Using Add Device for HP ENVY Photo 7858 results in "Driver is unavailable"

[ChuckS210]

I'm setting up a new PC, an HP ENVY Desktop PC TE01-5364 with Windows 11.  I have tried to add two working printers via Add Device, an HP Envy Photo 7858 and an HP M234 LaserJet.  In both cases I'm able to enter the WPS PIN, see "Installing...", which then leads to "Driver is unavailable".  I say "working" meaning that I can print to these printers from another laptop and my phone.

I have loaded HP Smart and HP Print Scan Doctor.  Neither app finds either of these printers.

I have gone to the Device Manager and found both devices, but Update driver results in "The best driver for your device are already installed."

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Sneha_01]

Hi @ChuckS210 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're running into an issue where your HP ENVY Photo 7858 and HP M234 LaserJet printers aren't being recognized properly by your new PC, and you're seeing a "Driver is unavailable" error. Since you're able to print from other devices, it’s likely a driver issue on the new PC. Let’s try a few things to get these printers working:

1. Install Drivers Manually via HP Website

Even though Windows is saying the best drivers are already installed, it might be using generic drivers, or there may be an issue with the specific drivers needed for these printers. Here’s how to install them manually:

• Go to the HP Support website.
• Search for your specific printer model (HP ENVY Photo 7858 or HP M234 LaserJet).
• Download the latest drivers and software for your printer model, making sure to select the correct version for Windows 11.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers.

For HP ENVY Photo 7858: Make sure to download the full feature driver (which includes HP Smart and other useful software). For HP M234 LaserJet: The HP LaserJet 234 Driver should also include the necessary software.

2. Use HP Smart App to Add the Printer

Since you mentioned trying HP Smart without success, let's make sure it’s set up properly:

• Open HP Smart on your new PC.
• Click Add Printer.
• If your printer is on the same Wi-Fi network, it should appear in the list. If it doesn’t, click Manually Add Printer and enter the IP address for your printer. You can find the IP address on the printer’s network configuration page (usually printed from the printer’s settings menu).
• Follow the prompts to install the driver and add the printer.

3. Check Device Manager and Uninstall the Printer

Sometimes, a printer driver gets stuck in Device Manager, and reinstalling it can fix the issue:

• Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select Device Manager).
• Expand the Printers section and find your printer.
• Right-click on the printer and select Uninstall device.
• After uninstalling, unplug the printer from your PC.
• Restart your computer, then reconnect the printer via USB or Wi-Fi.
• Windows should attempt to automatically install the driver again. If not, use the manual installation method mentioned above.

4. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help detect and fix printer issues:

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find Printer in the list and click Run.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to let Windows attempt to diagnose and fix the issue.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support