older Dell printer

[cowmind]

I recently got a HP Elitebook Windows 11, but I can't get it to work with my older printer Dell E525w.  It installs but throws an error with no explanation when trying to print.  It looks the available drivers are only for Windows 10 and earlier.  I contacted Dell and they can't help and say to contact HP.  Any ideas?  Or do I need a new printer?

[TejaswiniM]

Hi @cowmind , Welcome to HP Support Community!

You likely do not need a new printer immediately, as there are several steps to try. Dell's official guidance suggests that Windows 10 drivers can sometimes work with Windows 11, or that Windows Update may provide a compatible generic driver.

Here are the ideas to resolve the issue:
1. Reinstall the Driver with Windows 10 Compatibility
The current driver installation may be corrupted or partially incompatible. A clean reinstallation using compatibility mode might work.
Uninstall the current printer software:
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Select the Dell E525w and click Remove device.
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Add or remove programs in older settings) and uninstall any Dell E525w software listed there.
Restart your HP Elitebook.
Download the Windows 10 driver:
Go to the official Dell Support website for the E525w printer.
Download the latest Windows 10 (64-bit) driver and software suite (the full package, if available). Save the file to your computer.
Install in Compatibility Mode:
Right-click the downloaded driver installation file (.exe).
Select Properties, then the Compatibility tab.
Check the box for "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows 10 from the dropdown menu.
Click Apply and OK.
Double-click the file to run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Run it as an administrator if possible (right-click and select "Run as administrator").

2. Use a Built-in Windows Driver (Generic PCL Driver)
Windows 11 may have a generic PCL (Printer Command Language) driver that offers basic functionality if the proprietary Dell driver fails.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device.
If the printer is not automatically found, select Add manually or The printer that I want isn't listed.
Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
Select the correct port (e.g., USB001 for a USB connection, or enter the printer's IP address for a network connection).
In the driver installation window, click the Windows Update button and wait a few minutes for the list of available drivers to refresh.
Select Dell under Manufacturer, and then look for a compatible generic PCL driver for your model or a similar one (e.g., a generic E525w PCL driver if listed).

3. Clear and Reset the Print Spooler
A corrupt print spooler can cause print jobs to fail without explanation.
In the Windows search box, type services and open the Services desktop app.
Scroll down and double-click Print Spooler.
Click Stop, then click OK.
Open File Explorer and navigate to %WINDIR%\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
Delete all files in this folder (you might need administrator permission).
Go back to the Services window, double-click Print Spooler, and click Start.
Set the Startup type to Automatic and click OK.

4. Check Windows Update
Ensure your Windows 11 operating system is fully up to date, as Microsoft occasionally releases driver updates through this channel.
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.