This is the User Guide for SW Solutions Drivers

[Riddle_Decipher]

Introduction

The following is a summary of the compatibility matrix for the driver software.

COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

OS	Recommended driver
Windows 10, 11 Windows Server 2012–2022	PCL3 v4 for Design PDF v4 for Design
Windows 11	HP Click Driver
macOS 13 macOS 14 macOS 15 macOS 26	Generic Raster Postscript (+12 m p.I.)

Setup and installation

How to install a compatible driver (assisted) on Windows

Follow the steps in the order presented.

1	Select Add additional printer or printer driver.

2	Add the IP or select the model name, then click Next.

3	Select the printer that you want to add.

4	Choose between custom or easy installation.

5	Queue created and driver installation complete. Click Finish.

How to install a PDF/PCL3 driver (.inf) on Windows

Follow the steps in the order presented.

1	Access the HP Support Portal and search for your printer model.

2	Under the printer model, click on IT Advance Installation Package to show the available options.

3	Locate the PDF or PCL3 Driver and click on Download.

4	Double-click the downloaded file to start the extracting process.

5	Open the Windows Control Panel and select View devices and printers.

6	Click Add a printer.

7	Select The printer that I want isn’t listed.

8	Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.

9	Add the printer using the host name or IP address.

10	Select Install a new driver.

11	Go to Have Disk.

12	Browse to the location of the previously downloaded .inf file and select it.

13	Driver has been successfully installed.

NOTE:
It is strongly recommended to use an HP driver instead of the default Microsoft Class driver for your printer because the HP driver often provides better compatibility, enhanced features, improved print quality, and access to advanced settings.

V3 drivers

The following sections provide details for this topic.

HP-GL/2 drivers

The drivers that are specifically designed for certain products and support HP-GL/2 have been discontinued. However, a generic HP-GL/2 driver has been tested and is now available.

The generic HP-GL/2 driver is available for elevations for the following printer series:

• HP DesignJet XL3800 printer series
• HP DesignJet T850/T950 printer series

IMPORTANT:
The generic driver cannot establish bidirectional communication with any printer. This is a design limitation that can lead to unexpected behavior, such as incorrect job rotation or roll assignment, as the driver cannot automatically adjust the job to the media loaded in the printer. The media type list includes only the common types available across HP products.

HP-GL/2 architecture

PostScript

A PostScript driver is a print driver that converts document data into a PostScript file, a page description language used by many printers and graphic design software. This driver allows the operating system and applications to communicate with PostScript-compatible printers, ensuring that documents are printed with high fidelity and accuracy.

PostScript architecture

V4 drivers

PCL3

A PCL3 driver is a print driver developed by HP that processes print jobs using Printer Command Language 3 (PCL3). This driver translates document data into PCL3 commands, enabling efficient communication between the operating system and HP printers, ensuring proper formatting and print quality.

PCL3 architecture

PDF

A PDF driver is a print driver that allows users to generate and print documents in PDF format directly from applications. This driver ensures that documents retain their layout, fonts, and graphics accurately, making it useful for creating digital documents or printing to PDF-compatible printers.

PDF passthrough-on architecture

Passthrough on: The printer receives a raw PDF file and processes it internally, reducing the workload on the computer. This is efficient for printers with built-in PDF processing capabilities.

PDF passthrough-off architecture

Passthrough off: The PDF file is converted to another format (such as PostScript or PCL) before being sent to the printer. This method ensures compatibility with printers that do not natively support PDF printing, but may increase processing time on the computer.

IMPORTANT:
Supported only by InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

XPS driver features

XPS DRIVER FEATURES

Features	Explanation
Remove blank areas (RBA)	Eliminates the white areas of the printed document to save paper. NOTE: Affects only the top and bottom margins for PDF and applies to four slides in PCL3.
A.R.S.S (Automatic Roll Switch System	Allows the printer to switch between roll and tray paper sources without user intervention. The driver must have bi-directional communication with the printer and autorotation must be enabled to avoid clipping.
Autorotate (AR)	The driver examines the page layout and content of a document to determine the most appropriate orientation for printing.
Passthrough (only for PDF printed from Adobe software)	Print settings disabled in the driver (application instead).
Preset	Create a custom configuration and save it to keep the configuration available in the preset dropdown. NOTE: Unlike the V3 drivers, the presets created on the server will stay in the server. There is a preset synchronization tool available internally (only for escalations).

Bi-directionality

Bi-directionality is used by V4 drivers in two features:

• Autorotate
• Paper source

Driver queries printer via SNMP to obtain bi-directional information (regardless of server or local installation).

In general, the following information is received via bi-directionality:

• Printer status
• Paper and supply levels
• Job progress
• Error messages
• Configuration and settings

How to set up a print server

The objective of a print server is to streamline and optimize printing tasks throughout the network. The print server works as an intermediary between client computers and printers, handling print jobs and ensuring efficient print management.

V3 print architecture

Due to the system vulnerability CVE‑2021‑34527 (identified by Microsoft in 2021) affecting server deployments using V3 drivers, neither Microsoft nor HP recommends the use of shared printers.

V4 print architecture

1	Client connects to the shared printer on the server.

2	Server sends driver details to the client.

3	Client checks whether it has the necessary HP v4 driver.

4	If not found in local store, client uses Windows Update to fetch the HP v4 driver.

5	If Windows Update is unavailable, client prompts user to provide the HP v4 driver manually.

6	Once the HP v4 driver is installed, client uses Windows Update to fetch any necessary printer extensions and PDFs.

Distribute MSI package

This section explains how to distribute an MSI package through GPO (server) and GPO (client).

Distribute an MSI package through GPO (server)

Distributing an MSI package can be useful in those environments in which Windows update is unavailable.

Follow the steps in the order presented.

1	Install the driver and then save driver installer (.exe) as a .msi.

2	Share the folder that contains the .msi.

3	Allow reading permissions for ‘Domain Users’ and ‘Authenticated Users’.

4	Create the GPO (Group Policy Object) through Server Manager. Add the path where we allocated the .msi and manages the employees or users who are going to use this policy.

5	Set the deployment method as Assigned so it will self-install when booting up.

Distribute an MSI package through GPO (client)

On the client's side, it is necessary to restart the computer and update the policies.

Follow the steps in the order presented.

1	Users/employees must restart their computers or update the policies of their computer to install the new policy (the .msi is trying to being installed).

2	After rebooting the system, if the employee goes to Print Management they will see the driver already installed.

3	Connect to the Server as usual and then connect to the shared printer. Afterwards, the queue appears and tried to open, the UI will work.

For detailed steps and visual guidance, refer to the video tutorials provided:

• How to share printers - v3 architecture
• How to share printers - Environment Point and Print Installation
• How to share printers - Without Windows Update

Select job processing side

It is important to select the Render print jobs on the client computers checkbox to ensure an efficient print when using a shared printer.

To share a printer, perform the following steps in the order presented:

1	Go to the Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.

2	Right-click the printer you want to share, then click Printer properties.

3	Mark the checkboxes for the Share this printer and Render print jobs on client computers options.

Preset synchronization tool

To share a preset in the V4 architecture, an external HP tool is used.

This tool enables you to share a custom preset created in a print server with all the clients that use the shared printer.

Only the GBU has access to the preset synchronization tool. If you need to share a custom preset, contact the GBU.

The installation of the preset synchronization tool is almost the same for the client and the server. The only difference is that, on the client side, it is mandatory to add the IP address of the print server.

Transitioning from V3/V4 drivers to an IPP class driver

Migrating from legacy V3/V4 print drivers to the HP Click driver, powered by IPP class driver technology, brings significant improvements in security, simplified IT management, and a smoother printing experience.

By utilizing Microsoft’s Print Support Apps (PSA) framework and the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) over HTTPS, the HP Click driver reduces many of the risks and complexities associated with traditional drivers.

Understanding legacy V3 print drivers

• Designed for early Windows versions (XP, 7).
• Operate in kernel mode, meaning they have unrestricted access to the system.
• Security risks: Vulnerabilities in drivers can be exploited to gain unauthorized system control.
• Stability issues: Faulty drivers can cause system crashes, including Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) errors.

Kernel mode and its security vulnerabilities

Kernel mode allows drivers to execute with the highest privileges in the system, meaning:

• If a malicious or faulty driver runs in kernel mode, it can cause complete system failure.
• Attackers can exploit kernel-mode vulnerabilities to execute unauthorized code, steal data, or install persistent malware.
• Buggy print drivers running in kernel mode can crash the entire OS, affecting business operations.

To mitigate these risks, modern driver architectures move away from kernel mode and operate in user mode instead.

V4 print drivers: Limited improvement, persistent drawbacks

Microsoft introduced V4 print drivers as an attempt to reduce the reliance on kernel-mode execution and improve manageability. However, V4 drivers still present drawbacks:

• Operate in user mode – Unlike V3 drivers, V4 print drivers execute in user mode, which reduces system-wide failure risks but still has limitations.
• Security limitations – Although V4 drivers execute in user mode, they still require direct access to system resources, creating potential attack vectors.

HP Click driver with PSA + IPP class driver

The HP Click driver eliminates the need for traditional drivers by leveraging:

• IPP over HTTPS for secure communication between printers and Windows.
• User-mode execution in an isolated environment, preventing system-wide failures.
• Microsoft Store-based updates, ensuring compliance with security best practices.

Advantages of HP Click driver

• No kernel-mode execution – Reduces the risk of driver-based security threats.
• Isolated execution environment – The driver runs in a sandboxed user mode, ensuring vulnerabilities are contained within the application.
• Prevents system-wide crashes – Eliminates the risk of BSODs caused by faulty drivers.
• Automatic security updates – Ensures the latest protections through controlled Microsoft Store updates.
• Limited system exposure – Since the HP Click driver operates within an isolated environment, any exploitation attempts remain at the application level and do not compromise system-wide integrity.
• Reduced attack surface – Since PSA handles driver execution, it limits system-level exposure, further strengthening security.
• Supports cloud and network printing – Fully compatible with IPP over HTTPS for remote printing.
• Microsoft-recommended printing solution – Ensures long-term support and compatibility.
• Enhanced reliability – Since the driver operates within an isolated user-mode framework, any crashes and errors do not propagate to the rest of the system.

How to check the driver version under Windows and macOS

This section explains how to check the driver version both under Windows and under macOS.

How to check the driver version under Windows

In the driver’s user interface, there is no information about the driver version. If you need to check it, open “Print Management” and check the driver version.

Follow the steps in the order presented.

1	Open the Control Panel and go to View devices and printers.

2	Open the driver UI by clicking Printing Preferences.

3	Click the information icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

How to check the driver version under macOS

This section explains how to check the version of the driver under macOS.

Follow the steps in the order presented.

1	Go to Printers & Scanners, find the printer that is using the driver, and click Options & Supplies.

2	The version of the driver is in the General tab.

Troubleshooting

The following section provides information related to potential issues on troubleshooting.

Bi-directionality troubleshooting

If bi-directionality is no longer present, try these steps to troubleshoot the issue.

1	Click the Refresh link in Paper source.

2	Check that SNMP is enabled in the Embedded Web Server and Configure Standard TCP/IP Port Monitor.

3	Change/Re-create the printer port.

Installed base handbook

This is a valuable resource to understand the features available for a specific printer.

Go to https://dgt.bcn.rd.hpicorp.net/ to discover all the features available for a specific printer model.

For example, the features of the T950 MFP are listed in the following image:

Support elevation

How to reach HP Support

Before contacting support, ensure you have the following information required for the elevation process:

• Driver version number
• Print path:
• Application and version used
• Settings applied
• OS version number
• Troubleshooting done: bi-di, spooler reset, reinstallation
• .prn file. Follow the steps below on how to generate a .prn file:

To get support for HP Driver issues, go to the Support Portal and follow these steps:

1	Sign in the Support Portal with your HP account credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can create one or continue by entering your printer serial number.

2	Provide your printer serial number (Example: HU265BM18V).

3	In the next step, choose your preferred Region and Language to continue.

4	Finally, select your preferred method to contact the HP Support team.

First actions before reaching HP Support

The first action to take is to uninstall and reinstall the Assisted Driver installer from Windows (recommended).

1	For V3/V4 Drivers: All the apps using these drivers must be closed before starting the uninstall process.

2	Press Win + R on your keyboard, type "printmanagement.msc", and click OK.

3	The Print Management window will open. In the left pane, click on Printers.

4	From the list, right-click on the printer you want to delete and select Delete.

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