• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Seize the moment! nominate yourself or a tech enthusiast you admire & join the HP Community Experts!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs AND MORE.
HP Recommended
Microsoft Windows 11

I can't get the printer to work in Windows 11 using the USB connection. Device manager shows question mark when the printer is connected and driver update link does lead to any solution.

 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@Okinelin 

 

Welcome to the HP Community --

 

I've never had to resort to a USB only connection --

The following is offered FYI and as a "hope it works for you" solution.

 

If you have a Wireless capable Windows computer, supported tablet, or phone, consider using Wi-Fi Direct.

 

Wi-Fi Direct uses the printer's own wireless radio to connect to your device wireless.

 

No Internet, no router.

 

 User Guide - HP OfficeJet Pro 7740

Page 100

 

AND

HP printer setup (Wi-Fi Direct)

 

Although Wi-Fi Direct does not provide access to all of the printer's features, it might suffice.

 

----------------   Relevant to a supported Mobile product (phone, tablet)   -----------------

 

Wi-Fi Direct might support enough of a connection to install the HP App on your mobile device.

 

Reminder:  No Internet with Wi-Fi Direct -- the information is provided FYI

 

====  ====  ====  ====  ====  ====

HP App (Mobile) >>> Download / Install - How-to and FAQ

 

                                 << Important -- Fall 2025 >>

HP has replaced the HP Smart Mobile application with the HP App.

The HP App is available at the App Store for your mobile device.

 

 HP printer setup (HP app)

Read the FAQs

For example: 

What are the HP app requirements?

And / or

Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP app?

And / or

Why can't I connect my wireless printer or print over the network?

 

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP App - Terms of Service

 

Reminders -- Initial Connection

  • Your Mobile device (tablet, phone) must be on the same network as the printer.
  • On that mobile device, Location Services and Bluetooth should both be switched ON

 

-- Be Aware –

Any HP application you install should be sourced from “HP”.

 

What?  Fakes have been discovered on at least one Mobile App Store –

Check who is providing the application >> “HP Inc.”

If you can’t tell, ask or use the Homepage method (if using Windows) to download and install the HP Smart application.

 

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

 

 

 HP Support Videos – HP App - What happened to HP Smart? | Use the new HP app 

 10 chapters

 Expand the area that describes the application – read the first sentences and click “More”

 

 Samples

 Print, Scan, Fax, Save – Minute 1:15

 Account Information and Print Dashboard – Minute 1:30

 Get Help – Minute 2:02

 Select “Use AI Search” – Minute 2:08

 EWS (Embedded Web Server) – Minute 2:21 > Printer Settings > View all > Advanced (opens EWS)

 

 Reminders

  • If asked enter the printer’s PIN number – The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).

 And

  • “Advanced” / EWS can also be opened using your Browser:   Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

 

 

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Scan using the HP App | HP printers | HP Support

 

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix unavailable features in the HP app | HP printers | HP Support

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix a “Scanning Unavailable” error in the HP app | HP printers | HP Sup...

 

 

 

---------------   Relevant to a supported version of Windows   ----------------------

 

  • Consider installing the HP Smart application.

The Wi-Fi Direct connection should provide enough of what is needed to run at least some of the features in the HP Smart application.

 

At this writing, HP Smart has not yet been replaced with the HP App.

For now, Find the HP Smart app at the  Microsoft Store

 

AND

  • Consider installing the Full Driver Printer Software

 

The full driver includes HP Scan and provides the foundation to print with other programs (for example, Word, Adobe Reader).

 

NOTE >>

Ask if you need / want additional help / examples to install the full driver printer software.

 

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

Printer Software - Full Driver

Reinstall the full driver printer software

 

  • Check / Install any pending Windows Updates 
  • If not done as part of Windows Updates, Restart your computer 

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.

Download, Save, and Install

 

  • 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

 

 

Web Pack Installation - Open Web Page - Full Driver Printer Software

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

 

 

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

Message Content References

 

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

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer series  

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

 

 

Dragon-Fur

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.