected,

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

What if?

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  If using USB, disconnect the USB printer cable between the printer and the computer before installing software.  (Re)Connect the USB cable when instructed to do so near the end of the installation procedure.

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. If the installation completes and then wants to loop around again, X out of the repeat menu / message to install again.
6. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

=================================================================================

Reminder:

When you first install and then open HP Smart,

Check for an sign into the application.

Next, check whether the printer is "remembered" or has to be added to the application again...

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

• Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Which languages do the HP Smart app support?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Main Menu

HP_Smart_W10_Main_Menu_4

==========================================================================

References / Resources

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

HP ENVY 5545 e-All-in-One Printer 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You.

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"