Windows 11 update impact on LaserJet Pro MFP m426 FDW printer

[lpwf71]

It appears the windows 11 update may have caused an issue with the print driver for hp laser jet pro mfp m426 fdw.  It now defaults to a microsoft driver which does not work. i went to the HP website to download the correct driver, however, it stated during the process that it reached a critical error which prevented the driver download.

does anyone know of a work around to get this printer working again without having to replace it?

[Dragon-Fur]

@lpwf71 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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@lpwf71 wrote:

It appears the windows 11 update may have caused an issue with the print driver for hp laserjet pro mfp m426fdw.  It now defaults to a Microsoft driver which does not work. i went to the HP website to download the correct driver, however, it stated during the process that it reached a critical error which prevented the driver download.

does anyone know of a work around to get this printer working again without having to replace it?

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Microsoft Updates can (do) occasionally disrupt installed printer software.

-- Suggestions --

If not done...

If you cannot (re)install the full driver after having uninstalled it, take a look at places where pieces of the previous driver might be lurking -- remove the printer as needed.

Next,

• Restart everything (printer and computer) -- 
• If possible, make sure the printer is connected to your network using a static / manual IP address
• Install the full driver printer software
• Check / correct the Default printer settings
• Check / correct Printer Properties to ensure that the installed HP driver is selected and not the IPP / Microsoft drivers

-- Note -- If the full driver has already been reinstalled by the time you read this, skip down to checking the default driver and the Printer Properties.

-- Examples / Details --

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

Check / Remove Pieces of Printer Software

Sample --- Check and Remove

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

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 LaserJet Pro MFP M426f-M427f PCL 6 v3 Full Solution

• 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 

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Windows - Default Printer

Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners

Scroll down to section Printer preferences

Windows protected mode = "Set up"  (means "not configured")

Default install printers using Windows Ready Print = OFF

and

Switch OFF Let Windows manage my default printer

Scroll up > Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Set as Default

Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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

Windows - Printing Preferences / Printer Properties

-- Windows -- Full Driver Printing Software installed --

Start with these two:

Adjust the setting in Printing Preferences

Next,

Adjust Printer Properties > Tab Advanced > Printing Defaults (all jobs).

Printing Preferences

① and ②

Printer Properties 

① and ②

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

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

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

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 LaserJet Pro MFP M426-M427 f series

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