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‎11-14-2025 10:01 PM

HP Recommended

how can I get a drive to install so my printer works again?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions

‎11-17-2025 11:38 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @northernsal,

 

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 printer stops working after Windows 11 updates, sweetie. Let’s go through a few steps to get the driver installed so the printer works normally again.

Remove the old printer entry

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Select your HP printer → Remove device.

This clears any broken driver from the last update.

Download and install the correct full-feature driver

Go to support.hp.com and search for your exact printer model.

Download the Full Feature Software and Driver (not the basic driver).

Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps until the printer reconnects.

Install HP Smart again (if you use it)

Open Microsoft Store, search HP Smart, and reinstall it.

Sign in and add your printer to refresh the setup.

Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Run Printer and let Windows fix any driver or spooler errors.

Restart the Print Spooler service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.

Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click → Restart.

This helps when the update corrupts the print queue.

Re-add the printer manually

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device.

If it doesn’t appear, choose Add manually → Add a printer using an IP address and enter the printer IP (found on the printer’s Network Report).

Turn off automatic driver updates (optional but very effective)

Search Device Installation Settings in the Start menu.

Choose No (your device might not work as expected).

This stops Windows from replacing your working HP driver after every update.

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,

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

View solution in original post

1 person found this reply helpful
Was this reply helpful? Yes No
1 REPLY 1

‎11-17-2025 11:38 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @northernsal,

 

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 printer stops working after Windows 11 updates, sweetie. Let’s go through a few steps to get the driver installed so the printer works normally again.

Remove the old printer entry

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Select your HP printer → Remove device.

This clears any broken driver from the last update.

Download and install the correct full-feature driver

Go to support.hp.com and search for your exact printer model.

Download the Full Feature Software and Driver (not the basic driver).

Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps until the printer reconnects.

Install HP Smart again (if you use it)

Open Microsoft Store, search HP Smart, and reinstall it.

Sign in and add your printer to refresh the setup.

Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Run Printer and let Windows fix any driver or spooler errors.

Restart the Print Spooler service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.

Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click → Restart.

This helps when the update corrupts the print queue.

Re-add the printer manually

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device.

If it doesn’t appear, choose Add manually → Add a printer using an IP address and enter the printer IP (found on the printer’s Network Report).

Turn off automatic driver updates (optional but very effective)

Search Device Installation Settings in the Start menu.

Choose No (your device might not work as expected).

This stops Windows from replacing your working HP driver after every update.

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,

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

1 person found this reply helpful
Was this reply helpful? Yes No
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