How to Fix HP Printer Software Not Installing

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you troubleshoot issues while installing your HP printer software.

2. Determine Best Connection Method

There are two basic methods used for wireless printer connection setup:

  • Wireless Setup Wizard - You will need access to the printer's display screen.
  • USB Setup - Requires a PC or Mac and printer software.

3. Power Cycle Home Network

  1. Remove the power cable from both your modem and router.
Modem and router power cycle procedure.
  1. Verify all lights are off on the modem and router.
  2. After 30 seconds, plug in your modem and then your router.
  3. It may take a few minutes for the internet to reconnect.

4. Power Cycle Printer

  1. Hold the power button down on the printer until it powers off.
  2. Leave the printer powered off for 10 seconds.
  3. Hold the power button down on the printer to turn the printer on.

5. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.

6. Check Connection Status

Most printers will have a solid blue light when connected to Wi-Fi. You can also check the display on supported printers to confirm you're connected.

7. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

8. Print and Scan Doctor

  1. Download Print and scan doctor by typing this into your computer's web browser: http://ftp.hp.com/pub/printers/hppsdr/HPPSdr.exe
  2. Open the file downloaded.
    Edge / Internet ExplorerClick on Run to start the installer.
Installer Run prompt. Screenshot.
  1. Google ChromeClick the file downloaded in the bottom left corner.
Google Chrome downloaded file.
  1. Mozilla FirefoxClick Save File, click the Download Arrow and click the file you downloaded.
Download prompt with Save File button highlighted. Screenshot.


Mozilla Firefox downloads list.
  1. Safari (Apple)Click the Download Arrow and select the file to open.
Safari file download screen.
  1.  
  2. Click Start on the Welcome Screen.
  3. If your printer is not listed, click My product is not listed and click Retry.
  4. Select your printer and then click Next.
HP installer with list of printers. Screenshot.


  1. If there is a connection issue, the software will ask you to select the connection method.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

9. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

10. Disable Firewall

Your firewall may be preventing your computer from communicating with your printer. If you use any 3rd party Antivirus software, they usually come installed with some form of firewall. If you're unsure how to disable the firewall for your Antivirus, please contact them for assistance.

How to disable windows built-in firewall:

  1. Click the Start button.
Start menu.

  1. By default, it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
  2. In the search field type Firewall.
  3. Select Windows Defender Firewall.
Start menu with Windows Defender Firewall selected. Screenshot.


  1. If your shields are green then your Firewall is on.
Firewall settings with Firewall on. Screenshot.


  1. If the Firewall is not on, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
Firewall Settings with Turn Windows Defender On or Off selected. Screenshot.


  1. Click Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall for both Private and Public networks.
On Off control for Windows Firewall. Screenshot.


11. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

12. Uninstall Drivers

  1. Click Start then Settings.
Start menu with Settings selected. Screenshot.
  1. Next, Select Apps.
Windows Settings with Apps option selected. Screenshot.
  1. Scroll down and click on the program with your printer name listed.
Apps list with Printer app selected. Screenshot.
  1. Click on Uninstall.
Uninstall button on Printer app. Screenshot.
  1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.

13. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.

14. Download Latest Drivers

  1. Latest drivers for your HP Printer can be found by opening your web browser and navigating to this address: "https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers".
  2. Type the model of your printer in the search.
Search box on HP.com. Screenshot.


  1. Once you have selected your printer, Click Software and Drivers, and then click Go.
Software and drivers menu with Go selected. Screenshot.


  1. Click Download to the right of your printer name.
Download button. Screenshot.

15. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

16. What's next?

17. Connect your HP Printer to Wi-Fi

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

18. Power Cycle Printer

  1. Hold the power button down on the printer until it powers off.
  2. Leave the printer powered off for 10 seconds.
  3. Hold the power button down on the printer to turn the printer on.

19. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.

20. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

21. Print and Scan Doctor

  1. Download Print and scan doctor by typing this into your computer's web browser: http://ftp.hp.com/pub/printers/hppsdr/HPPSdr.exe
  2. Open the file downloaded.
    Edge / Internet ExplorerClick on Run to start the installer.
Installer Run prompt. Screenshot.
  1. Google ChromeClick the file downloaded in the bottom left corner.
Google Chrome downloaded file.
  1. Mozilla FirefoxClick Save File, click the Download Arrow and click the file you downloaded.
Download prompt with Save File button highlighted. Screenshot.


Mozilla Firefox downloads list.
  1. Safari (Apple)Click the Download Arrow and select the file to open.
Safari file download screen.
  1.  
  2. Click Start on the Welcome Screen.
  3. If your printer is not listed, click My product is not listed and click Retry.
  4. Select your printer and then click Next.
HP installer with list of printers. Screenshot.


  1. If there is a connection issue, the software will ask you to select the connection method.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

22. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

23. Uninstall Drivers

  1. Click Start then Settings.
Start menu with Settings selected. Screenshot.
  1. Next, Select Apps.
Windows Settings with Apps option selected. Screenshot.
  1. Scroll down and click on the program with your printer name listed.
Apps list with Printer app selected. Screenshot.
  1. Click on Uninstall.
Uninstall button on Printer app. Screenshot.
  1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.

24. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.

25. Download Latest Drivers

  1. Latest drivers for your HP Printer can be found by opening your web browser and navigating to this address: "https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers".
  2. Type the model of your printer in the search.
Search box on HP.com. Screenshot.


  1. Once you have selected your printer, Click Software and Drivers, and then click Go.
Software and drivers menu with Go selected. Screenshot.


  1. Click Download to the right of your printer name.
Download button. Screenshot.

26. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

27. What's next?

28. Power Cycle Home Network

  1. Remove the power cable from both your modem and router.
Modem and router power cycle procedure.
  1. Verify all lights are off on the modem and router.
  2. After 30 seconds, plug in your modem and then your router.
  3. It may take a few minutes for the internet to reconnect.

29. Power Cycle Printer

  1. Hold the power button down on the printer until it powers off.
  2. Leave the printer powered off for 10 seconds.
  3. Hold the power button down on the printer to turn the printer on.

30. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.

31. Check Connection Status

Most printers will have a solid blue light when connected to Wi-Fi. You can also check the display on supported printers to confirm you're connected.

32. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

33. Uninstall Drivers

  1. Click Start then Settings.
Start menu with Settings selected. Screenshot.
  1. Next, Select Apps.
Windows Settings with Apps option selected. Screenshot.
  1. Scroll down and click on the program with your printer name listed.
Apps list with Printer app selected. Screenshot.
  1. Click on Uninstall.
Uninstall button on Printer app. Screenshot.
  1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.

34. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.

35. Download Latest Drivers

  1. Latest drivers for your HP Printer can be found by opening your web browser and navigating to this address: "https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers".
  2. Type the model of your printer in the search.
Search box on HP.com. Screenshot.


  1. Once you have selected your printer, Click Software and Drivers, and then click Go.
Software and drivers menu with Go selected. Screenshot.


  1. Click Download to the right of your printer name.
Download button. Screenshot.

36. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

37. MS Fix It

  1. Open a web browser and navigate to the following link to download the MS Fixit Tool.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17588/fix-problems-that-block-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed
    .

  2. Run the file you just downloaded.
  3. Click Next.
Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter with Next button selected. Screenshot.

  1.  
  2. Click on Installing.
Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter with Installing selected. Screenshot.

  1.  
  2. Look for your printer driver and select it, then hit Next.
List of installed software with printer driver selected. Screenshot.

  1.  
  2. Click Yes, try uninstall when prompted.
Uninstall button selected. Screenshot.

  1.  
  2. When finished click Close to exit the Troubleshooter.
Troubleshooting complete page with Close button selected. Screenshot.

38. Attempt Software Install

Attempt to run the installer for your printer.

39. What's next?

40. Connect your HP Printer to Wi-Fi

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.