HP Printer Setup [How To, Issues & Solutions]

This article will guide you on how to perform an HP printer setup across different devices. We will also provide solutions to several issues you might encounter during your HP printer setup.

Table of Contents

HP Printer Setup on Computer [Detailed Guide]

In this section, we will guide you on how to perform an HP printer setup on a computer.

How to Set up HP Printer on Windows

You can perform an HP printer setup for windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 computers by using the Windows built-in driver.

To learn how to set up an HP printer on Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 using the Windows built-in driver, follow the instructions below depending on your printer’s connection type.

How to set up your HP Network Printer on Windows

To set up your HP network printer on Windows, do the following steps:

Step 1: Search for “Change device installation settings”.

Step 2: Click on “Change device installation settings” from the search results to open the window.

Step 3: Select “Yes (recommended)” when you get the prompt: “Do you want to automatically download manufacturers’ apps and custom icons available for your devices?”

Step 4: Move your HP printer and your computer closer to your wireless router.

Step 5: Connect your HP printer and computer to the same wireless network.

Follow the instructions below that match your HP printer design and connection type to connect your HP printer and computer to the same wireless network:

i. Wireless connection for touchscreen control panel printers

  • Go to the control panel of your HP printer.
  • Open the menu for “Network”, “Wireless Settings”, or “Setup”.
  • Choose “Wireless Setup Wizard”.
  • Do the instructions on the control panel display to choose your wireless network name before entering the network password.

ii. Wireless connection non-touchscreen control panel printers

  • Press down the printer’s “Wireless” button for about 5 seconds. Alternatively, you can release the button once you see that the “Wireless” LED indicator has started to blink.
  • Within 2 minutes after doing the above, press down the router’s “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” (WPS) button until you see the initiation of the connection between both devices.

Once the connection is complete, the Wireless LED indicator will stop flashing.

iii. Wireless connection for HP Tango, ENVY 6400 and 6000, and Deskjet 6400 and 6000 printers

  • Press down the printer’s “Power” and “Wi-Fi” buttons at the same time for about 5 seconds until you see the printer’s blue bar flashing.
  • Within 2 minutes after doing the above, press down the router’s “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” (WPS) button until you see the initiation of the connection between both devices.

Once the connection is complete, the printer’s blue bar will stop flashing.

iv. Ethernet (Wired) Network Connection

  • Connect your Ethernet cord to the Ethernet port on your HP printer.
  • Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a port on your access point or wireless router.

When you do this, the green LED indicator on your printer point will be steady while the printer’s orange activity LED indicator will blink.

Step 6: On your Windows computer, search for “Add a printer or scanner”.

Step 7: Click on “Add a printer or scanner” from the search results.

Step 8: When the new window opens, click on “Add a printer or scanner”.

Step 9: Allow Windows to find available printers.

  • In the event that windows find your HP printer, click on it, before clicking on “Add device”. This final action will complete your HP printer driver installation process.
  • If Windows couldn’t find your HP printer, do the steps below.

Step 10: Click on “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.

Step 11: When the window for “Find a printer by other options” opens, click “Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname”, before clicking on “Next”.

Step 12: Click the drop-down menu for “Device type”, and choose “Autodetect”.

Step 13: Find the IP address of your HP printer.

Follow the instructions below that match your HP printer design to find your HP printer’s IP address.

i. HP touchscreen control panel printers

Go to your printer’s “Wireless Summary” screen to find your device’s IP address. Alternatively, you can check the network settings.

ii. HP touchscreen control panel Inkjet printers

Press your printer’s “Information” and “Wireless” buttons simultaneously. Alternatively, press your printer’s “Start Copy Black” and “Wireless” buttons simultaneously.

Any of the above actions will cause a report to be printed. In this report, you will find your HP printer’s IP address.

iii. HP LaserJet printers

Press down your printer’s “Wireless” button for about 10 seconds or until your printer’s “Ready” LED indicator begins to blink.

Alternatively, go to your printer’s “Wireless” menu and then choose “Wireless Network Test”. This action will cause a report to be printed. In this report, you will find your HP printer’s IP address.

iv. HP Tango, ENVY 6400 and 6000, and DeskJet 6400 and 6000 printers

Press down the printer’s “Information” button until you see all the lights on the control panel light up. After that, touch the “Resume” and “Information” buttons simultaneously. This action will cause a report to be printed. In this report, you will find your HP printer’s IP address.

v. HP Neverstop Laser and Laser NS printers

Press down the printer’s “Wireless” and “Resume” buttons for about 3 seconds. This action will cause a report to be printed. In this report, you will find your HP printer’s IP address.

How to set up your HP USB-connected Printer on Windows

To set up your HP USB-connected printer on Windows, do the following steps:

Step 1: Search for “Change device installation settings”.

Step 2: Click on “Change device installation settings” from the search results to open the window.

Step 3: Select “Yes (recommended)” when you get the prompt: “Do you want to automatically download manufacturers’ apps and custom icons available for your devices?”

Step 4: Ensure that a USB port on your Windows computer is available.

Note: Don’t use a USB docking station or hub to connect your HP printer to your computer as such devices may not supply adequate power to ensure proper operation.

Step 5: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 6: Connect one end of the USB cable to your printer’s USB port.

Step 7: Connect the other end of the USB cable to a free USB port on your computer.

Step 8: When this message is displayed: “Found new hardware” install your printer by following the on-screen prompts.

Step 9: Try to print.

  • If the document prints, then it means that your printer driver has been successfully installed.
  • If the document fails to print, then it means that the driver wasn’t installed successfully. Therefore, do the steps below.

Step 10: On your Windows computer, search for “Add a printer or scanner”.

Step 11: Click on “Add a printer or scanner” from the search results.

Step 12: When the new window opens, click on “Add a printer or scanner”.

Step 13: Allow Windows to find available printers.

  • In the event that windows find your HP printer, click on it, before clicking on “Add device”. This final action will complete your HP printer driver installation process.
  • If Windows couldn’t find your HP printer, do the steps below.

Step 14: Click on “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.

Step 15: When the window for “Find a printer by other options” opens, click “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings”, before clicking on “Next”.

Step 16: When the window for “Choose a printer port” opens, choose “Use an existing port”, and then click on the drop-down menu and choose “USB001: (Virtual printer port for USB)” before clicking on “Next”.

Step 17: Install your HP printer driver by following the on-screen instructions.

The instructions we shared so far will work for HP printer setup on a laptop provided the laptop runs on Windows OS.

How to Setup my HP Printer on Mac

For the HP printer setup on Mac, you can either use available drivers or AirPrint for the setup. Alternatively, you can use the HP Smart app that will guide you through the setup process.

Note: The HP Smart app can be used for HP printer setup on Windows 11 and other Windows versions.

How to confirm that your HP Printer isn’t Already Setup on Mac 

Before you begin your HP printer setup on Mac, confirm that your HP printer isn’t already set up on Mac by doing the following steps:

Step 1: Open the app you want to print from.

Step 2: Click on “File”.

Step 3: Click on “Print”.

Step 4: Click on the menu for “Printer”.

Step 5: Choose “Printers & Scanners Preferences” or “Nearby Printers”.

If your HP printer is listed, then it means that your HP printer has already been set up on your Mac.

If it isn’t listed, then it means the HP printer setup to Mac hasn’t been performed. Therefore, follow the steps in the next section to perform the HP printer setup with Mac.

How to Perform HP printer Setup for Mac

Follow the steps below to learn how to carry out HP printer setup on Mac:

Step 1: For printers using a USB connection or without AirPrint support, click on the “Apple” icon/menu, and click on “System Preferences”. After that, click on “Software Update”. This final action will either confirm whether the software is current or install the most current one.

Step 2: Connect your HP printer and your Mac to the same wireless network. Alternatively, connect both devices using a USB cable.

Follow the instructions below that match your HP printer design and connection type to connect your HP printer and Mac to the same wireless network and complete your HP printer setup on MacBook pro:

i. Wireless connection for touchscreen control panel printers

  • Go to your printer’s control panel
  • Open the menu for “Network”, “Wireless Settings”, or “Setup”.
  • Choose “Wireless Setup Wizard”.
  • Do the instructions on the control panel display to choose your wireless network name before entering the network password.

ii. Wireless connection non-touchscreen control panel printers

  • Press down the printer’s “Wireless” button for about 5 seconds. Alternatively, you can release the button once you see that the “Wireless” LED indicator has started to blink.
  • Within 2 minutes after doing the above, press down the router’s “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” (WPS) button until you see the initiation of the connection between both devices.

Once the connection is complete, the Wireless LED indicator will stop flashing.

iii. Wireless connection for HP Tango, ENVY 6400 and 6000, and Deskjet 6400 and 6000 printers

  • Press down the printer’s “Power” and “Wi-Fi” buttons at the same time for about 5 seconds until you see the printer’s blue bar flashing.
  • Within 2 minutes after doing the above, press down the router’s “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” (WPS) button until you see the initiation of the connection between both devices.

Once the connection is complete, the printer’s blue bar will stop flashing.

iv. Ethernet (Wired) Network Connection

  • Connect your Ethernet cord to the Ethernet port on your HP printer.
  • Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a port on your access point or wireless router.

When you do this, the green LED indicator on your printer point will be steady while the printer’s orange activity LED indicator will blink.

v. USB Connection

  • Connect one end of the USB cable to your printer’s USB port
  • Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on your Mac.
  • If you see a prompt, install the available software.

Step 3: Click on the “Apple” icon/menu, then click on “System Preferences”, before clicking on “Printers & Scanners”.

In the event that your HP printer isn’t on the list, click on the “Plus sign”. After that, do the on-screen instructions.

If your HP printer is in the list, click on it, and then click on “Add”. These actions will complete your HP printer setup for MacBook and HP printer setup in laptop provided the laptop runs on macOS.

What is HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software? [Answered]

HP easy start printer setup helps you to set up your HP printer, connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network, install your printer drivers, and if your printer has scanning features, it can also set up your printer’s scanning features. 

You can get the HP Easy Start on Google Play Store, Microsoft Store, and Apple App Store. Therefore, you can use this software for HP printer setup on Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS.

How to Fix HP Printer Setup Issues

To fix HP printer setup issues, we recommend that you run the HP Print and Scan Doctor app to fix such issues. To run HP Print and Scan Doctor, click this link: HP Printer Printing Blank Pages – How to Run HP Print and Scan Doctor, and follow the instructions provided.

Alternatively, you can chat with HP’s automated Virtual Agent to help your fix your HP printer setup problems.

How to Get HP Printer Setup Help

Visit https://support.hp.com/us-en/printer-setup if you require HP printer setup help or need an easy HP printer setup utility.

Go to https://123.hp.com/us/en/ for an HP printer setup online.

HP Printer Setup on HP Smart [Quick Guide]

In this section, we will guide you on how to perform HP printer Setup on the HP Smart app within minutes.

How to Set up HP Printer on HP Smart

To set up an HP printer on HP Smart, do the following:

1. Install HP Smart App

To install HP Smart App for Windows, Mac, Apple iPadOs or iOS, and Android, do these steps:

Step 1: Download the app.

  • For Windows, go to the Microsoft Store. If you get a prompt to sign in to enable you to use the HP Smart app across multiple devices, click on “No, thanks” or go ahead and sign in.
  • For Mac, go to the Mac Store.
  • For Apple iPadOS, iOS and Android, visit https://123.hp.com/.

Note: Ensure that you aren’t connected to a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection before or when downloading the app.

Step 2: If this is the first time you are using and setting up this app, you have to either sign in to your HP account or create a new one. This is necessary to ensure that you get access to all your printer’s functions.

2. Perform Your HP Printer Setup via HP Smart App

To perform your HP printer setup via the HP Smart app, do the steps below:

Note: HP+ printers might require additional steps such as HP account creation and HP+ choice selection to complete the printer setup.

Step 1: For a Wi-Fi connection setup, do the following to prepare your HP printer for the setup process:

i. Move your mobile device or computer and HP printer close to your wireless router.

ii. Turn on the Wi-Fi of your mobile device or computer, and then connect to the wireless network.

If your PC is using an Ethernet cord, you have to temporarily remove the cable from your printer and then connect via Wi-Fi during your HP printer setup.

iii. Enable the Bluetooth on your mobile device or computer to enable the HP Smart app to detect your HP printer.

iv. If you are using a Windows computer, ensure that the Windows Update feature is turned on to enable your device to stay up-to-date.

v. After the installation of the HP Smart for Android ad iOS, turn on your device’s location service. This will be used by the app to detect your HP printer and also provide other solutions and services during your HP printer setup.

Step 2: Open the HP Smart app

  • If the app is just being opened on your device for the first time, the HP Smart app will try to find and then set up your HP printer. Follow the setup guide on your screen to complete your HP printer setup.
  • If the app has been opened on your device before, click on “Add Printer”. Alternatively, you can click on the plus sign. Any of these actions will cause the app to locate your HP printer. Follow the setup guide on your screen to complete your HP printer setup.

Do the next steps if you can’t find your printer and your devices are connected via Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Restore your printer’s setup mode by following the instructions below that apply to your printer model.

Touchscreen Display Printers

i. Open the menu for “Setup” or “Wireless”.

ii. Choose “Settings” or “Network Setup”.

iii. Choose “Restore Network Settings”.

Non-touchscreen Display Printers

Click on this link: How to Restore HP Printer Setup Mode [Detailed Guide] and then find and follow the instructions that apply to your HP printer model.

Step 4: Within 2 hours, close and then re-open the HP Smart app to add your HP printer again.

Step 5: Follow the setup guide on your screen to complete your HP printer setup.

We recommend that you watch the video below.

HP Printer Setup on Linux Ubuntu [Quick Guide]

To perform the HP printer setup for Linux Ubuntu, you can visit this official HP website to learn how to download driver support for Linux operating system.

On the other hand, if you want to perform the HP printer setup in Linux Ubuntu using the OS repository, you will have to follow the instructions below.

How to Perform HP Printer Setup on Ubuntu via the Repository

To perform HP printer setup for Ubuntu, do the following steps:

Step 1: Run the apt command below:

sudo apt update

sudo apt update

Step 2: Find the HPLIP software

To find the HPLIP software, run the apt-get or apt-cache command below:

apt-cache search hplip

Step 3: Install the HPLIP on your Ubuntu Linux using the command below:

Sudo apt install hplip hplip-gui

Step 4: Configure your HP printer on your Ubuntu Linux

To do this, you have to run the hp-setup command. This command will set up the HPLIP printers as well as faxes found in the CUPS spooler. Do the command below:

hp-setup

For HP USB printers, do the following command:

hp-setup –b usb

After doing the above, set all the relevant information for your HP printer, and then click the button labeled “Add Printer”.

If you want to add a user to a group, enter the command below in the terminal session:

sudo usermod –aG lpadmin {your_Username_Here}

sudo usermode –aG lpadmin vivek

Once you’ve done that, reboot or login again.

HP Printer Setup to Ethernet [Quick Guide]

To set up your HP printer to Ethernet to enable a wired network, do the following:

1. Connect your HP Printer to the Ethernet Network

To connect your HP printer to the Ethernet network, do these steps:

Step 1: Ensure that your printer’s main tray is properly loaded with plain white paper.

Step 2: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 3: Remove any protective cover or plug from your printer’s Ethernet port.

This step is for printers that are yet to connect via the Ethernet port.

Step 4: Plug the Ethernet cord into your printer’s Ethernet port.

Step 5: Find an open port on your wireless router and plug in the other end of the Ethernet cable.

2. Connect your HP Printer to your PC, Smartphone, or Tablet

To connect your HP printer to your PC, smartphone, or tablet, do the following:

Step 1: Ensure that your computer, smartphone, or tablet is connected to your network. You should also confirm that the internet access signal is strong.

Step 2: Visit this website.

Step 3: Enter the model of your HP printer.

The most updated printer software that is compatible with your computer, smartphone, or table will be found automatically and then displayed.

Step 4: Download and then run the print driver. Alternatively, you can just download the HP Smart app from your App Store and then install it on your device.

Step 5: Follow the steps on the screen to complete your HP printer setup.

Step 6: Once your HP printer setup is complete, you can now print from your HP printer.

How to Setup my HP Printer to Scan

To learn how to perform the HP printer setup to scan, we recommend that you read this article: How Do I Get My HP Printer To Scan? [Solved]. In that linked article, we have provided a step-by-step guide on how to perform the HP printer setup for scanner.

HP printer How to Setup Scan to Email [Detailed Guide]

To learn how to set up scan to email on an HP printer, read this dedicated article we wrote on the issue: How Do I Setup My HP Printer to Scan to Email? [Solved].

HP Printer Setup but Not Printing [How to Fix]

If your HP printer is set up, but it is not printing, we recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Not Printing [Issues & Solutions]carefully. In that linked article, we discuss and provide solutions to a wide range of HP printer not printing issues that you might encounter.

HP Printer Setup Asking For Password [How to Fix]

If the setup process requires an HP printer setup custom password, then we recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Password [How To, Problems & Solutions]carefully. In that linked article, we provide you with all the information you need to know regarding your HP printer setup password.

How to Setup My HP Printer to Fax [Quick Guide]

To perform an HP printer setup for fax, do the following steps:

Step 1: Purchase a telephone cable that is compatible with your HP printer.

Note: Confirm that the cable has 2 wire leads instead of 4. Cords with 4 wire leads are Ethernet cords.

Step 2: Plug the telephone cable into the wall jack.

Step 3: Plug the other end of the telephone cable into your printer’s 1-LINE jack.

Step 4: If you own an answering machine, plug the phone cable into the answering machine and then plug the other end into your printer’s 2-EXT jack.

This connection will enable the answering machine to answer and record voice calls.

Step 5: After doing the above steps, the next thing is to set up the preferences and settings.

You can make these changes via the fax setup tools in the HP software. Alternatively, you can go to your printer’s “Setup” or “Fax” (depending on your printer model) menu via the control panel to make these changes:

i. Fax Header: This is the header text you want recipients of your faxes to see. This text, in most cases, has the sender’s name, complete fax number, and business name. Locate the field for “Fax Header” and type in your preferred text.

ii. Auto answer/Answer mode: When you turn on this feature, the fax machine picks up phone calls after ringing a specified number of times. It also enables the fax machine to accept your faxes automatically. If you do not turn on this feature, you will have to accept your faxes manually via the control panel of your HP printer.

iii. Rings to answer: This refers to the number of times the phone has to ring before your printer answers a call. You have to indicate this number for your printer to perform this function.

  • If your telephone line is used for voice calls: We recommend that you choose an option that allows you to pick up your call before your HP printer.
  • If your telephone line is used with your answering machine: We recommend that you choose an option that is two times more than that stated number to enable your answering machine to answer the call before your HP printer.

iv. Ring type: Select the “All Rings” option if you have a line that is for fax alone or you can choose the “Distinctive Ring” option if your fax line has a distinctive ring pattern.

v. Dial Type: Ensure that you select an option that corresponds to the analog phone service type you have. Therefore, if your analog phone service type is “pulse”, you must select the pulse option. In the same vein, if your analog phone service type is tone, you must select the tone option. If you fail to do this, your HP printer will be unable to detect the rings thereby preventing it from answering incoming calls.

Although the standard in the industry is the tone dial; however, individuals who own a rotary telephone might be using pulse dialing. Therefore, if you don’t know your telephone’s dial type, you should contact your service provider to find out.

vi. Fax Volume: Choose a volume that will enable you to hear the sounds such as the busy signals and dial tones made during a fax call. If you prefer silence while faxing, choose “Off”.

Step 6: Test the fax to confirm that it is properly set up.

i. Perform a fax text via the control panel of your HP printer

  • Go to the printer’s control panel.
  • Go to the “Setup” or “Fax” menu depending on the model of your HP printer.
  • Navigate to and select “Fax Test Report” or “Run Fax Test” depending on the model of your HP printer.

Once you do this, your HP printer will print out a report showing the results of the test as well as instructions to guide you on how to fix any issues (if there are any).

ii. Send a fax test

To send a fax test, simply send a fax to this number: 1-888-HPFaxme (1-888-473-2963 U.S.). This free service will receive your fax and also send reply fax within five to seven minutes.

HP Printer Setup Incomplete Because of a Metered Connection [Quick Fix]

If your HP printer setup is incomplete because of a metered connection, use any of the methods below to fix the problem:

1. Change the Metered Connection Setting

This setting change involves turning on the option that allows you to still download while using a metered connection. We’ll show you how to change this setting with the simple steps below.

How to Change the Metered Connection Setting

To change the metered connection setting, do these steps:

Step 1: Press “Windows” and the “I” keys on your keyboard at the same time.

This action will open your computer’s settings window.

Step 2: Click on “Devices”.

Step 3: Click on “Bluetooth & Other devices”.

This option is found on the left pane.

Step 4: Check the “Download over metered connections” option.

If the issue occurs again after some time, then it could be due to a Windows Update that returned the setting to its default. In such a case, you can run through the steps above to fix the issue.

2. Temporarily Disable the Metered Connection

The reason you get the error message is that your computer setting has the metered connection turned on for your network device. This setting manages data usage and keeps it at low usage.

Therefore, if you keep getting the error message telling you that the HP printer setup is incomplete because of a metered connection, you can temporarily disable the metered connection and then complete the setup. Once you are done, you can enable the metered connection to manage your data usage.

How to Temporarily Disable the Metered Connection

To temporarily disable the metered connection, do these steps:

Step 1: Press “Windows” and the “I” keys on your keyboard at the same time.

This action will open your computer’s settings window.

Step 2: Click on “Network & Internet”.

Step 3: Click on “Change connection properties”.

Step 4: Click on the toggle switch beneath the “Set as metered connection” option.

Once you have completed your HP printer setup, repeat steps 1 to 4 above.

HP Printer Setup on Network Folder [Quick Guide]

To learn how to perform an HP printer setup on a network folder, we recommend that you read this article: How to Setup HP Printer to Scan to Network Folder.

HP Printer Setup Stuck On Sending Network Information [How to Fix]

If your HP printer setup is stuck on getting information, follow the troubleshooting steps below to fix the problem:

1. Stop your HP Printer Setup Installation

To stop your HP printer setup installation, do these steps:

Step 1: Run a search on your Windows computer for “Task Manager”.

Step 2: From the search results, click on “Task Manager”.

If you don’t see tabs being displayed at the top of your computer’s screen, click on “More details”.

Step 3: Click on the tab labeled “Processes”.

Step 4: Choose the HP installer program.

Step 5: Click on “End Task”.

This action will close the installer window.

Note: The installer might not close immediately; therefore, you might have to wait a bit. If another box pops up, click on “End Now”.

Step 6: Close the window for “Windows Task Manager”.

Do the next main step.

2. Uninstall your HP Printer Software 

To uninstall your HP printer software, do these steps:

Step 1: Unplug the USB cable that connects your HP printer to your computer if present.

Step 2: Search for “Apps and features” or “Programs and features” on your Windows computer.

Step 3: From the search results, click on “Apps and features” or “Programs and features”.

Step 4: Click on the name of your HP printer from the installed programs list.

Step 5: Click on “Uninstall”.

Step 6: If you see this message: “User Account Control”, click on “Yes”.

Step 7: Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the uninstallation.

If the uninstallation is unsuccessful, download and run this troubleshooter. After running that troubleshooter, try to uninstall the software again.

Step 8: Restart your computer after the uninstallation is complete.

Do the next main step.

3. Install your HP Printer Latest Software

To install your HP printer’s latest software, do these steps:

Step 1: Visit http://123.hp.com/

Step 2: When you get a prompt, type the model of your HP printer.

Step 3: From the search results, choose your HP printer.

Step 4: Click on “Download”.

This action will download and then run the HP Easy Start tool.

Step 5: Follow the instructions on the screen to complete your HP printer setup and software installation.

If your HP printer setup is still stuck on sending information, do the next main step.

4. Reset your Computer’s Winsock Settings

To reset your computer’s Winsock settings, do these steps:

Step 1: Search for “Command prompt” on your Windows computer.

Step 2: From the search results, right-click on “Command Prompt”.

Step 3: Click on “Run as administrator”.

Step 4: When the Command Prompt window opens, type this: “Winsock reset”.

Step 5: Press the “Enter” key on your keyboard.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

Step 7: Install your HP printer software using the steps we shared in the “Install your HP Printer Latest Software” main step above.

If your HP printer setup is still stuck on sending information, do the next main step.

5. Get Further Support

If the problem persists after doing the above, you should contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

HP Printer Setup Taking Long Time [Quick Fix]

If your HP printer setup is taking a long time to complete, do the following to fix the problem:

Step 1: Go to your HP printer’s “Service” menu.

Step 2: Locate the Smart Install option.

Step 3: Turn off the Smart Install option.

Step 4: Disconnect your HP printer from the PC.

Step 5: Go to the official HP Software and Drivers Download page, and install the basic driver for your HP printer.

Step 6: Connect your printer and computer via USB cable.

How to Fix HP Printer Setup Unexpected Error [Quick Guide]

This problem occurs when one uses the HP Easy Start for HP printer setup on a Windows computer and sees this message: “There was an unexpected error and we cannot complete printer setup now”.

Therefore, to fix this error follow the steps below:

Step 1: Close the window for Easy Start by clicking “Exit Setup”.

Step 2: Download the HP Smart app.

  • For Windows (except Windows 7): Using your computer, go to the Microsoft Store to get the app.
  • For Windows 7: Using an iOS or Android device, visit https://123.hp.com/ to get the app.

Note: Ensure that you are not connected to VPN (Virtual Private Network) while downloading the app.

Step 3: After downloading the app, open it.

Step 4: Create an HP Smart account if you don’t have one or sign in if you already have an account.

This account allows you to have access to all the functions of your HP printer.

Step 5: Check the home screen and click on the plus icon or “Add Printer”. Allow the HP Smart app to detect your HP printer.

  • For Windows (Except Windows 7): If the HP Smart app detects your printer, choose your HP printer and then do the prompts on the screen to complete your HP printer setup. You can now use your printer.
  • For Windows 7: If the HP Smart app detects your printer, choose your HP printer and then go to your android or iOS device to complete your HP printer setup. After doing that, go back to your computer and re-open the HP Easy Start to complete your HP printer setup on Windows.
  • All Windows: If the HP Smart app doesn’t detect your printer, continue with the steps that follow.

Step 6: Restore your printer’s Wi-Fi setup mode.

We recommend that you read this article: How to Restore HP Printer Setup Mode [Detailed Guide] to learn how to restore your HP printer’s Wi-Fi setup mode.

Step 7: Perform your HP printer setup on the HP Smart app within two hours of restoring the Wi-Fi setup mode.

Step 8: If your computer runs on Windows 7, open HP Easy Start again, and then perform the HP printer setup on your computer.

You should be able to use your HP printer now.

HP Printer Setup WiFi Direct [Quick Guide]

To set up your HP printer to Wi-Fi Direct, we recommend that you read this article: How to Connect to HP Printer WiFi Direct [Quick Guide]and follow the instructions that apply to the device you want to set up your HP printer Wi-Fi direct on.

HP Printer Setup Checking Your Software Needs [How to Fix]

Do the following solutions if your HP printer displays this error message: “Checking your software needs” when you run HP Easy Start on your computer to set up your HP printer:

1. Confirm that your Printer Model Supports HP Easy Start

Since this issue occurs when using HP Easy Start, you need to find out if your HP printer supports this software. In most cases, older printers released before the launching of the HP Easy Start software are not supported.

2. Download the Easy Start Utility

Another way to fix the problem is to download the Easy Start Utility instead of the Full Software pack. So, instead of downloading the latter from the software download page, get the Easy Start Utility.

3. Reset your Winsock Settings

To reset your Winsock settings, do the following steps:

Step 1: Go to your Windows search.

Step 2: Type “Command prompt” in the search field.

Step 3: Press the “Enter” key on your keyboard”.

Step 4: From search results, right-click on “Command Prompt”.

Step 5: Click on “Run as administrator”.

Step 6: Type this: “netsh winsock reset” when the Command Prompt window opens.

Step 7: Press the “Enter” key on your keyboard.

Step 8: Restart your computer.

Step 9: Check your desktop and click on the icon of your HP printer.

Step 10: Follow the on-screen steps to complete your HP printer setup.

HP Printer Setup Connection to the Internet Was Not Found [Quick Fix]

Do these to fix the problem if you find this message “internet was not found” during your HP printer setup:

i. Ensure that your wireless router is turned on.

ii. Make sure that your wireless router has an active internet connection.

In case it doesn’t have an active internet connection, we recommend that you consult your service provider for assistance.

iii. Confirm the connection between your wireless router and your HP printer:

  • For Wi-Fi connection: Check and confirm that the printer’s wireless LED indicator is solid and not blinking. If it is blinking, you should turn off your HP printer and then restart your router. After doing that, turn on your HP printer. Now check if the LED indicator is solid.
  • For Ethernet connection: If the LED indicator beside the Ethernet port is not on, unplug the Ethernet cable from your router and printer before plugging it back in. After that, turn off your router and HP printer and then turn them on in the event that the LED indicator is off.

iv. If none of the above fixes the issue, you should go to https://www.hp.com/support/instantinkcontact for further assistance and support.

HP Printer Device Setup in Progress [Quick Fix]

If your HP printer is stuck in “device setup in progress”, do the following steps to fix this issue:

Step 1: Press the “Windows” and “R” keys on your keyboard.

This action will open the Run app.

Step 2: Type this: “regedit”.

Step 3: Select “OK”.

Step 4: Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Device Metadata”

Step 5: Change the “PreventDeviceMetadatafromNetwork” value to 1 instead of 0.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

HP Printer Setup Driver is Unavailable [Solved]

If your HP printer setup driver is unavailable, do the following solutions in the given order to resolve the problem:

1. Install your Windows Updates

An outdated Windows system might be the reason your HP printer setup driver is unavailable. Therefore, to fix this problem, you need to install all your Windows updates.

How to Install Windows Updates

To install Windows updates, do the following steps:

Step 1: Press the “Windows” and “I” keys on your keyboard.

This action will open your computer’s settings menu.

Step 2: Click on “Update & Security”.

Step 3: Click on “Check for updates”.

Your computer will check for and download any available updates. This process might take a while, so you need to be patient. Once the process is complete, reboot your Windows computer.

After doing the above, check if the problem is resolved; if it is not, do the next solution.

2. Reinstall your HP Printer Driver

To reinstall your HP printer driver, click this link: HP Printer is Not Responding – How to Reinstall HP Printer Driver, and then follow the instructions provided.

HP Printer Setup Stuck On Install Ink [Quick Fix]

If your HP printer setup is stuck on the install ink message, do the following solutions:

i. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor.

ii. Reinstall the full feature driver of your HP printer.

iii. Contact HP Customer Support.

HP Printer Setup Self Managed vs IT Managed [Meaning]

The self managed or IT managed options might pop up during your HP printer setup. We recommend that you keep reading to learn the difference and know which option is best for you.

Self Managed

This option is most suitable for personal printers that will be used by an individual or in a home. Furthermore, if you choose this option, your HP printer updates will be downloaded automatically.

IT Managed

This option is best for a business setup where the printer will be shared with multiple users and might use a server operating system. If you select this option, your HP printer updates will not be downloaded automatically. That means the admin has to initiate the update process manually.

Other HP Printer Setup Issues

We couldn’t cover all the HP printer setup issues that users encounter in this article. Therefore, we have created individual articles for some of these common issues and provided the links to these articles below:

HP Printer Setup to Wi-Fi [Quick Guide]

HP Printer Setup on Chromebook [Detailed Guide]

HP Printer Setup on Mobile [Detailed Guide]

HP Printer Setup Incomplete [How to Fix] 

HP Printer Setup Cannot Find Printer [How to Fix]

HP Printer Setup with Bluetooth [Quick Guide]

HP Printer Setup Ink Cartridges [Detailed Guide]

HP Printer Setup Failed To Complete [How to Fix]

HP Printer Setup Blocked By Administrator [Quick Fix]

HP Printer Setup Instant Ink [Detailed Guide]

The article above covers HP printer setup issues for (but not exclusive to) the following HP printer models:

HP m1005, HP 1020, HP 107w, HP 2700, HP 2135, HP 2336, HP 2600, HP 2722, HP 2710, HP 3755, HP 3830, HP 3630, HP 316, HP 3752, HP 4100, HP 4155, HP 5820, HP 6055, HP 9015, HP 9015e, HP Officejet 3830, and HP Envy 6000.