Printer driver won't update

[cavewizard]

I keep getting notifications that I need to update the driver on my printer, but when I try to run the firmware update it says it is already up to date. When I try via the website's installation for HP Easy Start nothing happens and it sends me to HP Smart. HP Smart just sends me back to the website.

[Dragon-Fur]

@cavewizard 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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@cavewizard wrote:

I keep getting notifications that I need to update the driver on my printer, but when I try to run the firmware update it says it is already up to date.

When I try via the website's installation for HP Easy Start nothing happens and it sends me to HP Smart.

HP Smart just sends me back to the website.

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Not sure -- but I think the printer (hardware) is likely "OK" in terms of what it can do about updates.

If you see a message of this type on your Windows computer, the request might refer to installing / updating the HP App.  In the past, this same message might have referred to HP Smart.   Seeing the message now might mean the system wants to install the HP App.

In other words, the HP App is the replacement for HP Smart.  Recently we have seen reports that people can no longer find HP Smart in the  Microsoft Store .  This would mean that HP Smart has passed the point of "being replaced" and has moved to "has been replaced".

I've added (later in this message) links to videos meant to introduce the HP App, explain a bit about how to navigate its use, and how to fix the ever-unpopular "can print but cannot scan" error.

Next,

Easy Start -- called "EasyStart" by HP -- is another story -- there are a couple of approaches, either of which should work, one or both of which might produce what you expect... or perhaps not-so-much.  (The mild snark is a result of my own experiences with EasyStart and NOT official HP rhetoric).

-- What if? --

Consider the following but don't read too much into it, especially if the experience does not match your own.

TMI?  Too much to read / consider?

Already know EasyStart or have forged your own opinions?

Skip down to Printer Software - Full Driver

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An example of how to (re)install the printer software is included in this message. 

The example does NOT address whether the printer is connected to your network --

• Yes, the printer should be connected via Wireless or (if you can use it) Ethernet.
• Yes, the printer benefits from being assigned its own static / manual IP address to increase stability.
• Yes, Network Discovery and File Sharing should be switched ON in your Private profile.
• Yes, you must have control over the Default Printer selection and not let Windows choose.

-- What is? --

EasyStart -- Printer software installer -- Wrapper and a "full" wrapper offline version

1)  Unlike years past when the full driver was, well, the full driver, the EasyStart wrappers come in two flavors --

Generic EasyStart wrapper that is kept updated by HP for new / existing printer models (and Operating System versions).  The user (you) downloads the EasyStart "Internet required" wrapper and executes it.  EasyStart goes out to the HP driver source, looks for (and hopefully finds) your printer software, and installs the full driver on your computer.  This version of EasyStart also carries the added bonus of including a bias to installing the HP app -- the wrapper can install the full driver if you select the full driver when asked what you want to install.   In other words, if you do want to install the full driver printer software, select it and don't be waylaid by "recommendations" otherwise.

2)  EasyStart "Offline" version of the EasyStart software that (presumably) includes the actual driver within the installation package; hence the larger package size.  The theory (and working model) is that you need not have the printer connected to the Internet, only your computer, and that only while you download and save the printer full driver printer software installation file to your computer.  In so much that I am aware, this version type of EasyStart does not ask questions about whether you want an app or software -- you get the full driver.

Both (either) of the EasyStart options should work -- which one you use depends on whether your printer is fully integrated (connected) into your network and the other (Offline version) is closer (but not the same) as the older "full feature software" -- Download / Save / Install

I've had success with both and utterly failed using both.

My personal bias is that the "Offline" version, at least, should work (assuming you have already uninstalled the full driver from Programs and Features)

-------------------------------

The following is not "everything"; it is a basic sub-set of what it might take to install the printer software and / or update the printer software / application.

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

Printer Software - Full Driver

Reinstall the full driver printer software

-- Note --

If you do not want / need the added information, Scroll down to Web Pack Installation

Check / Apply Windows Updates 

• Check / Install any pending Windows Updates 
• If any updates are applied in Windows Updates, Restart your computer and log in

Next,

Uninstall existing printer software

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features.
• If your printer software includes a separate "help" in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.

Install full driver printer software

• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

Web Pack Installation - Open Web Page - Full Driver Printer Software

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

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 All-in-One EasyStart Printer Setup Software – Offline Use Only 

• Open the Web Page
• Download, Save, and Install the software.
• NOTE → If forced to use the "Internet connection required" web pack → If you have issues installing the software, consider using the Microsoft Edge browser to download and initiate / start the installation.
• If using a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so, near the end of the software installation process.
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Short Version Done 

-- Note --

Unless the videos are / have been replaced, they are not specifically directed to using the HP App in Windows.  I've added an example of using the app Reset available in Windows.

-- Watch – HP App – Introduction --

 HP Support Videos – HP App - What happened to HP Smart? | Use the new HP app 

 10 chapters

 Expand the area that describes the application – read the first sentences and click “More”

 Samples

 Print, Scan, Fax, Save – Minute 1:15

 Account Information and Print Dashboard – Minute 1:30

 Get Help – Minute 2:02

 Select “Use AI Search” – Minute 2:08

 EWS (Embedded Web Server) – Minute 2:21 > Printer Settings > View all > Advanced (opens EWS)

 Reminders

• If asked enter the printer’s PIN number – The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).

 And

• “Advanced” / EWS can also be opened using your Browser:   Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Scan using the HP App | HP printers | HP Support

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix unavailable features in the HP app | HP printers | HP Support

⇶  HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix a “Scanning Unavailable” error in the HP app | HP printers | HP Sup...

Example - HP App - Windows - Menus and Options

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

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

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

• HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 All-in-One Printer
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e All-in-One Printer

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