Windows 11 driver for HP Photosmart 385

[sueb]

Just upgraded to Windows 11 and now my Photosmart 385 does not function due to lack of driver. Is there a compatible driver? If not, how do I use the previous driver in compatible mode?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @sueb,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your Photosmart 385 isn’t working after upgrading to Windows 11 due to driver compatibility. Let’s go through a few steps to check what you can use to get it working.

Check for the Windows Built-In Driver
Windows 11 may install a basic in-OS driver that supports simple printing.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners and try adding the printer manually.

Use the “Windows Update” Driver List
Older HP models appear in the extended driver list after refreshing.
When adding a printer, choose “The printer that I want isn’t listed,” then “Add a local printer,” and click “Windows Update” to load older HP driver options.

Install the Previous Driver in Compatibility Mode
If you have the older driver package, you can run it using compatibility settings.
Right-click the installer, open Properties > Compatibility, choose Windows 7 or Windows XP, and run as administrator.

Install the Driver Manually Using an INF File
If the installer does not run, you can manually point Windows to the extracted driver files.
Open Device Manager, right-click the printer, select Update Driver, and choose “Browse my computer” to locate the INF file.

Try Using the HP Universal Print Driver
The Universal Print Driver can provide basic print functionality for some legacy printers.
Install the UPD (PCL or PS) and check if the printer is detected under local or USB ports.

Add the Printer as a Local USB Device
Sometimes the system detects the printer only after assigning a stable port.
Add a printer manually, choose “Use an existing port,” select USB001/USB002, and then pick the closest Photosmart model driver available.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[sueb]

Some of the suggestions helped but still not able to print. Adding the printer manually allows it to show up when I go to settings and search printers. The screen shows it as idle. When I try and print to it, It shows an error message. I tried to use the method with the device manager but the printer does not appear in the device manager list. (I rebooted the computer and the printer.) So I am unable to locate the INF file.

[sueb]

Also how do I locate the Universal Print Driver?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @sueb,

Thank you for the response.

I understand your HP Photosmart 385 is showing as idle and not printing after upgrading to Windows 11, and you’re having trouble locating the INF file or the Universal Print Driver. Let’s go through a few steps to get this working.

Download the HP Universal Print Driver (UPD)

Visit the HP website and search for “HP Universal Print Driver”.

Choose either PCL6 (recommended) or PostScript (PS) version for Windows 11.

Download and install the driver following the on-screen instructions.

Add the printer using UPD

Open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners.

Click Add a printer or scanner, then choose The printer I want isn’t listed.

Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, then choose the HP Universal Print Driver you installed.

Assign it to a USB port (USB001) if connected via USB.

Check printer status

Make sure the printer is powered on and connected properly via USB.

Print a test page from the HP Universal Print Driver dialog to confirm it works.

Using Compatibility Mode for the old driver

If you still want to try the original Photosmart 385 driver, right-click the installer file, select Properties > Compatibility, choose Windows 7 or Windows XP, and check Run as administrator.

Complete the installation and see if the printer appears in Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Confirm Device Manager visibility

If the printer still doesn’t appear in Device Manager under Printers or USB devices, try:

Unplugging the printer, rebooting, then reconnecting it to a different USB port.

Ensuring Windows Update has installed any pending updates, as missing USB drivers can prevent detection.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,