Many users have encountered problems with Hp Print Drivers after upgrading to macOS Big Sur. This article explores common issues and provides potential workarounds and solutions discussed by users facing these challenges. If your HP printer stopped working after updating to Big Sur, you’re not alone. Let’s delve into the problems and how you might get your printer working again.
Common issues reported include the inability to install HP drivers, error messages stating “This volume does not meet the requirements for this update,” and warnings about HP software potentially damaging your computer. These problems often surface immediately after upgrading to Big Sur, even if the printer was functioning correctly on previous macOS versions.
One user, Scottsteg, described the frustrating experience of downloading the HP drivers package from Apple’s support site, only to be met with the “volume does not meet the requirements” error during installation.
Error message "This volume does not meet the requirements for this update." when installing HP drivers on macOS Big Sur
Similarly, Verdi1987 echoed this problem, noting that even after uninstalling previous drivers and attempting to install the HP Drivers 5.1 pkg file, the same error persisted. Attempts to use older driver packages resulted in incompatibility messages, leaving users stuck without printing capabilities.
Leroydouglas pointed out that an expired HP security certificate was a known issue around the time Big Sur was released, referencing an official Apple support article addressing warnings about HP software. This certificate issue could be a contributing factor to the driver problems users were experiencing.
Grant Bennet-Alder suggested checking if the correct destination drive was selected during installation and ensuring sufficient free disk space. However, users like Scottsteg confirmed that these basic checks were not resolving the issue, indicating a deeper incompatibility problem with Big Sur and hp print drivers.
Potential Workarounds and Solutions
While a definitive fix for all hp print drivers issues on Big Sur wasn’t universally found in the discussion, several workarounds and troubleshooting steps were suggested:
1. Resetting the Printing System:
As suggested by LostAccount, resetting the Mac printing system can sometimes resolve driver conflicts. Apple provides a guide on how to do this, which involves removing printers, resetting the printing system, and then re-adding the printer. This process can clear out old configurations and potentially allow for a fresh driver installation.
2. Checking for and Removing Jobs in the Printer Queue:
Leroydouglas advised removing any jobs in the printer queue and deleting the printer from the Printers & Scanners list before re-adding it. This is a standard troubleshooting step for printer issues and can sometimes clear up software glitches.
3. Downloading Drivers Directly from HP (Specific Package):
Jouner shared a link to a specific HP driver package allegedly released on November 20, 2020, aimed at addressing Big Sur compatibility. This package, “HewlettPackardPrinterDrivers.pkg,” was suggested as a direct download from HP’s FTP server. Jouner reported success installing drivers for an older Photosmart printer using this package.
4. Printer Sharing Workaround:
LostAccount described a more involved workaround using printer sharing. This method utilizes an older Mac (running High Sierra in their case) with working HP drivers as a print server. By connecting the printer to the older Mac and sharing it on the network, the Big Sur machine could access the printer’s features through the shared connection.
Printer Sharing settings on macOS High Sierra
Adding a shared printer on macOS Big Sur
This workaround allows the Big Sur Mac to bypass direct driver installation and leverage the drivers installed on the older, compatible system. While not ideal for everyone, especially those without a second Mac, it proved to be a functional solution for LostAccount, who used a Mac mini already running 24/7.
Accessing printer features through printer sharing
Understanding the Root Cause
The underlying reasons for these hp print drivers issues on Big Sur appear to be related to changes in macOS security and driver compatibility. As LostAccount speculated, Apple likely tightened security measures in Big Sur, potentially impacting older drivers or installation processes. The expired HP security certificate mentioned by Leroydouglas further complicated matters, raising security warnings and potentially blocking driver installations.
Conclusion
Resolving hp print drivers problems on macOS Big Sur can be challenging, as evidenced by the user discussions. While some standard troubleshooting steps like resetting the printing system and checking connections are worth trying, they may not always be sufficient. The printer sharing workaround offers a more complex but potentially effective solution for those with access to an older Mac. Downloading specific driver packages directly from HP’s support channels, if available, is another avenue to explore.
Ultimately, the best long-term solution likely involves HP releasing updated and fully compatible hp print drivers for macOS Big Sur. Users encountering these issues should check HP’s official support website for the latest drivers and information related to Big Sur compatibility. Additionally, keeping macOS updated may include fixes or improvements related to printer driver handling.
