officejet pro 6978

[Chuckt_ix9]

windows 11 blames hp. hp blames windows 11. both want &$$$$ to "solve"! my issue, hp officejet pro 6970 connects as "other device" in windows 11 pro, and will not load hp driver as printer? hp driver's will not download .inf to folder windows 11 will use. help! - Google Search

[Pallipurath]

Hi @Chuckt_ix9 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand that your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 is not being recognized correctly by Windows 11, it shows up as an “Other device” instead of a printer because the driver package isn’t installing properly. This is a common compatibility issue between HP’s drivers and Windows 11,I would request you to please follow the steps:

Restart Devices

• Turn off the printer using the Power button.
• If it doesn’t respond, unplug the power cord.
• Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
• Restart your computer to clear any residual settings.

Ensure Same Network Connection

• If using Wi‑Fi, confirm both the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi‑Fi network.
• Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer (usually under Setup > Reports) to verify the IP address.
• Compare the IP range with your computer’s network settings.

Remove and Re‑Add Printer

• On Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 and click Remove device.
• Open the HP App. https://www.hp.com/us-en/hp-app/overview.html 
• Add the printer through the HP App.
• This should trigger installation of the correct driver.

Check for Windows Updates

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Install all available updates, including optional driver updates.
• Microsoft often pushes HP printer drivers through Windows Update.

Update Drivers

• Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page. https://support.hp.com/au-en/products 
• Enter your printer model: HP OfficeJet Pro 6970.
• Download HP Easy Start (recommended installer for Windows 11).
• Run the installer:
• It will detect your printer and install the proper driver package.
• Follow on‑screen prompts to complete setup.

Hope this helps, Please revert if the issue persists.

Take care and have an amazing day!