Unable to configure device software during setup - HP Deskjet 2376 on macOS

[ricardobortolot]

Hi everyone,

I'm having trouble installing my HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 2376 on a MacBook M3 running macOS 26.5. The printer is connected via a USB cable using a USB-C adapter.

The Problem:

1. During the setup process, the installer successfully detects and displays the correct printer model.

2. It proceeds to install HP Easy Scan with success.

3. However, in the next step, when trying to add the device to the printers list, it fails with the following error message:

"Unable to configure device software. Go back to the previous step and try installing the software again."

What I've tried so far:

• I have already tried installing multiple software versions and different drivers from HP, but none of them worked.

• Checked the USB connections and adapter (the Mac recognizes the printer hardware, but fails at the software configuration phase).

I am attaching the screenshots of the error below.

Has anyone encountered this issue on Apple Silicon (M3) or recent macOS versions? Any help or workaround would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @ricardobortolot,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for sharing the screenshots and detailed explanation. I can understand how frustrating this is when the Mac detects the printer correctly over USB but fails during the “configure device software” stage.
 

Based on the behavior with your HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 2376 on the MacBook Air M3, this appears to be related more to: macOS printer permission handling, Apple Silicon/macOS compatibility, or incomplete printer registration in macOS, rather than a USB hardware issue.

Please try these steps carefully in this order:

1. Remove All Existing HP Printer Entries
On the Mac: Go to: System Settings → Printers & Scanners 

• Remove: All HP printer entries if listed. 

Then restart the Mac.
 

2. Reset the macOS Printing System
This is very important. 

• Open: System Settings → Printers & Scanners 
• In the printer list area: right-click or Control-click in the blank area 
• Choose: “Reset printing system” 

This clears corrupted printer queues and driver registrations that often cause the exact configuration error shown in your screenshot.

Then restart the Mac.
 

3. Avoid HP Easy Start Temporarily
Instead of HP Easy Start, please try using: 

• HP App for macOS: HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site

Install the HP App and: Connect the printer directly through USB > Then choose: “Add Printer” 

The HP App tends to work better on newer Apple Silicon systems compared to older Easy Start workflows.
 

4. Add the Printer Manually in macOS
If the HP App still fails: 

• Go to: System Settings → Printers & Scanners 
• Click: Add Printer 

Select the DeskJet 2376 manually.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[ricardobortolot]

Hi, thanks a lot for your reply.

I followed all the steps you recommended, but unfortunately, I'm still having no luck.

When I use the official HP app from the App Store, it cannot find any printer when trying to add a device. It only gives me options to search for printers via network cable or Wi-Fi, but my printer is connected directly via a USB cable.

I also tried adding it directly through the macOS printer settings using two available driver options, but neither worked. As you can see in the attached screenshots, I tested both the Generic printer driver and the HP DeskJet driver.

In both cases, the printer is successfully added to the system. However, when I send a print job, the document appears in the print queue and disappears instantly without printing anything, leaving the printer in an "idle" status.

What else can I do to solve this issue?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much!

[ferRX · Accepted solution]

Hi @ricardobortolot 

Please try to install with the next steps:

(1) Connect a USB cable between Deskjet printer and Mac computer:

• 

(2) Then install the next driver:

• >> Apple Deskjet printer essentials L5_1901

* Click YES   to say thank you, 

* Click Accepted as Solution when question is answered.

Best regards,

ferRX.

,.-,.-,.-

[ricardobortolot]

Hi,

Thank you so much! That worked perfectly.

After trying the driver you suggested, the printer is now successfully configured and printing normally on my M3 Mac. I really appreciate your help!

Best regards.

[ferRX]

Great 😊, happy to know that driver worked !

Best regards

ferRX.