can't install firmware update for HP Officejet 8600

[QueenLynda]

My printer will not connect to wifi for printing remotely. There is a firmware update on the website. I was able to download it.  I can't get it to install to the printer.

[BeemerBiker]

Firmware installation is described here.  Since this is a "plus" printer you should be on the internet and connected already.  if not, then connect the printer to the PC using a USB cable. 

Both the printer firmware and the e-print software can be downloaded here

If you need help setting up a Wi-Fi connector let me know.

[QueenLynda]

Thanks for getting back to me. I had already successfully installed the newest Full_Wepack. I was able to download and install the firmware update from the product-page link you provided.

Unfortunately the printer will still not connect to my network. I have tried both the WPS and HP Wireless Setup Wizard tools without success. 

Incidentally, it may help you to know that I have an older (2021) Chromebook which was able to connect to the HP 8600 for about two years and then stopped. Both "Wireless" and "Wireless Direct" are turned on in the printer's Tools/Network display panel menu. Can you think of any reason the printer will no longer connect to my wifi network? The software readily finds and displays my correct network name. The printer just won't connect to it.

[BeemerBiker]

The is all I know about the chromebook

https://www.youtube.com/embed/lFB3mWUSnJM
Print on an HP printer from a Chromebook | HP Support
Some YouTube videos on printing from a Chrome Book

I do not know what the problem is with the Wi-Fi.  You can try changing the name of the 5ghz band so that the printer cannot get the two bands mixed up.  Did you start using VPN or get a router with enterprise encryption?

=====a suggestion======

If the printer works with USB but not with Wi-Fi then try hardwired ethernet. If the printer cannot be adjacent to the router then use powerline ethernet.  Any 100mbit will be as good as a 1000mbit maybe better.

Powerline adapters are explained here
Typical power line adapters are here

They cannot be used on a filtered line as the filtering will remove the signal.  They have to go directly into the wall or use a multiple outlet that does not have filtering (surge protection)  You may have to disable Wi-Fi and enabled ethernet 

[QueenLynda]

Thanks again. I only mentioned the chromebook to illustrate that NONE of my devices will connect to the printer over wifi (including my phone). Unfortunately, I don't have any ports available on the printer or the router or in the wall to accommodate another ethernet cable.  I will continue to troubleshoot on my own as I think of other possible problems.

[BeemerBiker]

this is all I know about the 8600

Watch the reset video or perform the steps. After resetting, you generally have 2 hours to complete the setup. Decide if you want to connect the printer to the router or to print directly to the printer and bypass the router.

Many HP and other OEM printers have problems with the router when the router has two bands and both bands have the same name (SSID). Log into the modem and rename one of the bands. Alternately, contact your ISP and have them rename a band.

Or simply use Wi-Fi direct (but read note below about Instant Ink).

If English is not your native language or if you wish to get additional information not covered below, then use the HP and Microsoft support assistants. The latest HPSA supports 36 languages and can be downloaded here. Microsoft's AI assistant is in the latest Windows 10 and 11 releases and there are instructions here on how to enable the AI. Microsoft's AI assistant (Copilot) has a microphone button and supports natural language processing.

Do not call any phone numbers shown in any of the videos or revealed by a Bing or Google search unless it is an HP site or video.

You may need to reset your printer.

Disconnecting the USB cable may still leave the printer in the wired or Wi-Fi mode. Connecting an ethernet cable may still leave the printer in Wi-Fi mode. The Wi-Fi reset is used to put Wi-Fi printers into setup mode. Some printers have a semi-reset, a full reset and a factory reset. Please refer to the user manual to find the difference. Some resets are simple and others require a video to understand. Factory resets cannot be revealed in this forum. To do a factory reset of your printer, you must contact HP.

Click here for world-wide contact info

Wi-Fi reset instructions and videos (if any) are shown below. Generally you have 2 hours to connect your printer after performing the Wi-Fi reset. Note that a reset video may show a slightly different model than yours.

The steps below are Wi-Fi only and do not perform a factory reset.
Microsoft's Copilot may provide alternate solutions.

1. Go to the printer control panel
2. Touch right arrow
3. Touch Setup
4. Touch Network
5. Touch Restore Network Defaults, then select Yes
6. Wait for message stating network defaults have been restored

Wi-Fi connection

Ideally, your Wi-Fi printer should connect to the modem or router. If your network has multiple boosters / repeaters, it is possible the printer may connect randomly to any of the units. The router needs to provide the same IP address on every connection. This rarely happens with random connects. An alternate Wi-Fi connection is Wi-Fi direct. Your laptop or smartphone prints directly to the printer and does not go through the router. Note that if you signed up for instant ink or internet printing your printer must also be online through the router.

This video shows how to connect to the router: 8600
Wi-Fi Direct can be used to avoid configuring the router. Watch this: Dwestphal solution
A simple connection to the router can be done by using the WPS pushbutton method. This is explained on page 226 in this User Manual.

Software

HP updates software periodically. Downloads shown below may be old. You should always visit the Software and Download page to look for new releases. You may need to select an operating system (OS) first. If windows 11 is missing then use 10. You can go as far back as Windows 7, 64bit to get missing drivers. After selecting the OS click the blue Open all button to view all downloads.

Full function printer drivers can be downloaded here: 8600 N911n 8600 not the pro
You can find all of the software here: 8600 all. You should select the OS and then look for the phrase "Open All" and click that. Drivers from Windows 7 and up are usually compatible with the latest Windows OS.

Documents

All documents are available at the below HP site. The user and reference manuals show how to get status reports and analyze error indicators on printer that have no control panel.

All HP manuals are here: 8600 all

Support Videos - Parts - Disassembly

HP has a YouTube site and there are a number of video in English and other languages. Typically unboxing, clearing paper jams, and cartridge problems. You may also find instructional disassembly videos from other users.

Parts, if any available, can be found here 8600. Use your serial number for more extensive information.
Printer problems could be cleared by one or more of these HP YouTube videos 8600

Printer Reference

One or more printer reference is listed below. Typically your printer may be part of a series and use the same software and manual. The exact spec may be different.

Specifications for your system: 8600 + N911 8600 N911a

Firmware installation is described here. Since this is a "plus" printer you should be on the internet and connected already. if not, then connect the printer to the PC using a USB cable.

Let me know if you have a flex system (Wi-Fi boosters or repeaters) as the setup is much more complicated for routers.