What is Going on with HP Smart?

[WillieT_MS]

All of a sudden....today..7 September.  I can't print.  Yesterday HP Smart Printing was an option and today it is gone!  I've tried everything.  Need some help here.  I understand HP is slowly moving away from HP Smart, but still wants me to try to fix my problem using it?!?

[WillieT_MS]

To follow up: I downloaded the HP Smart App as directed by the HP website for my printer model.  Now, even though HP Smart shows my printer up and running, when a check the driver I'm told that my driver is unavailable?

[WillieT_MS]

My printer hasn't fixed itself yet.  Any of you tech geniuses out there, I need your assistance.  I'm still getting a message that my driver is unavailable?  Everything was working perfectly 3 days ago.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @WillieT_MS 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for explaining everything so clearly—and I’m genuinely sorry you’ve been hit with this disruption. It’s incredibly frustrating when a printer that was working flawlessly just days ago suddenly refuses to cooperate, especially when you're relying on it for something important.

Let’s walk through a focused recovery process to restore full printing functionality on your HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e with Windows 11.

 

1. Uninstall All HP Software and Drivers

Residual files from previous installations can cause the “Driver Unavailable” message.

• Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
• Uninstall HP Smart, HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e drivers, and any related HP software.
• Restart your computer.

 

2. Use HP Easy Start for a Clean Reinstallation

This tool ensures the correct driver and connection method are applied.

• Download HP Easy Start from the HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e software page.
• Run the installer and follow the prompts to reinstall the printer.
• Choose USB or Wi-Fi connection based on your setup.
• Allow the tool to install both the driver and HP Smart.

 

3. Verify Printer Status in Windows Settings

After installation:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners.
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e.
• Confirm that it shows “Driver Available” and “Ready”.

If it still shows “Driver Unavailable,” proceed to the next step.

 

4. Manually Install the Full Feature Driver

Sometimes Easy Start doesn’t apply the full driver package.

• Visit the HP 9018e driver download page.
• Download the Full Software Solution for Windows 11.
• Run the installer and follow all prompts.

 

5.  Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool (Windows)

• In the HP Smart app, click Printer Settings > Diagnose & Fix.
• Let it run a scan—it will automatically fix common connection issues.
  You can also access this tool on HP’s support page if needed.

You’ve already taken thoughtful steps, and I’m sorry this has turned into such a hassle. Let’s get your printer back to the reliable performance you expect. 

If you’d like help walking through any of these steps in real time, I’m here to assist.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye