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Using older HP printers/scanners/faxes

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byDaan Berg
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Hewlett-Packard does not always make it easy to use all features of their older devices. Drivers stop being updated, or they are dropped in favor of slimmed-down generic drivers. This article explains how to use older HP printers with modern operating systems.

Windows

There isn’t much to advise for Windows, as it has historically relied on manufacturer driver support.

If Windows’ driver offerings do not offer the abilities that you’re used to from your printer, the best way to go is to check HP’s website for available drivers. Even if they are only available for an older Windows version, it’s worth trying to install them.

macOS

Apple has a Printer Software Update available (mirror) which contains a large repository of legacy HP drivers. This update is available for versions of macOS up to and including 10.14.

Remove the desired printer from your Mac’s settings, then install Apple’s Printer Software Update. After the update completes, go back into your settings and either plug the printer back in if it was connected by USB, or connect to the printer by entering its IP address and choosing for HP JetDirect as the protocol to use. This last option tells macOS to not attempt AirPrint to connect to the printer, which uses a generic driver instead of HP’s drivers.

Linux

These instructions apply to Ubuntu and derivatives which share the same basic repositories, like Kubuntu/Xubuntu and Linux Mint.

Time needed: 10 minutes

  1. Remove your printer from your computer’s settings

  2. Open the Terminal

  3. Update your package list

    sudo apt update

  4. Install HPLIP, the accompanying desktop app, and SANE for scanning

    sudo apt install hplip hplip-gui sane sane-utils xsane

  5. Find the HP app in your computer’s application menu

    You can also run hplip-gui from the Terminal to launch the app.

  6. Follow the steps to install your printer(s) through the app

    If it asks to install extra add-ons, let the app download and install them from HP. The OS might complain that the app (or Python) is freezing, but just let it run its course.

  7. Test the printing features from a program outside the HP app

  8. Test the scanning features, if your printer has a scanner

    Try the scanning app that came with your OS first, if it has any. It might not work, but it’s probably prettier than XSane. However: you may try XSane if the normal scanning app doesn’t work, and you will likely find that it works well.

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