will not print from HP smart app

[TLB03]

Having issues printing from my PC.  If the HP Smart Printing  is installed do you still need to install the printer in "add device".....when doing so I get "failed" 

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @TLB03,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I know how frustrating it feels when you just want your printer to work, and Windows keeps giving you that cold, sharp “Failed” message. It can feel like you’re stuck in a loop, even though you installed HP Smart. Don’t worry, we’ll walk through this together, one gentle step at a time.

STEP 1: Remove Old Printer Entries From Windows

(We do this so Windows doesn’t try to install over broken drivers.)

1. On your Windows PC, open Settings
2. Select Bluetooth & devices
3. Tap Printers & scanners
4. Click your HP printer (even if it shows “Offline”)
5. Select Remove device

👉 This clears out the stale connection so your PC can breathe again.

STEP 2: Remove Old Drivers Completely

(This step clears the “failed” error most of the time.)

1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type: printui.exe /s
3. Go to the Drivers tab
4. Select any HP driver related to your printer model
5. Choose Remove → “Remove driver and driver package”

It’s normal if the window pauses a little; that’s Windows flushing out old files.

STEP 3: Restart Everything (Soft Reset)

This helps everything settle.

1. Restart your PC
2. Restart your printer
3. Restart your Wi‑Fi router (wait 10 seconds before powering back on)

The devices will reconnect quietly in the background.

STEP 4: Add the Printer Using HP Smart (Preferred for Your Printer)

HP Smart installs the full HP driver, which Windows needs.

1. Open HP Smart
2. Click Add Printer
3. Wait for your printer to appear
4. Select the printer
5. Follow the setup steps

📘 HP Official Setup Guide: HP Printer Setup Guide: Quick & Easy Installation - HP® Tech Takes

👉 When HP Smart installs the printer successfully, Windows automatically registers it in “Printers & scanners.”

You do not need to add it again through “Add Device” once HP Smart shows it correctly.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat